Chapter 49

Sansa Stark POV

I'm graduating today! My dad is going to grill for the family tonight, which is fine I guess. A nice dinner would've been cool, too, but I guess he wants to have family time while Jon is here. Jon and my dad have been acting kind of weird, they've been having a lot of private talks. He's always been close to my dad, but I've been noticing it more.

My whole family (besides Jon) is driving over to the stadium so I can be dropped off and they can find parking. Jon is driving with Dany on his own.

Myrcella, Podrick, and Gendry wanted to come, but I told them it really wasn't necessary. It wasn't that important to me to have everyone I know here. Plus, I didn't want it to be awkward for Arya at all. I can celebrate with them another time, I kind of want to get this over with.

"I'm so excited to graduate," Arya says as we're driving over. "I'll be able to do what I want."

"You'll have a lot more responsibilities," my dad says. "Don't be too eager for that." Arya just rolls her eyes and I laugh. I know she's excited to be more independent, but I'm more nervous for that than anything else.

…

I'm waiting in line as they call out the names and people walk across the stage. I'm waiting to be called, and it's hard to believe that this is real. My high school experience may not have been great all the way through, but I made it and it's over now. Maybe I can eventually be grateful for the harder parts, but right now I'm just happy for the good parts.

They call my name, and I walk across the stage and get my diploma. It feels a little anti-climactic. Like everything was leading up to a moment that lasted 10 seconds, and that's it. I'm happy I made it, though. I can look forward to more now that this season is over.

I walk outside where my family is after the ceremony, and Arya is the first one to give me a hug. I wouldn't have it any other way, I'll miss her the most when I leave.

"How does it feel?" Bran asks.

"Not much different," I say. "Sorry to disappoint."

Dany and Jon walk up to us, and Dany gives me a hug. "Congrats!" She says. "Aren't you happy?"

"I guess," I say. "It all feels so surreal right now."

"I get that," she says. "Oh, my aunt said she's fine with us staying at the beach house, the five of us."

"That's awesome!" I say. "Do we know when is best for her?"

"She said it doesn't matter much when," Dany says. "How about the last weekend in June?"

"That's about a month, so that should work," I say. "I'll start letting everyone know."

"What are you guys talking about?" Arya asks, walking up to us.

"The trip to Dany's aunt's beach house," I say. "We're aiming for the last weekend in June."

"That sounds good," Arya says. "I'm excited."

"Are you sure you're okay with Margaery being there?" Dany asks. Ugh. I wish she didn't bring that up.

There's a pause, Arya seems to be surprised at that as well. "It's fine," she says. "We all just need to move on."

"That's very mature of you," Dany says. "Your hair looks great, by the way."

"Thanks," Arya says, smiling. "I love it."

"I'm surprised your parents let you," Dany says. "It must have taken some convincing."

"Only a little," Arya says. "They were cool about it."

"Are you coming to dinner tonight?" I ask Dany. "My dad is grilling, it'll be really good."

"I'll come by for a bit and get some food," she says. "I'll probably stay at my dad's tonight."

"Will Jon stay with you?" Arya asks.

"Probably not," Dany says. "We live together, spending a couple nights apart here and there wouldn't be the end of the world."

"Are things better between you guys?" I ask.

"Yeah," Dany says. "A lot better. We had a lot of talks and it seems like we're on the same page about everything now."

"That's good," I say. "Let me know if that changes, I'll kick his ass."

Dany laughs. "I know you will."

Jon walks up and gives me a hug. "You did it, sis," he says. "Congrats."

"Thank you, Jon," I say. "You're eating with us tonight, right?"

"Of course, I'll stay at the house too," he turns to Dany. "You don't mind, right babe?"

"Not at all," Dany says. "I'll be with my dad tonight, but I can eat with you guys first."

"We would love that." Jon gives her a kiss on the cheek, it's cute.

We take pictures and eventually head out. This definitely was a lot more of a hassle than I felt like it needed to be. I'm glad I went to the ceremony, I guess. I'm sure I'd regret not going later in life. It was important to my family, they wanted to see me walk across the stage.

I'm glad it seems like we're all getting along, at least for now. That never lasts too long, but it's always nice when it does. I'm glad we can just enjoy celebrating my graduation. Part of me wishes Robb was here, but I think he's coming with Talisa and the baby later in the summer. I understand he has a family now and a good job, I just wish he could be here more.

We head to the house and eventually eat dinner. It's grilled chicken with mashed potatoes and cupcakes my mom got from the store. My dad's grilling is always really great, it's definitely a favorite in my family. This was a good experience, overall. Maybe I should feel more excited or proud of myself, but I feel happy with how things went today.

Jon Snow Stark POV

My mind is spinning ever since Dany's father gave me his blessing. I want to make it unforgettable and take time to plan it, but I also don't know how I can keep quite about it and act normal for that long. I feel like I should tell my dad about my plans now that I have Dany's dad's approval. I'm not sure how he'll feel about it, but I've decided so I don't care that much. I still want to tell him sooner rather than later.

My dad is outside cleaning up the grill in the backyard after dinner, I guess now isn't a bad time to talk to him while I have a rare moment that he's by himself. I'm nervous, but not nearly as nervous as when I talked to Dany's dad. I go outside and walk up to him.

"Dad?" I ask. I can tell he didn't see me, he looks a bit startled and turns around.

"Oh, hello Jon," he says. "How's it going?"

"It's okay," I say. "Dinner was really good."

"I'm glad," my dad says. "Is there something you wanted to talk to me about? Or did you come out because you were so excited to help me clean?" He chuckles a little bit at that.

"I did actually want to talk," I say. "About a couple things."

"What's going on?"

"You know the first day we came back home?" I ask. "When I said I went to Sam's house?"

"Yeah?"

"I actually went to Dany's house that day," I say. "I went while she was hanging out with Sansa."

"Really?" My dad asks, still cleaning. "What reason would you have to go to Dany's house without her?"

"I went to talk to Mr. Targaryen," I say. "I wanted to ask him something in private."

"What was that?" My dad asks. I thought he'd pick up on it, but I guess he didn't think I was there with Dany.

"I um," I clear my throat. "I asked him for his blessing because… because I want to ask Dany to marry me."

My dad stops cleaning and pauses, not looking at me at first. He eventually puts his cleaning stuff down, turns around, and leans against the grill, crossing his arms.

"Are you serious?" He asks. I nod. "What did Mr. Targaryen say?"

"He said he was fine with it," I say. "He said we were a little young, but he felt better when I said we probably wouldn't get married until after we graduate from college."

"I think that's a good call," my dad says. "I would agree you're definitely too young now."

"Robb was 19."

"I know, and I was furious," my dad says. "I tried to stay calm, but I wanted to flip my lid. I couldn't believe he did that without telling us."

I know the situation with Robb wasn't ideal, but I didn't realize how upset my dad actually was. I knew my mom was mad, but my dad always tries to at least act supportive.

"Well I'm telling you now," I say. "I don't know exactly when it's happening, but it definitely is. I just need to plan something nice, and I was hoping you would help."

My dad sighs. "I will," he says. "But you need to follow through if she says yes, not just propose because you think it'll be fun."

"That's not it, dad," I say. "But Mr. Targaryen said the same thing."

"Maybe two old men actually know what they're talking about," he says. "We've both been doing this life thing for a while."

I know they mean well, I just wish they wouldn't doubt me so much. "I'll let you know more when I have the ring," I say. "I don't want to get too ahead of myself."

"That's probably a good idea."

There's a long pause, this conversation actually went okay. "I also wanted to ask you something else," I say. My dad looks at me. "When are you going to tell the kids the truth? You know, the truth about me?"

"Do you want them to know?"

"I do," I say. "They're old enough to know, and I think you deserve to have your name cleared." As angry as I am with my dad about how he handled everything, my siblings deserve to know he isn't a cheater.

"We can sit them down this summer," my dad says. "Before Sansa leaves for school, if that's okay with you."

"I think that's a good idea," I say. "Can I tell Robb?"

"I want to be the one to tell him," my dad says. "He and Talisa are supposed to come to town this summer with Eddy, maybe we can do the conversation then."

"Okay," I say. I start to walk inside, but I stop myself and turn to my dad. "Thank you for always being there for me, dad. You didn't have to."

"I did," he says. "For you, and for my sister. And I'm so glad you're here and that I got to raise such a wonderful young man."

I smile, and head back inside. I know my dad loves me, and it means a lot that he did everything he could to protect me. He didn't have to, and he did more than most people would. I may have handled things a lot differently if I had been in his position, but he meant well and he just wanted to keep me safe.

I'm glad everyone will know the truth soon, but I am nervous about it. I hope they don't see me differently, I do love them and I did grow up taking care of them. I know I'll always have Robb, no matter what. I can take some comfort in that. I'll tell him about my plans to propose to Dany soon, he'll be excited to help me plan. Things are finally looking up, it seems.

Cersei Lannister POV

I've been alone at the apartment for over a week now, and I haven't done much. I talked to father a little bit, he thinks I've been going to my support group. I haven't been, I've mainly been writing. That is, if I'm not sleeping or drinking. I'm sticking to wine, but that's basically the only thing I drink.

It's been hitting me more and more that I really have no one now. I miss Dany, I miss her so much. I thought she would've called me or texted me by now, but she hasn't. There's been nothing from her. I also haven't talked to Jaime, he probably would text me back if I texted him. I just thought he would have at least reached out to ask how I was by now.

I feel like I need to get out of here, I only leave to go to the store or go for a walk to write once in a while. I haven't met up with Bronn yet, so I decide to call him.

"Hello?" He asks when he answers.

"Hey," I say. "Are you at home?"

"Yeah," he says. "I didn't have any plans besides a deal I have to make later."

"Can I come over?" I ask. "I've barely left the apartment in the last week."

"Sure," he says. "Do you want to head over?"

"I probably shouldn't drive," I say. "I've had some wine."

"Okay," he says. "I'll come get you."

"Thanks," I say. "See you soon."

I put on presentable clothes and brush my hair. I don't even want to hook up with Bronn, I just don't want to be by myself. He's the only friend I have here.

He pulls up to the apartment while I'm waiting outside, and I get in the car. "Hey," he says. "Are you okay?"

"I'm just going through a lot," I say. "Dany and I aren't friends anymore."

"What?" He asks, starting to drive. "Why?"

"She felt like my drinking and partying was too much for her," I say. "Even though I toned it down."

"But you guys have been friends forever," he says. "She really just dropped you?"

"Pretty much," I say. "I hope she'll reach back out at some point, but she seemed pretty done."

"That really sucks," he says. "Do you mind if we do my deal now, or do you want to be dropped off at the apartment first?"

"I can go with you," I say. "I've done it before."

"You should stay in the car," he says. "These guys are a little rougher than the ones you met." I'm not sure what he means by that, but I'm sure I could handle it.

"That's fine," I say. "I can wait in the car." I don't mind waiting, I just doubt they're as intimidating as Bronn says.

He parks on the curb and leaves the car running. A few guys walk out of a small house and they walk around back. I thought I would be able to see this go down, it worries me a little being out here alone. Eventually, Bronn comes back and gets in the car.

"How did it go?" I ask.

"Fine," he says. He starts to drive to his apartment. "I got some weed from them because they were short on cash."

"You're fine with that?"

"Yeah," he says. "The weed is probably worth more anyways."

We get to his apartment and sit on the couch. "Is Jorah here?" I ask.

"No," he says. "He went back home for a bit, he should be back in a few weeks."

"You guys graduated, right?" I ask.

"He did," Bronn says. "I'm taking a break."

"Oh, why?"

He shrugs. "I just don't really need to stay in school right now," he says. "I was getting busy with other stuff." I'm assuming he means this hustle, which I can't judge him for.

There's a pause, he starts rolling a couple joints. "I probably don't want to hook up, at least not tonight," I say. "I hope that's okay, I just needed to be around someone."

He looks at me and pauses, he's probably mad. "I didn't expect that," he says, starting to roll the joints again. "Wouldn't turn it down, but it does seem like you're going through a lot."

"I am," I say. "Thanks for letting me come over."

"You can talk about it if you want," he says. "Or we can just smoke."

"I'd rather smoke," I say, leaning back on the couch. "Do you have anything to drink?"

"I can make us something."

"Thank you," I say. "I really appreciate you being here for me."

"Of course," he says. "I'll be here all summer, you can come over whenever. I like hanging out with you."

I smile at him and he gets up to make us drinks. We drink and smoke a lot of weed throughout the night, I fall asleep while we're watching a movie. I wake up in the middle of the night and move to his bedroom, but nothing happens. It just felt good to be next to someone and not alone for once.

I know Dany and Jaime would judge me for doing this, but they don't have a say anymore. Bronn has never judged me, and he doesn't even expect sex like most guys would. He really isn't as bad as they think. Being with him now is better than being alone in the apartment, I felt truly relaxed for the first time in a while tonight.

A/N: Thank you all for being patient with my lack of updates. I'm getting married in two and a half weeks! I got engaged not long after I posted the last chapter, so it's been really hectic using the last couple months to plan. I'm so excited, though, and I still have every intention of finishing this story :)