Sansa's fingers twisted against the soft fur of the lining of Daisy's cloak they were sitting on. It was so incredibly stupid. "You don't have to apologize to me. Or explain. I've known you would leave since I first met you. You never lied about it. It is hardly your fault I'm finding it…difficult to face that inevitability."
"Fuck, it's shit." Daisy ran a hand through her hair. "You're not the only one who…" She grimaced, shoulders pulling in leaving her looking…truly small for perhaps the first time since Sansa had met her. "Look, I don't know how long it'll take Fitz to build the stupid portal. Fitz doesn't know how long it's going to take to build the portal. It could be months, a year, a few years! I don't know."
She could so easily let that be the end of it, accept the nebulous future lie unquestioned. But it wouldn't be fair to either of them. "But be that as it may, the day will come when he finishes it. And when that day comes you will return to your world."
Daisy's shoulders slumped. "It's my home."
"I know." Sansa reached out taking her hand, threading their fingers together.
It perhaps should have been comforting to know she was not alone in feeling pain at the thoughts of their inevitable parting. But it was not.
Daisy brought her knees up to her chest, curling as if it could protect her from the truth. "It sucks. You have your family, your kingdom, this is your home. I'd ask you to come with me but that wouldn't be fair would it?"
"No, it would be as unfair as if I asked you to stay." Sansa's heart clenched. She could see the future Daisy wished to offer her, and she could see the one she wished to offer Daisy in turn. "It's a nice dream even if it can never be."
Daisy squeezed her hand. "It is, isn't it? You'd take over SHIELD in two years tops with your dark bureaucratic powers. Gotta say, you giving orders? Very hot. So win-win there."
She laughed softly. "I'm sure we'd be very happy."
"The happiest." Daisy agreed before falling quiet. "I was alone when SHIELD found me, or I guess I dropped myself in front of them." Her lips twitched. "They're my family. They gave me…everything. I miss them so badly it aches sometimes and they need me! God only knows what mess they're involved in and I can't leave them to face it alone. I can't."
Sansa leaned against Daisy's side. "My kingdom needs me, my family. I spent so long wanting nothing but to have some sliver of them back. Just being parted from Jon, knowing he is safe, is terrible enough. To walk away from that… I could never leave while they live. And I wouldn't truly be living if I lost them."
"I know." Daisy turned, pressing her forehead against Sansa's. Her breath was shaky as she breathed out. "I wasn't expecting you."
Sansa couldn't help the bubble of laughter. "You came out of a tree. I was hardly expecting you either."
"I've never…fuck." Daisy pulled back, brushing her hair behind one ear. "I've never had this, like this, with anyone. Not for this long. Like this."
Sansa swallowed back the pang that sent through her. "Daisy-"
"No, please let me finish." Daisy held her gaze, her hand squeezing Sansa's. "I love you. And I don't care how long or how short of a time I have in your world. I want to spend it with you."
Sansa made a choked sound and lunged forward, hugging Daisy to her as tightly as she could, her eyes clenching closed as she wished they'd never be parted. She pressed the feel of Daisy against her to her memory. The warm solid presence of her, her stupid windswept scent, the floral notes from Highgarden gone, leaving only the smell of clean soap behind. She knew her voice shook faintly, but that didn't matter, just the genuineness of her words. "I love you like I hadn't thought possible."
Daisy's arms tightened their hold against her, her body humming against Sansa's. Her voice was faintly choked. "If I could promise to come back I would. Even if it was only for short bits of time, but I can't. Even if we get home I don't know if Fitz could get us back and if my enemies found out about your world…it's not ready for that kind of war."
"Don't leave without telling me." Sansa pulled back so she could look at Daisy sharply, and ensure her words were heard and accepted. "I've lost so many people without knowing I'd never see them again."
Daisy caught her face between her hands, an edge of desperation to her. "Never. Ok, all of this is terrible. But I'd never leave you without warning. I promise. Never. I've lost people without goodbyes. I wouldn't do that to you."
She choked back tears she knew were lurking and nodded, leaning further into Daisy. "Thank you." Sansa stayed pressed against her lover, ignoring how she knew some tears were trailing down her cheeks. Her voice was wet. "Nothing has changed. Why does it feel like it's changed?"
"Because it's more real now, I think?" Daisy made a sound. "I don't want us to change."
Sansa heard what she wasn't saying. "But it feels like we are." She pulled back, wiping at her cheeks. She shook her head. "Things always change. I suppose it was foolish of us to think we could act as if that wasn't true."
"Well yeah, but I just…" Daisy grimaced. "What are we supposed to do? I don't want to lose what we have."
She gave a sharp nod. No, she wouldn't lose a second with Daisy that she still had left that she did not have to. Sansa lifted Daisy's hand and pressed a kiss to her knuckles. Her eyes stayed on Daisy's face as she did so. "We continue as we have. You are not gone yet, we still have time. I rule the North, you lead your Order and manipulate the south to do what you want, and me to a degree."
"Sorry about tying your hands about that?" Daisy looked at her, clearly not entirely sure if she should actually apologize for forcing the realm toward peace.
Sansa shook her head. "No, it was the right choice. I could have asked you to stop months ago. You didn't particularly try to hide your intentions at all." She held Daisy's gaze. "And we take the happiness we have now. I would have every moment of happiness with you, short though it may be, than to have never known this. If you'd never come I would never have known I could love someone, let alone feel it. So long as you will have me, I am yours."
"Yeah." Daisy dropped her head onto Sansa's shoulder. "I love you too." She let out a weak sound, her voice cracking. "Maybe I am cursed, I never get to keep the people I love. But you're right. I wouldn't trade feeling this for never knowing you."
Sansa swallowed, she didn't think Daisy had quite realized what her words entirely meant. But she wasn't sure she wanted her to understand completely. Instead, she remained silent for this moment as she mourned what they could have had if they hadn't been tied by duty, loyalty, and love to different worlds. She looked to where the White Knife was roaring not far from them. Its white rapids were dangerous as they were beautiful. Striking really.
Daisy flopped out on the cloak they were sitting on. Just laying back staring at the sky. Their hands never separated. It was intolerable to think of losing that small link to each other. At least in Sansa's mind.
The yearning over the 'what ifs' for years in King's Landing caused her to speak. Sometimes unanswered questions haunted and sometimes they gave comfort. "If things were different, and if we could have all the time in the world: what would you want to do?"
Daisy's head rolled slightly so she was looking up at her. Her expression was…open, vulnerable in a way she so rarely was but had remained since she had first uttered the word 'love'. Her eyes traced the side of Sansa's face before she spoke. "It's stupid, and we're too young, but-" She bit at her lower lip, hesitating, "I'd marry you."
The breath caught in Sansa's throat. Her mouth opened slightly, eyes widening, as she stared at her lover. Her heart sped up in her chest as words failed her.
"I know it sounds crazy. And I'd probably be terrible at it. I'm not good at family, never have been. But if we could…I'd want to try with you. Even if it is kinda ridiculous."
There were a thousand thoughts in Sansa's head as she spoke, and it was stupid. "I have to stay a Stark."
"Duh." Daisy laughed, her eyes fond as they crinkled at the sides slightly. "I figure I'd probably have to be the one to change my name."
Sansa's mouth was dry as she stared. It was…oh gods it was so incomprehensibly stupid. But she was struck by a longing so deep she couldn't unthink it. It was presumptive and possibly cruel to even think. In some ways it would make everything so much worse but… It was that terrible 'but'. She swallowed as she looked at Daisy's face and knew she would give anything for this. "Marry me."
"What?" Daisy stilled utterly, her eyes widening.
She spoke in a rush. "No one could know, it would send the vultures to my siblings if anyone knew. It wouldn't be fair, but marry me. Here and now if you want."
"Wait." Daisy sat up, twisting so she was facing her fully. "You're serious?"
Her heart was thundering in her chest. "Yes."
"But you are planning to marry eventually when I leave." Daisy was staring at her like she'd grown a second head. Her voice was baffled and soft as she spoke.
Sansa repressed a flinch, instead, she tipped her chin up, she refused to lie. "I may not wish to, but it will be necessary to protect them. It's why no one could know. I know it's unfair and-"
"But even if no one knows, wouldn't it be impossible for you to marry again?" Daisy protested.
She didn't hesitate. "I'm the Queen at the dawn of the second Long Night. I can do what I wish. If the Old Gods didn't punish the various Kings throughout our history who did as they pleased; marrying multiple wives or setting their lawfully wedded wives aside as they wished, I should hardly think they will care if I marry you and tolerate some man to tie allies to my court long enough to produce an heir." Her tone was cutting at the utter lack of regard she would ever hold for a husband she would have to take politically.
Daisy opened and shut her mouth, blinking once.
Sansa swallowed back her mounting nerves at the thought she may have just massively overstepped. "Of course, I know it's unfair and that you deserve better. That it is not my place, that what I'm asking is outrageous ev-"
Daisy jerked forward, her mouth swallowing any apologies or justifications.
Sansa's eyes fluttered closed as she savored the contact. What did all the rest matter if she had this for even a moment? It'd been a silly idea anyway, foolish, even if a part of her wished desperately that it wasn't so. But that didn't matter if Daisy was still here. Still wanted her, even if she'd just made possibly the most insulting marriage proposal in all of history.
Finally, as if reluctant to do so, but aware that at least Sansa had to breathe, Daisy pulled back, leaving them connected as closely as possible as she breathed a single word. "Yes."
Sansa's eyes snapped open. "What?"
"Yes." Daisy brushed their lips together again briefly. "I'll marry you." And then she was kissing her again.
And…Sansa's breath shook as she kissed back, a relieved, ecstatic rush taking her as she pressed back into the woman she loved. Who loved her. One of her hands buried itself into Daisy's hair as she shifted, pressing Daisy back down upon the cloak. She pressed their foreheads together, giddy with the feel of Daisy's hands on her, of the way they were tangled near as much as was possible with their dress still upon their persons.
One of Daisy's hands rose, gently brushing some of Sansa's cascading locks up and behind one of her ears. Her voice was hesitant but filled with breathless happiness. "Tonight?"
She leaned into Daisy's touch, her eyes still closed. Her breast felt like it could burn from the warmth burning there. "Tonight." She agreed.
Daisy rolled them so that Sansa landed on her side, the two of them facing one another. "What do we need for a marriage here?"
"Us, a heart tree." Sansa quietly ran through the steps for marriage. "We both are heads of our respective Houses so that is unnecessary. Wedding cloaks, though I confess…I have no idea how that is to work with us both being women."
Daisy smiled against her. "Well, considering you have to remain a Stark, and I'm apparently the one getting brought into your House; I think that means you are the one doing the cloaking bit."
"You already know how our weddings work," Sansa sighed, pulling back faintly so she could see Daisy's face, though the bemused expression on her lips didn't fade in the slightest.
Daisy looked…alight. "I've read a few passages in some real old books about them. Never been to one, and I'm not even sure what your vows are. I assumed the Wildling method of stealing was off the table."
She couldn't help a pointed look at their location. "You've rather already stolen me."
"I guess I have." Daisy's lips quirked up further, a smug look on her face. She leaned in, nudging their noses together. "But really, like what are the words? Cause the ones I know are the whole 'to have and to hold from this day forward, to love and to cherish until death do us part.' Which I'm guessing isn't the case here."
Sansa was struck by…Daisy truly meant it in every way it could be meant. She was willing to take Sansa's name, to be of her House, to say any oath Sansa asked of her. There were no words for the devotion Daisy was capable of, the depth of her affection. Sansa was left with her fingers tightening their hold on Daisy as if by holding her more tightly Daisy would understand that it was returned. That she might be far poorer at showing it, but she felt it all the same. Because she did. And she knew when she lost the woman in her arms it would break her, but it would be worth it without question. "No that is rather different than a Northern ceremony."
"Ok, so how does it go in the North?" Daisy asked, her face warm and open.
She hummed. "It's simple but I'm unsure it will work. The man comes to claim his wife, the woman accepts his claim, and then you kneel before the heart tree and it is done."
"Is there another option where one of us isn't being an actual piece of property?" Daisy asked, her brow rising in question.
Sansa hesitated for a second. "There are the words the small folk use."
/
Daisy was bursting with excitement. She hadn't thought she was permitted this. To have this, even if she couldn't keep it. But it wasn't like she got to keep anything anyways. Her hands had nearly shaken as she'd obediently braided Sansa's hair for her, before jumping them back. Which fair, long hair did get real messy from flying. She'd totally deserved the despairing expression Sansa had managed while pointing at her hair. Though it'd been hard to take seriously when Sansa was still smiling.
The dark look Brienne had given at their landing in the courtyard of Winterfell didn't even touch Daisy. Even without powers, she felt like she could float. It was a terrible idea. Every voice in her head that sounded suspiciously like Mack, told her this would make it worse when she left. That it was unfair. But she didn't care. Sansa wanted to marry her. Her! Sansa, who knew so much more about her than anyone. Sansa, who was a Queen, who Daisy loved. Loved like it was everything. Sansa who she would lose one day. But this, she could hold onto this no matter what worlds or missions she ended up on.
Daisy knew what she was to do before tonight. It was easy to find Loras. He was in one of the side yards sharpening his sword and enjoying a day off duty. Her eyes locked on him. She strode straight for him. "Loras!"
He half startled off the bench, and nearly dropped his sword, but did manage to leap to his feet. "Holiness!"
"You're not busy right?" She beamed, not that she'd really stopped smiling since she'd first realized Sansa truly meant it. Her hand landed on his shoulder. "Great, come on, I could use your help on something."
He stumbled as he followed. "Of course, anything you need, Holiness." Loras settled as he righted himself properly following at her pace. After he realized she wasn't saying anything else he spoke as he walked. "Do you plan to tell me what you need me for?"
"Nope." Daisy knew her tower was secure, A. all the men were out working on the new tackle she'd taught them. B. None of them would dare try to listen at her door. And C. they'd keep anyone from approaching her door if she was distracted without announcing them. And well, it was kinda funny to just haul Loras off.
He nodded. "Of course, will anyone else be joining us? Perhaps Mira, Holiness?"
"Nope, just you and me." Daisy ignored the way he was definitely panicking a bit, and just hauled him into her tower.
She waved at the few people still around. Mostly those who'd worked night guard shifts. Daisy paused as she spotted Duncan. "Duncan! Unless it's Sansa or about Sansa or just generally involving Sansa in some way, no one disturbs us, ok? And if it's Baelish feel free to whack him in the dick with one of your crutches."
"Er…even Fitz your Holiness?" Ducan looked at her clearly unsure of what exactly was happening. But also not asking.
Daisy grinned. "Nope, if Fitz wants to talk to me tell him he can wait until morning. Unless he's dying. If he's bleeding out or something feel free to pass it on."
"Understood your Holiness." Duncan tipped his head in respect and acknowledgment.
She beamed as she hauled Loras towards her personal quarters that were more a fancy closet than anything else at this point. "Thank you, Dunc."
Actually using her hands to open or shut the door behind them didn't even occur to her. Instead, she simply breezed in, the door slamming behind them as she finally released her hold on poor Loras. It really was useful Loras was flaming gay, and she was as blatantly, stupidly, smitten as she could publically show. No weird rumors. Turning on her heel she looked at him. "Right, I need your help, but first you need to swear that nothing of what you learn about tonight passes your lips to anyone."
He stilled, his expression turning from confusion to shock. "Of course, you have my word. On my honor as a knight, none shall learn of whatever it is I witness or hear this day or night. By the Old Gods and the New."
"No." Daisy needed this security to protect Sansa. It wasn't something worth leaving to the faintest piece of doubt. Oh, this was actually going to have to be gross, but there could be zero doubt in Loras's head that he'd die swiftly and immediately if he broke this vow. And likely would be damning his soul to hell. Possibly his family's as well. "You vow to me that what you learn tonight is not shared in any way unless Sansa Stark commands it of you. And you do it with blood."
"Er…how much blood?" Loras's heart rate spiked, but he drew a dagger without question or hesitation.
Daisy softened, not a lot, but she still did. "Not a lot, and don't go cutting your palm and actually causing damage. But for this, I need you to do this."
He used his teeth and yanked off one leather glove, and then neatly, and without pause sliced a long though shallow cut across the back of his hand. "I swear fully and knowingly that no word of what I learn this night shall pass my lips or in any other manner without express command from my Queen, Sansa Stark. By Quake, The Destroyer of Worlds may my life and soul be forfeit should I fail."
"I accept and will hold you to it." Daisy's nose wrinkled slightly as she caught his hand and wiped the blood away with her fingers, evaporating it as it touched her. "So uh..want a bandage or for me to just close that for you? It'll probably scar if I close it."
He winced. "If you would not trouble you to close it, Holiness."
"Sure, uh..sorry if this hurts?" Daisy really did feel a bit bad for the whole theater act there, but also not at all if it made Sansa's position a fraction safer. Also, probably best not to tell him it was the first time she'd cauterized a thing. But it was light, surface deep and might have needed a stitch or two tops.
He hissed but didn't pull back till she released his hand.
"After we're done here go find Wolkan, he'll have a cream or something to help that heal right." Daisy stepped back. "And sorry for the whole…all of it really."
"I'll do that. But what do you need of me then, Holiness?" Loras asked looking at her curiously, though his heartbeat still raced.
She stepped back. "Conin is the guard at Sansa's hallway tonight along with Wagstaff, yes?"
"He is?" Loras said slowly.
Daisy nodded, right, she'd remembered the roster right then. "You're going to convince Wagstaff to trade with you so that it's you and Conin only tonight. Understood?"
He paused for a moment and then nodded. "That shouldn't be too difficult."
"Good. The rest can wait till tonight then." Daisy paused staring at her chest of clothes. "Think you can help me find something they've made me that doesn't invoke the trees?"
He crossed his arms. "Well, you're wearing Stark colors right now, Holiness."
Daisy felt a faint thrill at that. Fuck, she was going to be a Stark. That was…how many years had she wanted someone she wanted to want her back? The same way she wanted them? She didn't care what sappy look was on her face. "Not for tonight.
