Chapter 7 - Rome - Day 6


Sansa cracked her eyes open to the sound of polite knocking on the hotel door. Jon lay next to her, stirring awake with a sleepy moan. They were near each other, he on his back and she on her side facing him. Her arm was draped haphazardly over his body, his hand resting atop hers on his chest. For one moment, they gave each other drowsy smiles and neither moved.

The polite knock sounded again. "Room service for Ms. Stark and Mr. Snow," a voice beyond the door announced gently. Regretfully pulling herself out of bed, Sansa went to answer the door.

"What time is it?" Jon asked, sitting up as Sansa returned with a tray of pastries, breads, jams, and coffee. She set it between them on the bed and opened the notecard that sat beside the food.

"Six o'clock. We have the early entrance tour of the Vatican this morning; gotta meet down in the lobby in 45 minutes. The room service is Margaery's version of a wake up call and giving us a chance to eat some breakfast before we leave. Mmmm, she picked some yummy looking items," Sansa noted, putting down the card from Margaery and sliding back into bed.

"That's nice of her. Still don't trust her though," Jon joked, taking a sip of an espresso. "So what else is on the itinerary for today?"

"After the Vatican, we have some downtime for lunch. Then, this afternoon, we have a tour at the Colosseum."

"Oh yeah, I've been looking forward to that; it's gonna be cool to stand where the gladiators fought."

As they sat in bed with their tray of fancy baked goods and caffeine, Sansa couldn't help but smile. Something was different. That kiss he gave her at dinner was different. It felt so incredibly genuine. For a moment, Sansa completely forgot it was all fake. She also noticed it last night when, after her shower, she spotted Jon out on the balcony, diligently writing his notes for his future book. Stepping behind him and simply resting her hand on his shoulder, Sansa breathed in the nighttime air. When Jon reached up and placed his hand on top of hers, her chest tightened in such a wonderful way. It was like a cozy, natural intimacy. Almost…domestic? Sansa thought, trying to find the right word to describe the lovely moment. Then there was this morning — waking up and no longer worrying about hiding any accidental snuggling. Just a few days ago, Sansa had woken up in that same way, with her arm draped across him. She had panicked that time, torn her arm away and jumped out of bed, not wanting to embarrassingly get caught. Not this morning though. Sansa could have stayed in that moment all day.

What is this? she wondered at the serene happiness she was feeling. Just two weeks ago, he was a mere friend — more like a family friend — who you rarely talked to, and if you did, it was random chitchat. She chanced a glance at him. Fast forward to now and everything is different. A camaraderie. Perfectly comfortable in this fake romance. Fake, Sansa. Fake, she reminded herself. But it just feels so real. And right.

"I'm gonna hop in the shower," Jon stated, bringing Sansa out of her thoughts. She caught the way her eyes followed him as he disappeared into the bathroom.

You're in trouble, aren't you? she thought.

Once ready and gathered in the lobby, she could see Jon's eyes darting this way and that, obviously wary of a Daenerys appearance. Instead, they got her pompous brother.

"Wasn't that the best surprise last night?" he excitedly exclaimed after sidling up to them. "I'm sure you and my sister have much to catch up on later."

"We really don't," Jon replied, his tone stony.

Viserys plowed on, ignoring Jon. "Sansa, I'd gladly keep you company while they talk. We could grab a drink or two."

"Okay, everyone, let's load up!" Margaery announced, saving them from the prying Viserys. Taking the opportunity, Sansa grabbed Jon's hand and quickly pulled him out to the awaiting vehicles.

Bypassing the massive early-morning lines in the equally massive St. Peter's Square, their group entered a gateway to the Vatican's portico. Birds chirped as they fluttered just below the ornate ceiling depicting sainted popes and scenes from the life of St. Peter. Through one of the doorways that lined the hall, they entered into the central nave. Sansa didn't know where to look first, stunning details surrounded them. The ceiling was covered in gold leaf, a heavenly shine emanating from it. Giant archways lined the length of the nave, each adorned at the top with statues representing virtues. Statues of the Founder Saints were set into the pillars that formed the archways. Their tour guide Lorenzo, sharing a name with Bernini who had designed the space, directed their attention to a red disc built into the marble floor. It was on that disc that Charlemagne knelt as he was crowned emperor by the pope in 800. To the right sat the famous Michelangelo sculpture of La Pieta. Walking along, they reached the Michelangelo-designed dome, high above Bernini's baldacchino and the papal altar, the tomb of St. Peter lying just below.

There was so much detail to take in that Sansa had forgotten to fake a relationship. At this point, she and Jon were just down-right tourists, completely consumed by their surroundings.

They climbed up the steps of St. Peter's dome to get a closer view of its details, like the gorgeously vibrant and glittering mosaics. Climbing over 300 steps higher, they reached the top and got an aerial view of St. Peter's Square and the grounds of Vatican City. Next was the Vatican Museums — art galleries, other famous artwork, gardens and courtyards. Nearing the Sistine Chapel was a corridor gallery of beautiful (and surprisingly near-accurate) ancient maps with an extravagantly decorated arched ceiling. This was followed by a corridor lined with statues and busts. Then, the four Raphael Rooms, reception rooms covered in Raphael's frescoes. Eventually, they arrived in the awe-inducing Sistine Chapel. Michelangelo's painted frescoes, The Last Judgment covering the wall above the altar and the biblical scenes from Genesis high on the arched ceiling, were staggeringly beautiful.

With the Sistine Chapel being the last stop on their Vatican tour, thankfully devoid of the mass number of tourists waiting for the Vatican to officially open, they were driven back to the hotel. As Sansa accepted Jon's helping hand to step out of the vehicle, she smiled when neither one let go, even though they were in the back of their group and no one was watching them.

Sansa's smile faltered, however, when they walked through the lobby and an unwelcome voice greeted them.

"Ah, you're back," Daenerys purred, sauntering over from a luxe sitting area just off the lobby, glass of wine in hand. She gave her brother a half-assed hug in greeting. As the majority of their group dispersed to the elevator or the hotel bars, Jon and Sansa attempted to do the same. "One moment, Jon." Daenerys' hand gently braced his free arm. Sansa caught him give it a disdainful glance. "I was hoping we could grab some lunch."

"Why?" he asked bluntly.

"Please, Jon. I think it would be really good for the two of us. I know there's a lot of animosity between us that, I believe, could be resolved," Daenerys answered innocently.

Jon's eyes narrowed on her into a scrutinizing look, before turning his attention to Sansa. She gave him an smile and shrugged unsurely.

"One moment," he said dismissively to his ex and completely turned to Sansa, his back to Daenerys.

"It might be something you need to do, just to get her out of your life, closure or whatever," Sansa quietly suggested.

"I don't know," Jon said. "I'd rather not spend so much time with her. Plus, I don't want to leave you hanging." He squeezed her hand at that. Almost like he really didn't want to let go, Sansa thought before chasing that kind of wishful thinking away.

"Don't worry about me," Sansa smiled. "There's plenty I can get up to for an hour or two," she winked.

"You're sure?"

"This might be the thing to end whatever evil plan is going on here," she laughed. "And it really might do you some good to get anything off your chest."

"Ugh, fine. Meet you back in the room in, what, an hour and a half-ish?"

Sansa gave him an encouraging smile and a nod. She saw his eyes glance to her lips. With his free hand, Jon went to her cheek, his fingers sliding back into her hair, and kissed her. It was a good kiss. A very good, full kiss. And obviously a show for the waiting Daenerys, scowling at the sight.

"See you in just a little bit," he said, and only then did they let go of each others hand.

"Come on, Jon. I know a great little place around the corner with amazing cocktails," Daenerys declared, discarding her empty glass of wine on a random table and trying unsuccessfully to intertwine her arm in his. Jon pulled his arm from hers and turned to give Sansa a last smile before they exited the hotel.

As Sansa watched them leave, Viserys slithered up next to her. "I would love to take you out, my dear. I can give you a taste of a life that Jon Snow could never give you." He thought he was being cavalier and romantic, but Sansa couldn't have been more turned off.

Just as she was going to flatly turn him down, Margaery sidled up. "Sorry Vis, I already have exactly what Sansa needs." She turned to Sansa, linked their arms together, and immediately started walking them away from Viserys, a near twin to his sister with their similar scowls. "A spa day! Well, a spa hour or so. And you're just in luck — I already have reservations!"

"Oh, that's okay, Margaery," Sansa smiled tightly as they arrived at the elevator. "I'm a bit sleepy from waking up so early. I might just snack on something and take a nap."

"Nonsense. It's my treat! Joff was originally going to accompany me for a massage. But I know he doesn't mind grabbing drinks with the boys while you take his spot with me." Margaery noticed Sansa's wary expression. "I insist!" she stated, growing playfully stern. "It'll be just the thing to keep your mind off of whatever is happening over there." She absentmindedly gestured in the general direction Daenerys had dragged Jon off in.

Why on earth are you thinking of turning down a free luxury massage? she asked herself. "Okay, a massage does sound good," Sansa said, softening.

"Magnificent!" Margaery stated and pulled her into the elevator. Once undressed and draped in the spa's robes, Margaery spoke in rapid fire Italian to order their massages. "Alright, my dear, enjoy your relaxation, and I'll meet you out on the terrace for a little aperitivo." Margaery gave Sansa silly air-kisses before they were each led to a separate room.

After fifty minutes of aromatic oils, hot stones, and her masseuse's very skilled hands, Sansa was brought to another room for a facial that left her skin positively glowing.

"Perfect, wasn't it?" Margaery grinned as Sansa joined her out on the terrace.

"Very much so. Thank you, Margaery." She sat at their little table and marveled at the Roman view as Margaery placed an order for refreshments.

"I can't believe she came here," Margaery said in a gossipy tone.

"Daenerys? Yeah, it's pretty surprising," Sansa stated, not really finding much surprise in the situation, considering the group she was traveling with.

Margaery's hand shot out to her own on the table, patronizingly patting it. "I'm so sorry, Sansa. I had no idea. I would have put a stop to it, if I had."

Sansa mistrusted her condolences. She knew there was little Margaery wasn't aware of when it came to this friend group's drama. "It's okay," she smiled, playing along. Truthfully, this all seemed quite planned. Daenerys whisking Jon away. Viserys, in turn, suggesting he take Sansa out. Margaery conveniently there with a more welcoming option after Sansa was obviously disgusted with his suggestion. Sansa definitely wouldn't put it past her that this spa treat was just a concoction to keep her away from Jon while Daenerys attempted to work her magic.

"You're better than I am. I would have thrown such a fit if one of Joff's exes suddenly appeared and wanted to whisk him off to 'talk' in a such a romantic city. Present company excluded, of course!" Margaery added once she realized she was speaking directly to an ex of Joffrey.

"No worries," Sansa nearly laughed. "And I guess I just trust Jon. I know he's over that relationship," she shrugged. Right? she silently wondered. Not that it's any of my business. And she actually had a very strong feeling that she could trust Jon, if they were in a real relationship.

"Well, based on how he looks at you, I'm quite sure I agree," Margaery teasingly smiled. "But I could definitely stand to learn a thing or two from you on having so much trust in a partner."

"It all depends on who you're with," Sansa suggested, knowing full well Joffrey Baratheon was not a trustworthy partner.

"Yes, well," Margaery waved dismissively before taking a sip of her Aperol spritz, "Viserys sure has eyes for you as well, Miss Popular."

"Gross. No, thank you. I don't know what got into him, but I would like whatever interest he has to end. And how is Doreah putting up with this? Viserys isn't exactly hiding it."

Margaery waved another dismissive hand. "Oh please. She's more worried about losing that rich Targaryen lifestyle than worried about specifically losing him. She lets him have his fun as long as he keeps her around."

Wow, she really does know everyone's business. And has no qualms about sharing everyone's business with others, Sansa thought. She could feel a twinge of dread seep into her thoughts.

"But I have an inkling that he'd drop her and give you that lavish life if you showed interest," Margaery continued as a rustic board piled with appetizing snacks was set before them.

"Why? He was never interested before."

"Probably because he thinks of you as a toy he can't have. A toy that Jon, someone he looks down on, gets to have. And that frustrates him all the more. Plus, you're a catch, and everyone knows it!"

Sansa couldn't tell if that ending compliment was fake or genuine. Probably fake, she thought. "Well, for one thing, I'm not a commodity. So he can just stop thinking like that. And secondly, it's never gonna happen."

"I don't blame you at all. He still acts like a spoiled child when he's close to 30," Margaery giggled. Sansa laughed, but only because she thought how many in their group still acted like spoiled children, namely Margaery's fiancé. "At least Jon makes good money in finance and brings even more in with the profits from his book."

Sansa gave her a discerning look. "Not that his income matters."

"Oh, of course not, darling!"

"And he's thinking about quitting to write full time. Which, I would support that decision. I love his writing and I know it'll take him far into success."

Margaery couldn't hide the cringe she showed. "I would advise against that. That would be a big loss of sure income for you guys. I imagine he makes such good money there and that would surely upend your lifestyle."

"It would make him happy, and he should do what makes him happy. Besides, I bring in plenty with my job. I don't rely on his income." Sansa could feel herself getting fired up like she was arguing about the details of a real relationship. This is fucking fake, there is no real argument here, she reminded herself.

"You're right," Margaery conceded. "I didn't think about that. I've never had to work."

Sansa could sense some regret in her voice. Or maybe its condescension, she thought. Margaery could be hard to read sometimes. After that, conversation thankfully turned to the future stops and plans for the trip.

Once they were finished with their refreshments, Sansa thanked her again for the spa treatments and headed back to her room. Jon was already there, busily scribbling in his notebook out on the balcony. Upon hearing her come in, he turned to her with the warmest smile.

"I'm surprised you're already back," Sansa stated, joining him in the other chair at the small table.

"I've been back for a little while. I cut lunch short, I couldn't handle her anymore," Jon laughed.

"That bad, huh?" Sansa gave him a commiserating smile.

"Our relationship had been toxic for a really long time. Granted, I only realized it at the end. But she's still just as toxic now; no change there. With Daenerys, there was always this chaotic push and pull of anger, irritation, and control mixed with love — or, what I thought was love. Well, she still has that anger, irritation, and attempt at control. Now it's just absolutely obvious there's no love there." Jon leaned back in his chair, a completely relaxed air about him, and smiled into the distance. "She tried coaxing me back, trying to tell me everything she thought I'd want to hear. I could see the lies all over her face. She still looked down on me, like she was doing me a favor by wanting me back. When I told her I have never been so happy as I am now, without her, she went ballistic. She took it to mean that I'm happier with you than her. She had a few choice words to say about that."

Sansa laughed. "I'm sure she sees me as beneath her and I couldn't care less what she thinks of me."

"You have never been and will never be beneath her," Jon said firmly. "And with her temper tantrum, I told her she's wasting her breath and, in the iconic words of Taylor Swift, we are never getting back together. And I left."

As Sansa laughed, Jon got up and grabbed a little box that was on their bed. "As I was nearly skipping through the streets of Rome, feeling the sweet relief of freedom, I passed by a chocolatier. They had an array of yummy-looking chocolate pieces that I thought you might like." He handed her the box, filled with six chocolate delicacies, including a chocolate covered strawberry, a bonbon topped with gold leaf, a candied lemon peel half-coated in chocolate, and a few others. "I told them you love lemon cakes and they highly suggested the lemon peel," he added.

"That's so sweet, Jon. Thank you," Sansa said, leaning over to kiss his cheek. "Oh my fucking goodness, that's good," she exclaimed, taking a bite out of the lemon peel.

"Good," Jon chuckled. "Maybe we should go back there later; they have gelato too. I heard someone raving about how good the lavender flavor was."

"Oh, I am so down for that," Sansa said, stuffing the rest of the lemony chocolate goodness into her mouth.

As she thought about how thoughtful he was with just this small act, she remembered how her exes could never be bothered to do the same for her. It was as she was biting into a heart-shaped dark chocolate with an exquisite hazelnut filling that she realized she needed to stop comparing Jon to her exes. There was no comparison. Jon wasn't a crappy human being and therefore, her crappy exes would never measure up to him.

"So how was your much-needed break from me?" Jon asked, taking the other half of the heart-shaped chocolate she held out to him.

Sansa laughed. "Margaery saved me from Viserys' attempt to take me to lunch. She brought me to the hotel spa. Had quite the relaxing massage and facial."

"Well, that was certainly nice of her."

"Eh. Maybe. It felt like an attempt to keep me busy and away from you and Daenerys. I dunno. Maybe I'm paranoid."

"Well, after the unpleasant surprise we received at dinner last night, I don't blame you."

"I was also treated to a typical Margaery gossip session. Which just made me feel nervous."

"Why?"

Sansa gave a shrug. "I guess it just worries me that if our little charade fails, she's gonna spread it like wildfire to everyone I know."

"It's not going to fail, Sans," Jon reassured her, giving her had a squeeze. "I promise. But even if we do get found out, the people who actually care about you won't give a shit. The ones who truly care about you are the ones you need not worry about. We're gonna love you no matter how adorably pathetic you are," Jon teased.

Sansa gave him a look of mock indignation and shoved his shoulder. "You're right. I know," Sansa laughed. "Thanks, Jon."

"But, if we want to be on the safe side, do we wanna amp up our public displays of affection a little?" Jon suggested with a lifted brow.

"Just to be safe," Sansa nodded. She hid her devilish grin by biting into a chocolate with a pretty red design on top. "Mmm, raspberry," she stated innocently.

After taking a refreshing shower to wake herself up, Sansa felt alert enough to continue on to their next group tour. They were driven to the ancient Colosseum, Jon once again helping her out of the car with a gentlemanly hand.

They gathered around their tour guide, Bianca. Sansa leaned close to Jon, their fingers intertwined as they stared up at the famous amphitheater. The ancient walls were pocked with holes. Bianca explained the holes were caused by iron clamps being looted when the Colosseum had fallen into disuse; they were most likely melted down to make weapons in the Middle Ages. After describing the building materials and construction of the structure, she took them through a separate entrance to skip the long lines.

They entered into the lower level where the audiences would have sat. Bianca explained what type of person would sit in each level, the hierarchies, the politics. She described the battle reenactments, public executions, and gladiator fights that occurred down on the arena floor.

"You would have been the best gladiator," Sansa said, fawning over him in jest, her hand on his chest.

Jon tried to stifle his laugh as he held her close around her waist. "The very best. It would be because I knew you were cheering for me in the crowds, apparently in the very top level with the other women."

Catching an annoyed look from a passing Viserys, Jon and Sansa laughed before they all carried on to the second level, and then ultimately to the top ring. Sneaking peeks at Jon throughout the tour, Sansa loved how intrigued he was by it all. Especially when they went back down and entered through the Gate of Death, the entrance the gladiators used, and they stepped out onto the reconstructed arena floor.

Once through with the Colosseum, Bianca led them out to guide them around the ruins of the Roman Forum, the heart of ancient Rome. From the arches dedicated to Constantine and Titus; to the temples of Venus, Romulus, and Saturn; to the central piazza and the Senate, and all the sights in between. Bianca gave them brief historical accounts for each, Sansa and Jon staying close the entire way.

"Okay, my darlings, let's head back to our transportation, then you are free for our last night in Rome!" Margaery declared once the tour ended and Bianca bid them farewell.

Sansa noticed Jon's sly smile, she gave him one in return, wondering what he had come up with in his mind. What left her delightfully breathless, though, was him suddenly pulling her close, his hands holding her waist. In turn, she wound her arms around his neck and settled in to this wonderful new position.

"What do you think, love? Would you want to just wander around Rome and make our way back to the hotel slowly from here?"

It took a split second to recollect her senses that were unsuspectingly melting with him calling her "love." Ooh. Oh my. I really am fucking in trouble. "That sounds like an amazing idea," she answered with a big smile. Not stopping herself, she gave him a rather unnecessary kiss. She could feel his lips curve into a smile against hers. "Is that okay, Margaery?" she asked once the kiss ended.

"Of course! Need to make up for your lost time today, I'm sure," Margaery smiled. "See you in the morning, lovebirds. Be down in the lobby by ten!"

Holding on to each other, they watched their group turn to and walk toward the awaiting vehicles. "You're a genius," Sansa stated when they turned back to one another.'

"I figured you might appreciate the idea. Get away from that lot while exploring more of Rome and finding a restaurant for dinner."

They let go of one another, but Sansa let her hand drift down his arm until his hand absentmindedly wrapped around hers. They kept exploring the beautiful ruins in the area before they began their romantic stroll down the Roman streets. They took a leisurely pace, taking their time and checking out anything that looked interesting. Sansa found her daily postcard and they bought a few little souvenirs along the way. Their appetites steered them to a restaurant that smelled delicious; their dinner was even better than it smelled. After getting their fill, Jon led them through the nighttime revelers to the chocolatier he had found earlier. Based on the chocolates they previously ate, they had no problems with waiting in such a long line for their gelato. Once again, they squeezed in to sit at the boat-shaped fountain at the bottom of the Spanish Steps to enjoy their daily treat. Gazing up at the picture-perfect view, prettily lit up in the dark, Sansa felt so satisfied. She thought of her wish at the Trevi Fountain the day before. Supposedly, if you wish to come back to Rome, your wish would one day be granted. So that's what she did; but she specifically wished to come back with Jon. Thinking on it now, she was quite pleased with the thought.

"What?" Jon asked, noticing her look.

"Nothin'. Just happy."

"Me too," Jon smiled before turning his attention back to his gelato.

"I love how not awkward this is," she laughed as she gestured her little spoon between the two of them. "Not gonna lie, leading up to this trip, I was really worried about awkwardness between us."

Jon chuckled at that. "You were definitely not alone in that worry. I'm glad we were wrong."

They grinned at each other and then walked up the Spanish Steps to Hotel Hassler and their awaiting bed.