A Bleak Future - TOS AU

[kingofthenorth]

It had been years spent in the Nysgod world. Robb still questioned what his own Gods' reasoning was for him, but his faith was becoming thinner and thinner by the day. He had become hardened here, retreating back to his training as a king and burying his emotions under layers and layers of stoicism and suppression.

There had been many changes in scenery, being pulled around like pawns of the Nsygods until there was a war no one could prevent or end. Robb had hoped bloodshed would be put behind him since leaving Westeros, leaving him bitter and angry about war, which was only made worse when he lost Talisa.... again.

Whatever had happened at the Frey wedding made her unable to ever bear children, he imagined the scars were too deep within her womb, which only became worse as time went by and little Eddard was never be held in each others arms. Robb had accepted that and made peace on his own terms for it, though it ate away at Talisa. She too became more hardened, disciplined, and dedicated to her healing abilities thanks to advancing technology and the lessons taught from others. That's why it didn't surprise him that she died doing what she knew and loved best: caring for others. That was also the day Robb Stark stopped smiling completely.

There was intermittent peace every now and then, but it didn't last long until another skirmish popped up, inflicting more conflict. Days ticked by into years to where most of the candidates were now spread apart with little communication beyond underground transmissions late at night through a radio.

There were a few allies still left, ones Robb would do anything to protect, and that included Margaery, who now stayed by his side and equally capable of defending herself when the time came. They all had to know this if they were going to continue to survive.

Sitting outside in the small makeshift home they had built together Robb was finishing sharpening his sword when he looked over to Margaery, as if having a thought suddenly strike him, "Today is my name day." Funny, how after all this time he'd still remember this. Surprisingly, the calendar was similar to that they knew back home. "It's my 30th name day..." At least he could be pleased to know there was a pause in battles at the time being.

Comments

[thekittenqueen]

"What is it you want me to say, Robb?" She said with a sigh, not wanting to create distance either, but afraid to share the full depth of her feelings. It wasn't right or appropriate, but more than anything, she was afraid of what might happen.

"I care about you as well. More than I should or perhaps is welcome." She admitted to him, afraid to even look at him.

[kingofthenorth]

"I don't know." He calmly replied, feeling that this was happening all of a sudden. "I want you to be happy."

There had been too much sadness in their lives, and it was rather nice, at least for him, to be comfortable and content.

[thekittenqueen]

"I'm sorry," she whispered, feeling foolish for having her feelings ruin their evening. She pulled her blanket closer, placing her hand on her dog.

"Pretend that I didn't say that."

[kingofthenorth]

"I can't 'pretend' anything. If I could, I'd pretend my family was still alive and Winterfell wasn't in shambles." Robb really wasn't trying to sound bitter about the subject, just that he was confused what was happening when everything seemed fine.

"Margaery, I understand what you're trying to tell me, and I've grown close to you since being here together. Talisa is gone, she's not your competition anymore; she isn't ever coming back. If I didn't want you in my life, I certainly would have left long ago."

[thekittenqueen]

"I know you have. We have always been friends." She told him, her head leaning against her shoulder as she stared down at Little Robb. This wasn't something that she felt capable of expressing as much. The two of them had come so far, but was it even possible to turn back the clock?

"Competition is not something I think about, Robb."

[kingofthenorth]

Robb moves to where he's in her line of sight, face neutral, but serious, "I think of you more than just a friend." He had been thinking about it more and more recently, that he liked the small touches and gestures from her, his gaze lingered upon her longer than it properly should.

"I don't want to dwell on the thought that one day we might be separated." Not that he expected that day to come, but if he lost her, he honestly wasn't sure he'd pull through.

[thekittenqueen]

She reached out hesitantly, placing her hand against his cheek. It was the first real gesture of intimacy that she had given him in a long while. She was hesitant, still afraid of what his response would be, but she wanted to take the chance. To at least feel his skin beneath her hands again.

[kingofthenorth]

His hand covers her own, pressing it against his cheek. "I've thought it for a while now. You've always been so kind and considerate. I want to protect you and keep you safe; that's all I care about now. We're in this together."

Robb certainly hoped she shared the same feelings. He wasn't sure when exactly the turning point was for him, though he does recall fondly watching her in the kitchen late at night preparing future meals, or when she's helping him repair their house and the sweat rolling down her neck as she held things up for him to hammer down. There had certainly been more focus of attention towards her.

[thekittenqueen]

She didn't know what to say to that. Her feelings for him had always been deep, but she had been afraid for so long, so used to burying it deep. They hadn't been lovers for long, but when Talisa arrived, it had wounded Margaery. To open herself up again meant opening herself up for potential pain.

But maybe it was worth it? Robb had always been a good man and she cared for him very much. He was worth the pain.

She leaned in hesitantly and placed a tender kiss against his lips.

[kingofthenorth]

Robb barely moves initially except to close his eyes. It was the first time of such contact in over 3 years and it takes him a moment to respond, but he does, returning the kiss equally as hesitant and tender, letting her take lead in this. He certainly didn't want to scare her off, but wanted the freedom to explore this at the same time.

[thekittenqueen]

It feels natural, gentle. The surge of electricity familiar to her, though a memory that she had thought was gone forever. Her head tilting and her mouth opening slightly, allowing it to become deeper and a bit more passionate.

[kingofthenorth]

Recognizing the cues, he gladly complies, now slipping his fingers in her hair as the kiss deepened. It was starting to become more heated than the fire they sat by until a whine from little Robb made him break away, though his hand remained entwined with her hair. He's looking at Margary, though couldn't help to snort with laughter.

"I think he's jealous we've stopped petting him."

[thekittenqueen]

She smiled, turning to look back at Little Robb. Her hand returns to him, scratching his ears. The sound of hail was now distinctive from outside, the thunder coming more steadily and harsh. It was little wonder that he was nervous. The worst of it was only hitting them now.

"He isn't used to not having our complete attention."

[kingofthenorth]

"He'll have to wait, then." Robb couldn't help gently tugging Margaery back towards him, bringing her back in for another kiss, also taking note of the louder thunder and intense shaking of the walls from the storm.

He wasn't worried, knowing the house had suffered through worse before. They built it together from the foundation up, there was little doubt in Robb's mind that it wouldn't hold up.

[thekittenqueen]

She acquiesces to his tug, her lips returning to meet his own. The same intensity, the same passion as when he broke away. Her arms wrapping around him as she let herself go, no longer afraid to show him this side of her. It had been so long, but she had missed it.

[kingofthenorth]

He hadn't realized it, but he missed it too. He almost felt like a inexperienced child when she wraps her arms around him, the kiss returning to its heated fervor quickly, but he fell back into pattern with ease.

[thekittenqueen]

She murmured his name, their lips still close and hungry for the other. She takes a shaking breath, gripping his shoulders tightly as her mind seemed to blur from his attentions. It felt so natural, so right to be this way with him again, despite what her reason had told her. Her heart overrode that decision.

[kingofthenorth]

She wasn't alone in those sentiments, though he thought he assured her that moments before. When Talisa died again, he officially shut everything out of his life, except what was needed to be done to survive. He worked hard, made sure they were safe, and set up a life for themselves in this dusty place.

He hadn't regretted it, though he was starting to see his wall thawing out and a change of thoughts towards Margaery more and more recently. Robb was capable of loving and caring again, and if spending the last 3 years with her wasn't saying anything, then he didn't know what else could be said.

Coaxing her to sit in his lap, was certainly enough to make Robb realize he had missed this.

[thekittenqueen]

He didn't need to say anything more. His loyalty and steadfastness in staying by her side had said a great deal. If it hadn't been for him with her, she wouldn't have survived on her own. Having him with her had kept her sane and opened her heart again.

It was their time together that gave her reason to hope. Otherwise, she might not have dared to risk this again.

She followed his urging, giving a small whimper as she felt him beneath her.

[kingofthenorth]

His hands ghosted down her sides to her hips, stopping there as he held her closely. Breaking away from the kiss, he stops, making sure to meet her gaze as another crack of thunder made the walls shake around them.

For a moment, he realizes there will some damage around them outside after the storm, but at least the collection buckets should be filled abundantly. But that was currently the least of his concerns.

[thekittenqueen]

She almost didn't hear the thunder or feel the shaking of the walls. Her attention entirely focused on his body and the feeling of his hands at her side. She met his eyes, giving him a real smile as she leaned closer, slowly tracing the length of his neck with her lips. Her teeth coming out and grazing over his skin.

"Robb," she whispered his name again, her fingers tangling in his hair.

[kingofthenorth]

It's too late before he realizes it, but he's humming in pleasure as she kissed his neck and threaded fingers through his hair. It had been so long since he had been this intimate, he nearly didn't know what to do.

He pulls her hips more flush against him, hints of arousal was already starting to show under the fabric of his trousers as his fingers danced patterns along her back, upwards to tangle in her own hair, bringing her back for hungry kiss.

[thekittenqueen]

She moans against his mouth, finding herself instinctively rocking against him, pressing her hips more firmly against his own. It feels so good and so warm. The position familiar to her from when the ship froze, their desire so much more hungry and frenzied than before. It was so close to their first time, but much more urgent and eager, passion driving their actions.

Her breath husky, indicating how much she wanted and needed this. Even if there was fear deep in her heart.

[kingofthenorth]

His hands abandon her only to catch hers to bring to the buttons of his shirt, encouraging her to at least release him from the thick cotton garment.

The rocking of her pelvis against him only served to drive him wild, face flushing not only from the heat of the fire, but that of their bodies' desperation and need. In truth, Robb hadn't felt this alive in a while, and he couldn't think of anything else as he shrugged free from his shirt.

[thekittenqueen]

She took the hint, pulling the buttons free with trembling fingers. Her head spinning and cloudy, focusing only on the feel of his lips and the catches of his breath. The fire was almost becoming oppressive, but the heat was welcomed. The light burning as beautifully as the desire that seemed to heat their blood.

Her mouth broke away, showering his shoulders and torso with attention, nipping at each scar she encountered. Her tongue darting out to trace over him.