A Holiday by Decree

~~Day 10~~

Sansa's heart thundered in her chest straight up to her ears, as Tyrion turned back to her. She felt herself grow hot, as he gazed up at her intently with obvious concern from under the dark brows she was now finding ever more attractive.

He clearly had not the slightest clue what she was stopping him for. When she did not immediately say anything, he stepped back in front of her. Falling back on formality, as she noticed he did more often when he was uncertain, he asked in the deep timber she also now loved, "My Lady?"

At the gentleness of his solicitation, Sansa was reminded of her courage.

Tyrion cares for you. He has shown you again and again since last night. You want to show him you want him, even if it's just something small to start. For yourself as well, be brave, Sansa Stark! she thought.

She took a deep, steadying breath, hoping it was far less noticeable to Tyrion. Softly, she asked, "Would you please hold still and close your eyes, my Lord?"

:

Tyrion tried to remember to breathe, as he let his eyes fall shut at Sansa's request. He suddenly felt a childlike thrill, like being told to close his eyes for a surprise. Still, he dared not hope or really even think. Sansa had not given any clue as to her request for calling him back. In fact, the natural inclination toward worry that he had picked up over the years had him about to open his mouth - to tell her not to trouble herself, whatever it was - when he was very glad he did not.

Against the backdrop of the faraway sound of the crashing tide, he registered the soft rustle of fabric. His pulse kicked up several notches at the immediate realization of her closeness.

And then the warm, delicate touch of soft lips against his own.

Good gods! he thought, as he stood rooted to the spot. The initial feather light exploration advanced, as she took his lower lip between both of hers. Understanding finally hit: he was kissing Sansa Stark.

It had certainly been some time since Tyrion last shared a kiss, but it was obvious there were things one did not forget. His blood ran hot with excitement. Fortunately, he caught himself quickly.

All the women he had kissed before had been whores. This first kiss from Sansa was totally different. Tyrion focused on restraint.

Thankfully, Sansa seemed encouraged by the level of his responsiveness, as he felt her hand brush his arm. Without looking, he reached and took her hand in his, and she let him return the favor of capturing her lower lip. He reveled in the movement of their lips against each other. He savored how her lips tasted deliciously of mint and citrus from the meal they had shared earlier.

When at last they parted to breathe, Tyrion's lips still tingled.

They gazed into each other's eyes, closer than they had ever been.