Chapter 7: The Lantern Festival of Oldtown (final)
Rating: M (for this chapter)
word count: 12.3k
Pairings:Maekar Targaryen x Reader (Y/N), Baelor Targaryen x OFC, Ser Duncan the Tall x Aerion Brightflame
Characters: Maekar Targaryen, OFC-Reader (Y/N), Baelor Targaryen, OFC/OC Jonquil, The Maekarlings, A few new OCs namely the handsome Briley, and mentions of Dyanna Dayne (RIP queen)
Tags: Modern!AU Maekar Targaryen, 18+/Explicit for the next chapter/s, MDNI, corporate baddie Maekar, age gap (reader is 29, turning 30; Maekar is 49), Reader is a WOC; what ethnicity or nationality, it’s up to you, But for me her faceclaim is Kim Molina (Filipina Actress); TW: mentions of blood
a/n: From the bottom of my heart, thank you for the love you have shown this humble fic. I can't express how much I love this fic, I just know I poured my soul into it. I stopped writing for some years now but when AKOT7K came by, I feel like I wanted to write and write again. This is the result of that and I can only hope that it brought joy to anyone who has read this. I love all of you, truly 🩷
4:55
Your eyes were glued on the digital clock by the office entrance and you’ve been waiting for quitting time. The day stretched out and you couldn’t just wait to go home. You were done with the reports and disbursement vouchers you reviewed from the bookkeepers and you have had enough paperwork for the day.
You tapped the screen of your phone to check if you have any messages or chats; what you saw from your phone lockscreen was the selfie you took with Daella, Egg, and Rhae as all of you sat by their TV Room. You remembered what movie you watched when that picture was taken–a Studio Ghibli film, Howl’s Moving Castle. That picture was actually cropped, and if anyone with a sharp eye can see… At the farthest corner, there is a hand peeking out in the picture. You ignored it from time to time, but this time you acknowledged it.
Maekar.
You didn’t want to think about it; you’ve ignored the feeling and you’re doing really well for a girl who’s just been hurt.
5:00
Finally, it was quitting time, you were free from the shackles of the corporate world and now you are free to enjoy the weekend. You logged out of the electronic time record that is on your PC; put away some of your things inside the drawer, and called it a day as you stretched out and yawned for a moment.
You closed your eyes and covered your forehead with your palms. You don’t know why but there are times that you would get some twisted sense of Déjà vu from time to time–that if you opened your eyes right then, you would see coffee and sandwiches in front of you… just like how Maekar bought you snacks then.
You sighed out loud and opened your eyes but there was nothing in front of you. Just memories you wished you had forgotten.
“Any plans tonight?” asked Briley, one of the new buddies you made there.
You shook your head. “Oh, I have to go home. My Mama’s making my favorite dish. Can’t miss that.”
Briley smiled at you; he was tall, the same age as you, and was very attractive. For the past three months that you’ve spent in the Oldtown offshoot, you’ve noticed him every once in a while and the things that he does–the way he leans closer when he talks to you, his eyes doing a not-so-subtle triangle method on your face, and when he tries to annoy the shit out of you. Even your new boss, Amabel, pointed out that Briley has been doing his best to get your attention, to which you would respond that you are not yet ready and that your career comes first.
“You’ll say yes someday,” teased Briley.
You shrugged, “Maybe.”
You said goodbye to everybody and got on the elevator and left the building. You looked back, it was a simple three storey building; unlike the mega skyscraper that you used to work at back in Kingslanding. They’ve asked you, time and time–why did you transfer to this offshoot, but you firmly answered them again that you want to be with your family. They cannot wrap their mind around the idea of you giving up the prestige and glamour of working in the main branch and working so close with the top bosses. Of course, you never tell them the true reason why, or else it might open old wounds you’ve carefully hidden.
You changed into a cotton shirt and a pair of leggings, then you got down to the ground floor and went to the bike parking; with your more than decent salary, you bought your own bike that you use to get to work and home, bought your Mama her most requested appliance, and a new phone for your baby Brother.
Biking across the Whispering Sound and seeing the scenic view of the bay during sunset, is the best way to destress from a long day of work. You knew that place like the back of your hand–you passed by the baywalk and into the markets filled with people, fresh produce coming in from The Arbor, and fish caught near Sunset Sea. You breezed through plazas that are decorated with the imagery of the Hightower, and you also passed by the university you went to, Greenhand University.
Your route home was easy because it’s all downhill. Your house was in a comfortable suburb situated downriver, near the Starry Sept. It has been your Mother’s greatest achievement, to have found a home for you and your Brother there in Oldtown.
“I’m home!” You sang as you entered the front door.
You could already smell the food that your mother was cooking and it whet your appetite.
“Ooh! Dinner looks good, Ma,” you beamed as you gave your Mother a kiss on the cheek.
“It’ll be ready in 10 minutes. Go set the table. Ask Kiko if he’s on his way home now.”
You took your phone out to chat with your baby brother.
Dinner’s ready in 10.
He immediately replied, I’m on a tram now. Wait, what 10? Hours? Days?
You snickered and you recorded a voice message, “10 Minutes, Kiko. Minutes.”
Your mother shot a behave you, two look from the kitchen; the same tactic you’ve picked up from her. Karina knew she had raised happy children, despite the past you and your family had run away from.
Your baby brother arrived and the table was set; he had bought a tasty dessert to eat later, and your mother was ecstatic but you kept reminding her of her blood sugar levels.
“It’s not like I eat a sugary dessert every day!” whined Karina.
You threw your hands up and said, “Ugh, it’s so hard to raise mothers these days!”
Kiko laughed from his seat and Karina playfully slapped your hand down.
“That’s my line!”
Even if it’s just the three of you, you can call that little house and that dining table a complete family. When your Mother and Brother fetched you from the airport, three months ago, you hugged them both tightly as you cried. They were the comfort you have been yearning for and your homesickness was immediately cured.
After that hearty dinner; you prepared for bed and had done your skincare routine and waited right before 8 o’clock, just in time for your nightly video call schedule. The beeping sound of a video call notification blared off from your phone and you quickly answered it. A blended voices of three kids greeted you,
“Hi!”
“Oh, my darlings! Hello!” you greeted back and you counted them on your phone screen.
“Okay, everyone’s present? Daella, Egg, Rhae?”
They chimed back, “Present!”
Every night, for three months now, and on the dot at 8 o’clock; the younger children of Maekar Targaryen call you through a video call. Tonight, they were all in Daella’s room and you can tell because it was all purple and posters of her favorite boyband hung on the wall.
“How’s dinner?” you asked.
Egg complained, “We had lamb and roasted brussel sprouts.”
Daella turned to him, “You didn’t like it?”
Egg held out a hand; he had some history with lambs when he was little.
“I don’t want to talk about it.”
The girls laughed at him, but Rhae declared,
“I liked it!”
You giggled through the call, “I’m sure you did, Rhae.”
Then you asked, “How’s school?”
Egg rolled around Daella’s bed. “I got A’s on Maths and Science!”
Rhae boasted, “I got A’s in English!”
Daella shyly mentioned, “Our team won the Soccer championship at school.”
All of you were surprised and Egg and Rhae rioted and cheered for their big sister. You felt your heart swell.
“Lala! Well done! I’m so proud of you, my love!” you cheered through the video call.
Daella smiled brightly. “Thank you. My teammates and I practiced so hard for the game.”
“What did your Kepa say?”
The kids went quiet when you asked that. Of course, you needed to know how Maekar reacted–not that you wanted to talk about him.
Daella looked away. “I haven’t told Kepa yet.”
Rhae tugged Egg’s arm, signalling to give you and Daella some privacy.
“Why not?”
Daella shrugged. “He doesn’t care.”
You groaned, “Daella.”
She looked away. “He wouldn’t care. These days all he cares about is work. He’s been pushing Lēkia to join him at work.”
You continued listening, at this point you knew who Daella was referring to and it’s Daeron.
“Kepa said Lēkia’s Engineering degree should be put to use.”
You shook your head. You knew this was going to happen. But you never gauged how bad it would go.
“Maybe try telling him over dinner? That your team won?”
Daella’s eyes met yours; you can see the loneliness in those lilac eyes, she was too precocious for her own good and she sees right through her family’s situation. If you could, you would hug her and tell her that it’s going to be alright–but you are one and a thousand miles away from her.
Daella sighed, “He won’t care. I just know.”
She tried to smile but you didn’t. Your heart was being squeezed in as you stared at Daella. Good thing, the kittens came inside Daella’s room and climbed up her bed.
“The kitties! Oh they’re turning into cats now!” You gushed as Daella presented you with the kitten of her namesake.
Egg and Rhae came back for the call and it went for two hours. When you noticed them nodding off, you told them that they could end the call and sleep. At the very end, the kids insisted they are not sleepy, but you know better and you ended the call with sending them virtual kisses and hugs.
“We miss you, Mama,” whined Rhae.
Rhae has called you that ever since you left and you won’t deny that it pulls all your heartstrings whenever Rhae would say that.
“I miss you all so, so much!”
The call ended and you plugged your phone in for charging. That was your nightly routine and you would spend it with them rather than go on a night out.
You laid your head down on your pillow and out of curiosity, you opened the group chat that you and Maekar’s children are in. Daella made the group chat and she added her elder brothers in it, though Daeron and Aerion never send anything, they only lurk and leave the chats on read.
Egg sent a cluster of photos and you tapped open those photos.
Of course, it was the weekly update on the kittens–even those kittens that went to Matarys. As you swiped through the photos, your thumb stopped and hovered over one photo… It was a photo of Maekar in the master bedroom. He had his glasses on and he was reading from a tablet while on the bed, but he was surrounded by the kittens and Dy, the momma cat, laid down in a loaf position on his lap.
Your heart melted and you felt your blood rush to your head. Three months is not enough to forget about Maekar Targaryen.
You heard a knock on your open door that made you fumble the hold on your phone. It was your Mother.
“You’re done with the call?” beamed Karina.
You nodded, your Mother let herself in and sat on your bedside.
“How are the kids?”
You replied happily, “They’re fine. They’re doing good in school and that’s all that matters.”
Karina sighed, but she smiled at you, “You’ve built a wonderful bond with them and I love that. It’s like I have grandkids already.”
“I miss them so much, Mama,” you mewled as you laid your head down on your Mother’s lap.
“You miss them or you miss their Daddy?”
You looked up at your Mother. When you came home, you immediately told her about Maekar, because she would find out eventually. She knows the heartbreak you have been through and you were glad that she was with you through it all or you would’ve not moved on.
“Just the kids. They’re a wonderful rambunctious bunch. I miss their brothers, too. Though I know Daeron and Aerion don't miss me.”
Your Mother smoothened your hair with her hand. “But how long will you keep this routine with them? They will grow up eventually, they will lose contact with you when they become busy in school or with their own life… What then?”
Now you sat up on the bed. “What are you trying to say, Mama?”
She regarded you tenderly. “This is no way to live. It’s not fair to them.”
You threw your hands up. “I don’t get it, what would you have me do?”
Karina scooted closer towards you. “What I want you to do is to not follow in my footsteps. I dragged you and Kiko all the way here in Oldtown, so that we may begin a new life and live far away from your Father.”
You agreed, “Yeah, and look at us now. We’re thriving!”
She laid a gentle hand on your shoulder. “I did that to protect you and Kiko. You are not protecting those kids–you are protecting yourself.”
You exhaled deeply and looked away. Your Mother has a mild way with things, but she is constantly truthful.
“You have avoided love so much… don’t do it this time,” cooed Karina, then she pointed at you, “Don’t copy what I did, or I’ll sue you.”
She tried to joke but your cast gaze down because if you meet your Mother’s gaze, you will break down.
You only nodded, but when your Mother left the room, your tears started to fall. You haven’t cried for Maekar for a week now, but there you go again, crying for the man who told you he never wanted to see you ever again.
“Fuck this, my moisturizer is ruined,” you sobbed into your pillow.
You had been doing okay and you have not thought of Maekar at all, but there was something today that reminded you of him. You were in your feelings and now, every little thing that you know and remember about him, came crashing down at that moment. You miss him; his face, his hands, the way he embraced you, his outbursts and sass, his tough love, his indigo eyes in the morning light–it all came back to you.
You stood from your bed and went to open your cabinet at the end of the room, you lifted all your folded t-shirts and found the rose you kept from the first bouquet Maekar bought for you–it was pressed against the flower presser that you bought and the rose has turned brown, but it was still there. All this time, you have hidden it from plain sight because if you put it on display in your room, you will never be able to move on.
But you can’t permit yourself to be vulnerable again. You’re done with it all and you have to live your life separate from his life.
But that would prove to be a difficult task when on Monday; Amabel sent a chat as a reminder to the whole accounting department.
Hello, everyone!
The founding anniversary of our Oldtown office is on Thursday. The allocated budget for the lunch has been used for the catering services.
But as you read on, you almost fell off your seat when…
We will have a special guest that will inspect the development of the aircraft designing and production–one of the top bosses from Kingslanding, M. Targaryen.
“Fuck no…”
The hairs on the back of your neck stood and you felt a chill run down your whole body.
Maekar? Fucking seven hells. This cannot be happening! Not now when I’ve moved on!
Your brain ran more than ten possibilities that could happen on Thursday, and it didn’t involve you seeing him again. You will avoid him like your life depends on it and if you must pull all the stops, you will. So, you stood from your cubicle and gently knocked on Amabel’s office door.
“Hello, Mrs. Redwyne,” you greeted Amabel.
Amabel, a plump little woman, swung her chair to look at you. She snickered and corrected you, “Amabel, please.”
“Have a seat,” offered Amabel.
You sat at the chair in front of her desk and sang your piece.
“Uhm, I’m just wondering if I could file leave on Thursday? There’s an emergency at home and I really need to be there.”
Amabel looked up from the paperwork on her desk. “Why?”
You answered, “I have a... uhm...” then you lost the alibi you were about to tell Amabel.
But she insisted, “Thursday’s the Office Anniversary. There will be food and we’ll be idle for the better part of the day.”
You shifted on your seat and smiled uneasily. “Well...”
She chuckled, “This is your chance to mingle with us. For us to get to know you more. So you could get to know Briley more.”
That made you laugh nervously. But Amabel convinced you,
“It will be fun. Trust me.”
But it will be a nightmare for me.
Through Monday up to Wednesday, you dreaded the Office Anniversary. What would you say to Maekar when you see him again? Would he even talk to you when you see each other again? And why did he come to Oldtown? Or did Baelor put him up to it? The question swirled and dazed you that the days went on like a blur. You badly wanted to ask Amabel if there is a way to avoid the special guest, but that would give too much away on how well you knew Maekar Targaryen.
You were about to ask the kids if their Kepa is going to travel sometime soon; but if you did ask, they might get excited that you are asking for their Dad. Trapped between a rock and a hard place and all you could do was wait till Thursday.
Thursday morning, you were absolutely fussing and restless that you almost forgot to put on the lock on your bike.
You’ll get through this. Just hide if he ever sees you.
As if that would be an effective way to avoid Maekar. When you got in, the events hall on the ground floor was being prepared for the brief programme for the Anniversary. One of your teammates asked you if you could help with the decorations and you obliged, but you first changed into your office clothes. You were distracted by cutting and folding paper flowers and hanging them by the backdrop of the stage, and that was good because your mind would just think about what would happen later if you see Maekar.
Then, you heard one of your coworkers say, “He’s here! Mr. Targaryen!”
Your heart lurched and leapt as soon as you heard that.
You subtly asked, “Where is he now, exactly?”
“Amabel’s office.”
Your team leader who made you cut paper flowers ordered all of you. “We have to wrap this up, guys. The programme will start in thirty minutes.”
You finished the paper flowers you were working on; you thought you would make yourself scarce the moment the programme starts. To really hide, you chose the break room, but Briley was there, making a cup of coffee.
“Hey,” chimed Briley.
“Hi,” you awkwardly replied.
“Want some coffee?” he offered.
You shook your head, “No, thanks.”
He joked, “You seem jittery already, it’s rude to offer you coffee.”
You chuckled nervously, but Briley stood next to you.
“Listen... tomorrow’s the Lantern Festival. I was hoping if... you wanted to go out? “
You almost forgot that the biggest festival in Oldtown is tomorrow. It was a festival that celebrated the burning fires of the Hightower at Battle Isle. Of course, the current governor of the Reach, Leo Tyrell, would light up the first floating lantern, as per tradition.
You were about to answer, when your nosey coworker, Barba, saw you together in the break room—alone.
“Hey, lovebirds! The programme’s about to start! Amabel says everyone is required to attend!”
You had no choice, unless you want to be part of the office romance rumor mill once again and this time with Briley. So you went to the programme. The seats were all filled out, so you and Briley chose to stand at the back. You felt like you were about to puke and shit yourself at the same time from the nerves. Your heart hammered in your chest that it could’ve killed you right then.
Amabel got on the dais and spoke up, “Hello, Happy Anniversary to KC-Oldtown! Is everyone excited for the day?”
All cheered but you, because you were about to lose your shit in a few moments.
Amabel then continued, “Now, let’s welcome one of our CEOs for a rousing speech. He came all the way from Kingslanding and I would love you all to give a big hand to the PCEO of Kingslanding Corp and Head of Corporate Services...”
You looked up and your eyes searched around the stage, and you breathed a huge sigh of relief when Amabel announced it.
“Give a warm round of applause for Mr. Baelor Targaryen!”
“Mother’s tits!” you sighed as you slumped against the wall behind you.
Good thing Briley didn’t notice you, but you were just thankful that it was not the Mr. Targaryen you expected; it was just Baelor.
Baelor chuckled, "I knew you were expecting my brother, Maekar, but unfortunately you are stuck with me."
He alluded to the announcement that Amabel made, then she laughed,
"It was a typo! Sorry, Baelor!"
He took over the dais, and you noticed that Jonquil sat behind him on the seats provided for the guests. You didn’t see Maekar, but it hit you just as bad because your best friend was just there, sitting across the hall from you. Ever since you came home to Oldtown, Jonquil blocked you on her socials and cut off any form of communication with you.
“Jonie,” you whispered.
Briley saw you look helpless, so he asked, “You know that blonde woman?”
You smiled bitterly. “That’s my best friend.”
“Oh, that’s nice then.”
Baelor gave a speech about the resiliency of the Oldtown offshoot and its dedication to produce quality aircraft and engines. You’ve noticed that Baelor saw you from the back and so did Jonquil, but you tried not to stare at any of them for too long.
After Baelor’s speech, there was a special video presentation of the previous year’s achievements; then awarding and recognition of Best Employees and Best in Attendance. Baelor congratulated everyone who won an award and thanked them. The buffet opened and everybody got in line. You didn’t get on because you were too nervous to eat. But in the middle of the chaotic line for lunch, Amabel found you.
“Hey, Mr. Targaryen and his secretary are outside. He says you two are good friends and that he wants to talk to you?”
You nodded in response; the nerves came back and it felt like a vise around your neck.
Amabel pointed out, “They’re in the garden.”
“Thanks, Amabel.”
You made your way to the garden situated just near the car parking. You felt a vein was pulsating on your temples from the anticipation. What would you say to them? Would Jonquil acknowledge you? Or what if Baelor berates you for leaving his beloved brother?
When you got out, Baelor stood, he called out for your name, and quickly hugged you.
“We missed you!”
You were frozen in place as Baelor also kissed you on the cheek.
“What? You missed… me?”
“We did! Right, darling?” Baelor turned to Jonquil but she didn’t say anything.
Baelor touched your hair, “And you cut your hair!”
You shyly touched it too, then Baelor led you closer to the lounge seats in the middle of the garden.
“Here, take a seat.”
Baelor made you sit across them; you felt Jonquil’s eyes bore on you. She looked beautiful and glowing, you missed her so much, and you wanted to hug her and tell her everything that has happened to you for the past months. But there was an invisible wall separating you and her, that you couldn’t get through. Baelor had to be the mediator, as always.
Baelor started, “How are you? How’s Oldtown treating you?”
You tucked a stray hair behind your ear. “It’s awesome. I love it here because, yeah, I grew up here.”
Baelor chuckled, “That’s good.”
His hand then touched Jonquil’s.
“It’s nice that you are still together,” you noted.
“And going strong,” beamed Baelor.
They looked at each other and Jonquil smiled at him.
“How’s everyone back at Kingslanding?” you asked.
This time, Jonquil finally snapped, “Maekar’s not okay. All thanks to you.”
You would’ve accepted it if Jonquil slapped you in the face, but her words hurt–meant to exact damage. As gentle as she was, Jonquil was a different person when she’s angry.
“Jonie…” mumbled Baelor.
“No, why are we pretending that she didn’t hurt us too?” Then she faced you and made sure her words stung. “What kind of a friend are you?”
Your gaze lowered to your clasped hands. No words came out of you
Baelor scooted closer to Jonquil and put his arm around her shoulder.
Jonquil spat, “Nothing to say? Not even a reason why you just suddenly left?”
You looked away. You didn’t want to tell them about the contract, but you heard from Jonquil that Maekar was not doing well. If you tell them, it will open a can of worms that you are not ready to deal with yet. If you don't, Jonquil will hate you and you will lose a friend, forever.
Baelor spoke up, “It’s true. Maek’s not doing well. When you left, he fired eight assistants in a span of two weeks. Thank gods Lysanne came back from her maternity leave,” he squinted because of the sunlight hitting his face, “Maekar has started drinking again, though he hides it, but I noticed. This only happened when...”
He looked at you and then gestured to nothing, “When Dyanna died.”
You were trying to hold it together; you didn’t want to cry today, or be emotional, but the more Baelor and Jonquil told you of what transpired in Kingslanding for the past three months, the more it pulled your heart apart.
You bravely replied, “I can’t tell you why I left. I’m sorry... And if you’re going to ask me to come back—I’m never coming back because I can’t leave my family.”
Baelor smiled sadly, his smile lines showing. “We knew you’d say that.”
He pressed something on his phone, and it looked like he had sent a message. After a few moments; they heard high-heeled shoes clacking against the cobbled way of the gardens. All of you looked back and saw a woman and a man approaching. You never thought you would see the day that Princess Daenerys of Dorne and the legendary Bloodraven, had teamed up to talk you down.
Daeny looked her best; she wore the Targaryen colors of red and black, with killer high heels to match. While Bloodraven wore an expensive suit, but in white and red.
“What the fuck?” you muttered under your breath.
All of you stood to curtsy and Baelor was about to give a proper nod at his Aunt Daeny, but Daeny shouted,
“No, no! We’re not in Dorne, I’m not royalty when I’m not in Sunspear. Sit your arses down!”
You, Baelor, and Jonquil sat down again, while Uncle Brynden pulled a chair for Daeny and they sat next to Baelor, but all of them faced you. You didn’t know that you will be facing judgement today.
You turned to Uncle Brynden, “I get why Daeny is here, but why are you here, Uncle Brynden?”
Uncle Brynden crossed his arms on his chest, “I’m Daeny’s bodyguard and Daerry’s representative. You broke my nephew’s heart and we deserve to know why.”
“Talk. Now,” demanded Daeny.
There was no escape, you would have to tell them everything.
You sighed out loud and started with, “Almost five months ago… I had a crush,” you pointed at Jonquil, “J knows this–I had the biggest crush on Maekar.”
You placed your elbows on the table and steepled your hands together and continued, “While we were on Ashford Meadow for the teambuilding–I drunkenly decided to make a move on Maekar. I went to his cabin, but I didn't get to do it with him because I passed out drunk. The next morning, everybody saw me leave his cabin and before we know it, gossip had spread that Maekar and I fucked.”
They listened intently, but you asked for their patience, “I’m getting to a point, just wait and listen.”
You breathed out, “Maekar wrote out a contract and we came to an agreement… We will pretend to date for three weeks to quell the rumors, to please Daerry, and to elevate Maekar’s reputation.
“And in exchange, I get this promotion here in Oldtown.”
Baelor and Daeny exchanged looks, but Jonquil glared at you. Uncle Brynden stared blankly into nothing.
“We had to show people we were so madly in love, that the sexual tension was very high… Then Daerry’s 80th birthday came up, he brought me as his plus one. We… We, uhm… Made out, very passionately,” then you cleared your throat, but you continued, “Then we discovered that… we were truly attracted to each other.”
Your chest tightened as you recalled it, “That attraction grew, three weeks extended to a month… we fought, we made up, but ultimately, I left after the contract expired.”
You sank back to your chair and exhaled slowly.
“And now we’re here.”
Baelor echoed, “Now we’re here.”
Jonquil finally figured it out. “That’s why the first time you and Maekar had sex was in the Water Gardens.”
Uncle Brynden crossed his legs and he seemed agitated. “Sorry. Time and place.”
You answered Jonquil, “Yes.”
“And you never told me anything.”
You looked down, but you muttered, “I’m so sorry, J.”
Daeny threw her hands up, “Now what? Boohoo, the contract ended!” she sputtered and blurted out, “Who are you fucking kidding? You said so yourself, you and Maekar have feelings for each other!”
“It’s not that easy, Daeny.”
Baelor now joined in, “It is that easy. You do love Maekar, right?”
Uncle Brynden sneered, “No, she doesn’t! If she did she would’ve never left Maekar!”
The three of them went back and forth, each of them had opposing ideas; but you and Jonquil stared at each other.
Jonquil spoke through the buzz, “Why won’t you come back?”
Everyone went quiet to listen to what you had to say.
“Because Maekar said it himself… he doesn’t want to see me ever again. If he did, he should be the one here–” you pressed your pointer finger on the coffee table before you, “Asking for me to come back.”
Your tears finally fell, as you silently declared, “Where is he, huh? How would I know if he really cares for me when he’s not here to say it personally?”
You sobbed but you tried to keep yourself composed. “Why are you all here and he’s not? If that’s love, then I don’t want it.”
Baelor let his head hang low. “Maekar has no idea this conversation is taking place. We are intervening on his behalf.”
Daeny reached out to touch you. “We are asking you to reach out to him. Because gods know we can’t and he won’t let us.”
You shook your head and scoffed, “I’m sorry if this time I want to choose myself… I’m sorry if this time I want to love myself!”
Everybody went silent after you said that. No one can convince you to come back because Maekar had put an end to it. The fight was over before you could even do anything about it.
Your eyes wandered and saw that Jonquil was wearing a ring with rubies and pearls… but you also noticed the bump on Jonquil’s dress. You met her gaze and you understood immediately.
“Oh… Congratulations on you both, though… with the engagement and the baby.”
Baelor's brows furrowed. “How…?”
You chuckled weakly, “I have eyes and I can see that ring… and that bump on her dress.”
You held your hand up and looked at Jonquil, “And no, I’m not stalking you on your socials–can’t do that, you blocked me.”
Jonquil placed a hand near her navel and showed off her pregnant belly.
You laughed, bitterly now, “And I don’t expect an invite. Why should I? You’ve flushed me out of your life, J.”
You stood and left that conversation. No one stopped you, but you wished they did. They were your friends too, even Uncle Brynden. But it was best to burn that bridge when there’s no use in keeping it.
When you went back, the air conditioning blew on your head and it made you dizzy. Briley saw you across the hall and waved at you. But your surroundings suddenly became blurry and you felt like you were sleepy.
The next thing you heard was a woman screaming as you fell on the tiled floor of the hall.
Oh, she’s opening her eyes now.
A small flashlight was being held out on your face as your eyes fluttered open.
“Hey, there. You fainted earlier.” The clinic nurse told you as she examined you.
“You look a little pale,” then the nurse turned to Briley and Amabel who you assume have brought you to the clinic, “Did she eat earlier?”
Briley answered, “I didn’t see her get on the queue for the buffet.”
The nurse took note of that, then the doctor came in and the nurse relayed that you haven’t eaten yet. You touched your forehead and you felt that you were still dizzy.
“It must be because you have low iron levels, but it’s not safe to assume,” the doctor assessed as he listed down things on his prescription pad.
He tore it off and gave it to you, “For now we can give you paracetamol. But you have to go to a separate clinic to have your blood taken for testing.”
You insisted, “No, I’m okay.”
Then Amabel asserted, “No, you can have the rest of the day off. Go to the clinic accredited with the company health card.”
“O-Okay…” then you took the prescription.
Briley offered to go with you, but you declined.
“No. It’s too much, thanks for your help anyway, Briley. I’ll be okay,” you assured him as you touched his arm.
Both you and Amabel noticed how he got flustered after you touched his arm.
You did as you were told and went to the accredited clinic for Kingslanding Corp., just a few blocks away from the building you worked on. A medtech received you when you gave them the prescription and you told them that you are going to use a healthcard. The medtech made you sit at the back of the receiving area where the specimens are usually taken.
She asked you a few questions, then tied your upper arm with an elastic band, rubbed an alcohol-loaded cotton ball at the crook of your arm to draw out some blood.
“Deep breaths, please.”
Your deep breath went with the motion of the sharp needle burying on your arm. The medtech took a vial of your blood and when it was done, you asked her what tests are they going to do.
“Like your doctor wrote here, uhm–RBC, WBC, platelet, hematocrit… and a Pregnancy test.”
“A what now?” your voice raised.
The medtech insisted, “It’s here. Your doctor had to make sure, I guess.”
You were done stressing with seeing Maekar again, and now you were about to be more stressed out.
When was the last time I had my period? I have regular periods…
You mentally counted and you’ve only realized that you are late. Then you remembered last month that your period only lasted a day and it was all just brown spots. You heard from a coworker, who just gave birth, that it’s normal for pregnant women to have spotting at earlier stages of pregnancy.
Holy shit. Shit. Fuck. Am I pregnant?
You touched your belly. It was way too early to tell; there’s no other candidate for your possible baby daddy and it’s Maekar.
The medtech saw you worrying, but she maintained professionalism.
“Anyway, just fill out the e-forms on the cashier section. The results would be sent to you by email.”
You asked, “When?”
“Maybe tonight, hopefully.”
You nodded and stood, “Thank you.”
You left the medtech at her station and went to the cashier to fill out e-forms. The cashier reminded you that your result will be sent to you later tonight and the payment for the bloodwork would be shouldered by your company’s health card. You filled out the e-form and it asked you to input a password for the PDF file that will contain your test results.
When you were done, you got out of the clinic and walked with your bike. Instead of going to your usual path home, you went to the baywalk where one could see the entirety of the Whispering Sound. You stayed there as you watched the sunset. You sent a text to your mother that you will be home late.
You watched the horizon turn from a pale blue to pastel oranges and pinks. Again, you looked down on your belly. You tried to feel what was going on inside your womb. For three months, you ignored your own health and you regretted it because there is possibly life growing inside you.
You tried to talk to it, “Hey, If you are there… growing inside me… I just want to let you know that you are in for some bad news, buddy,” you tried to joke but a tear fell from your eye.
“You’re going to have to grow up without a Dad. But don’t worry… You’ll have the sweetest and most caring Grandma and the coolest Uncle ever,” you gently tapped your belly, “So that’s not so lonely, yeah?”
Now, you are fully crying as you watch the clouds pass by the fading light of the sun.
“We’re going to be okay, you and I. But you have to bear with me, you hear me, bud?” You chuckled weakly, “Heh, bud… For now, I’ll call you Bud.”
There’s no test results yet, but you already assumed the possibility, because the signs were showing. If you need to, you will be strong for the both of you. No need to bring the Dad into the picture, you can do it by yourself.
Maekar has enough children to worry about; you can worry about this one he has given you. End of story. You will live out your life caring for the child he gave you and you will be happy.
I have to be. What else am I going to do?
It was past 11 o’clock and the whole house was dark. Maekar tried not to stumble on his way to his bedroom; he had a few glasses of whisky and it was enough to numb his senses. It was the weekend and it was alright to sleep late and he has every right to drink himself to sleep.
He passed by Rhae’s door, but he stopped when he saw it was ajar. Maekar peeked through the small crack and saw Rhae had fallen asleep with her phone in her hand. He went in to tuck her in properly, but he saw what Rhae was looking at her phone.
It was a group chat–he was in no way trying to invade his daughter’s privacy but he can look if it’s about his concern on who Rhae talks to on the internet. He took her phone and looked at the group chat… it was too late when he realized that it was their group chat with…
Maekar had scrolled down and saw a cluster of photos that were sent to the chat and then he read who sent it… It was her.
The caption read, had a fun time at Honeywine
He shouldn’t but Maekar swiped right to see the photos and all he saw was her. It has been three months since the last time he saw her and to see a photo of her now while he’s drunk was enough to send him over the edge. But he calmed down and took one last look at the photo.
She had a haircut; she chopped off her long hair. Maekar won’t deny that she still looked beautiful with short hair. Finally, he locked it and placed it down the nightstand next to Rhae. He tucked Rhae in and kissed her on the forehead before he closed the door behind him.
Maekar went to his room and laid down on the bed. No amount of liquor can numb the pain he had been trying to suppress, no one can put him back together again; when she took that transfer memo with her and left, his heart broke into pieces again. He tried to keep everything in place–his children who are missing her terribly; the job she left that could not be done by anyone, but only by her and Lysanne; and the bond she made with her family. But it was not enough; slowly, everything was starting to break off and lose its hold. He no longer knows what to do, but to drink in secret and drown out his sorrows.
Another work week came and it was just the same for Maekar. But one morning, he stumbled upon a large paper bag in his closet. He poked through the contents of the bag and saw a folded red satin gown and shoes with red soles. It was not Dyanna’s, it was hers.
His hands felt the smooth fabric against his fingers. He couldn’t help himself, he brought the gown close to his face and smelled the leftover perfume by the neckline of the gown. It still smelled like her and he felt pathetic for doing that. Maekar closed his eyes and tried to focus, he had to go to work.
It was the same day as any day; Lysanne had come back, though she juggles being a mother and a secretary. During lunch break, Maekar had a visitor–Baelor.
“Hey.” greeted Baelor as he got inside Maekar’s office.
“Brother.”
Baelor sat on the sofa in front of Maekar’s desk. Maekar tried not to get distracted with the memory that sofa held and focused on why Baelor was there.
“Listen… Jonie and I are going to the Oldtown office on Thursday for their founding anniversary. Maybe you’d like to join us?”
Maekar grumbled, “Fuck no.”
Baelor was about to speak again, but Maekar silenced him.
“I know what you are doing, Baelor.”
Baelor shook his head and answered, “What am I doing, then?”
Maekar looked away and into the windows of his office. “You’re not as smart as you think you are. And you can’t fix everything you deem needs fixing.”
Baelor sighed and looked down on his steepled hands.
“She’s not coming back. I don’t expect her to,” mumbled Maekar.
Baelor stood from the sofa and smiled at Maekar.
“Then if not for her, do it for us. We can help you get through this… this pain. Maekar, you have to let us in, till you can help yourself.”
Maekar looked up at Baelor. “I don’t need help.”
Baelor was frustrated with how the conversation went, so he left without saying goodbye. Maekar noticed that Lysanne stopped him before Baelor went back to his own office. He noticed how worried they were for him. It was annoying. Like he is some child that needs to be guided or to be treated gently. If he dies this way, with a broken heart and a melancholic mind, then so be it.
The days went painfully slow, Thursday came. By 4 o’clock, Lysanne received an email which looked different from the common emails that she had ever received.
It read first as,
Dear Ms. Dayne,
Lysanne muttered under breath, “What are you talking about? I’m a Lannister now.”
She continued reading,
Please see the attached PDF File for the Test Results of Ms.--
Lysanne’s eyes widened when she read,
WBC, RBC, Hematocrit, Platelet, and Pregnancy Test.
She read on and figured it out–the health card services had mistakenly sent her previous assistant’s Test Results to her, thinking she still works there at the Kingslanding Office. But her eyes darted towards Maekar when she read the pregnancy test part of the email again.
Lysanne tried to open the PDF File but it was password protected.
“He probably knows the password.”
Lysanne forwarded the email to Maekar and knocked on his office door.
“Maekar? Have you seen the email I forwarded you?”
Maekar haven’t yet, so he opened his emails and read the highlighted email that Lysanne forwarded.
She saw how Maekar’s eyes also widened at the pregnancy test part of the email.
Lysanne declared, “It was mistakenly sent to me. The health card probably didn’t know that she transferred to Oldtown now.”
Maekar tried to look unbothered. “Then forward it to her. I don’t care.”
Lysanne wanted to stir the pot. “Maybe you know what’s the password to the PDF File?”
Maekar’s head whipped fast towards Lysanne’s direction. “How would I know that?”
Lysanne chuckled darkly and put her hands on her waist.
“You think I have no idea what happened while I was away?” she scoffed, as she paced around, “Weren’t you the one who asked for her? To be trained as my assistant and eventually become your secretary?”
Maekar side-eyed her. “That is irrelevant now!” he added, “As your boss, I am ordering you to forward it to her.”
Lysanne lost it and she yelled at Maekar, “Maekar, for crone’s sake! I am still your good sister and I can’t stand to see what is happening to you!”
Maekar now glared at Lysanne. “You have no idea what is happening to me, Lysi.”
Lysanne slammed a hand on Maekar’s desk. “Have you seen the list of tests on the email? The last part–pregnancy test, hm? Doesn’t that mean anything to you?”
Maekar yelled back, “If she needs me for child support, she should call!”
“Oh shut up!” then Lysanne leered down on Maekar, “Are you going to be a pussy and let her go? Or are you going to be a man and come get your woman?”
Lysanne reiterated, “I was too young then, but I saw how you moved heaven and earth for my sister… She’s gone, there’s no fixing that. But there–” she pointed at the email, “She’s alive and breathing and she’s probably confused right now… but you won’t do anything for her?”
Maekar looked back at the email and read that part again that said pregnancy test. Was that a sign for Maekar Targaryen?
You have refreshed your email for the nth time now, looked in the spam folder, and even emailed the clinic; your Test Result wasn’t there. You have emailed the health card office if they have any idea where your test results are, but they have not replied for a day now.
The day was almost ending and you have been worried to death that you’ll never find out the result. Then Briley came over to your desk.
“Hey, you alright?
“Oh. I’m fine. Just… waiting for the test results. They haven’t sent it yet. Maybe they’ll send it tomorrow.”
Briley leaned closer and you smelled his cologne.
Now he’s being bold.
“Let’s hope so… Anyway, are you still in for tonight?”
You tilted your head and remembered what he was talking about.
“Oh, the Lantern Festival? Uhm, would it just be the two of us?”
Briley was flushed red and shook his head. “No! Gods no! Amabel and the rest of the team are coming with us.”
Briley chuckled nervously, he was so sweet. Maybe tonight you’d give him a chance. It’s been three months, maybe it’s time to look for someone else. And how could you not set your sights on Briley? His brown eyes and slightly crooked teeth are cute and you heard that he’s a decent man.
“Great! Then I’m coming. It would be a bummer to miss out on the festival.”
Briley was ecstatic but he tried to be calm and cool after. Maybe you’d give yourself a chance to be happy this time. If you are really pregnant, then you would give your child a chance to be happy. You will love that child and treasure him above all things.
Once the clock struck five, all of you got ready for the festival. Briley has booked a barge ride by the Honeywine so everyone can watch the floating lanterns. You were about to ride with Barba’s car, but she insisted you went with Briley, and how convenient it is that the front passenger seat was available for you in Briley's car. You were not alone, though, Amabel and the new intern rode with you.
Why do I get the feeling that this was supposed to be a date?
You talked to Amabel and the intern, Rhaeva, about seeing the lanterns. Then you remembered, the kids would love to see the floating lanterns during the video call.
Amabel suddenly asked you, “So… Some people were wondering if you’re single.”
You looked back and forth at Amabel and at Briley, who looked nervous.
“Some people? Amy, who are those people asking if I’m single?” you teased.
Briley was quiet, but Rhaeva was sniggering like a fool.
“Just answer the question!”
You chuckled, “I am single right now.”
Then a follow up question came through. “Any ex-boyfriends?”
You looked forward and saw the road ahead. You weren’t sure if you should count Maekar as an ex, when the two of you never dated. But you did, only it was a fake relationship.
“Uhm… I did, I had ex-boyfriends before.”
Rhaeva now asked, “Did you leave someone at Kingslanding?”
You sighed, how timely was that question. But you answered her, “Well, it was not serious, so no love lost there, I guess.”
Briley had a small smile on his lips and you smiled too.
Meanwhile, a red sportscar parked in front of the Oldtown Office of Kingslanding Corp. The security guard was about to scold the car owner for parking his car in front of the entrance, but the driver side door opened and a man in a black suit came out. The security guard recognized him by hair alone.
“Uhm… Mr. Targaryen?”
Maekar looked frantic and seemed like he hadn't got an hour of sleep. He mentioned a name that the security guard recognized.
“Is she still inside the building?” asked Maekar, in desperation.
“Oh, they’ve gone during quitting time. She went with Mrs. Redwyne and the rest of her officemates to the festival by the Honeywine.”
Maekar thanked the security guard and left the office and drove hard. He listened this time to Lysanne. He will be a man and he will get his woman, by hook or by crook.
It was sundown when Maekar finally reached the southern mouth of the Honeywine where the barges are. There was no parking left near the barges, so he was forced to park at the other side where he would have to walk a mile. He didn’t mind, if he had to face an army to get to her, he would do it. He just needs to talk to her and tell her… Well, that’s the part that Maekar hasn’t prepared for yet.
The river banks were dotted everywhere with people who were celebrating the foundation day of Oldtown. There were people who were painting their lanterns; food stalls littered the roads of the river banks, while families were gathered anywhere in the area.
It was chaos, it was like searching for a needle in a haystack–so Maekar took his phone out and dialled her phone number that he never deleted from his phone. He was answered with a busy tone.
“Godsdamned it!” cursed Maekar.
Then out of nowhere, he saw the barges were now being loaded with people… in the middle of the crowd, he finally saw her.
He called out for her name but she couldn’t hear as she was talking and laughing with her coworkers. But Maekar noticed that a tall man was standing too close to her. His jaws tensed, how dare he stand next to her?
Maekar was about to board the barge when the ticketing officer stopped him.
“Uhm, sir? Tickets, please? You cannot go in if you don’t have a ticket.”
Maekar exhaled through his nose and he took out his wallet and gave five bills of golden dragons to the man.
“Keep the change.”
The ticketing officer was not able to speak, instead he pocketed the golden dragons and let Maekar in. Once again, she disappeared from his sight and Maekar was desperately looking again.
The river banks of Honeywine were filled with lights and wonderful flower displays. It was truly a wonderful view to take in and you wished that Daella, Egg, and Rhae were there to see it personally.
So you called them, even though it wasn’t 8 o’clock yet.
The kids were excited to see you and you greeted them happily and showed them the festival.
“That looks awesome! Do they have a dragon display?” asked Egg that made Daella roll her eyes.
“The flowers! So pretty!” exclaimed Rhae.
Briley stood beside you and was surprised that you were talking to children.
“I was friends with their Dad,” you explained.
Briley looked skeptical at first, but he smiled and greeted them. “Hello, kids!”
Then Amabel and Barba called for Briley to take a picture of them so he went to them. You saw that Rhae was squinting through the screen, then she pointed out,
“Wait… is that… Kepa?”
“W-What?” you breathed.
You turned around and you thought you were dreaming… He looked breathless and distressed, his perfectly combed over hair was disheveled and he looked so desperate.
“M-Maekar?!”
You ended the video call with the kids and you saw Maekar approach you. Your breath hitched and you blinked so many times because you had to be sure that it was really him.
He held out his phone and showed you the test results that you have been waiting for the whole day.
“Open it.”
Your shock was quickly replaced with irritation and you sassed at him, “Wait, wait! You came all the way from Kingslanding… just for me to open my test results?”
Maekar glared at you and his jaws tensed.
You chuffed, “Just that? Not even a how are you? Or maybe a nice to see you again? Wow… Classic Maekar,” then you shrugged.
“I said… open it!” yelled Maekar that scared some barge passengers.
Your coworkers noticed who you were talking to and you heard them say it, that’s Maekar Targaryen!
You scoffed and crossed your arms against your chest.
“Ask nicely. Go on,” you egged him.
Maekar took a step towards you and you could feel his body heat radiating from him then you smelled his spicy amber perfume that knocked the wind out of you.
He started with, “I have come all the way here to Oldtown, because I need to know. Now open the PDF File.”
“And then what?”
He flinched. “If you are pregnant… that child will always be provided for. You will be provided for.”
You shook your head and let out a sardonic laugh; he traveled all the way just to tell you that.
“Okay. I see…” then you squared up to him, “How about no?”
Maekar scrunched up his nose. “What?”
“I said no. We don’t need you. Bye.”
Maekar inhaled sharply, “You don’t understand how hard it is to raise a child on your own!”
You shrugged. “I have my Mama and my Brother. Heck, even if they don’t help me, this kid will live and I will make sure that he is loved!”
If Maekar continues to be unyielding, then you will push back and meet him where his ego is at.
“You come here, like you can dictate how to raise this kid and it looks like–you only care for this kid!”
Maekar grumbled, “I said you and that child will be provided for.”
You chortled, you couldn’t help it because everything he was saying was annoying you by the minute.
“What if the pregnancy test turns out negative? Huh? What now?”
Maekar breathed in, “Then I will ask you to come back with me… to Kingslanding.”
You sarcastically replied, “Like it’s that simple. Like nothing happened.”
Before any of you could speak, the floating lanterns were finally released into the air. The night skies became filled with floating lanterns and it was the most exhilarating experience; you missed seeing that, but you looked at Maekar who stood before you, yet still, he is more breathtaking than the floating lanterns.
I missed him. I missed so much.
Your eyes raked through him; his hair was a little bit longer, he looked a little pale, but you stared at his face, resilient and unemotive. But Maekar’s eyes… those eyes looked at you with desperation. Those eyes reflected the conflict within him. His hands may not want to reach out for you, but he pleaded with his beautiful indigo eyes.
“I’m sorry that your effort was all for nothing.”
Maekar huffed, “What am I not saying? What can I say to convince you? What would you have me do? Tell me.”
“There’s one thing I haven’t heard from you.”
You took a step closer towards him. Your eyes wandered as you thought about it; then you explained,
“My salary is enough to take care of my family and myself. I know I can take care of this baby all by myself. I can and I will,” you raised your eyebrows as you emphasized that.
“What you can provide for us, I can give it to them myself. I don’t need your money or any promise of luxury or comfort… and that is not what I need to hear from you.”
He insisted, “I am offering you safety and financial security, what more do you want?”
You took another step, until you could feel his breath on your face.
“Make me trust you again. Convince me to trust you again…”
You weren’t supposed to, but you took his hand. Oh you missed his hands and the way it held you. You felt him accept your touch; his entire hand swallowed yours.
You continued, “Because from the very start I trusted you with my heart. Tell me that you’ll fight my fears away.”
Maekar murmured, “Then how can I trust that you won’t leave again?”
“Do you love me?”
Maekar stuttered, “I-I…”
“No buts or ifs, with a kid or without… Maekar, do you love me?”
Maekar swallowed as he conjured the words–there was no other answer.
He whispered, “I love you.”
The world halted from spinning for a moment; time stilled and you waited for Maekar to say it again.
Maekar said it louder now, “I love you!”
He took you into his arms and cradled your form against his, “I love you and I’m not afraid to say that anymore. I’ll be brave for you, for this baby, for us.”
You pulled away slightly from his embrace, then you tiptoed to give him a kiss. Maekar didn’t kiss you sensually, he only let his lips feel yours for a moment. Your tears fell and you embraced him tightly, the top of your head settling underneath his chin.
“I love you too, Maekar.”
He looked down to see your face. “Say that again, please.”
You smiled and murmured, “I love you, Maekar Targaryen. With all my heart and with everything that I am.”
What you didn’t know, Briley was shaking his head and your coworkers were consoling him.
But there was one thing that needed to be fixed. You asked for Maekar’s phone and opened the PDF File, you showed him the password, and it was Maekar04.
“I was the password?” gasped Maekar.
“Yep,” you chuckled, then you read the test results out loud, “WBC… a little higher than expected… Well, that’s not what we want to read–whoah, my blood sugar is a little high,”
Maekar was also anticipating it and when you got to that part… You read it out loud.
“Pregnancy test result… negative.”
A wave of disappointment washed through you, but you felt Maekar’s fingers tilt your chin up.
“Hey, we’ll try again.”
Your tears fell quietly, but Maekar comforted you.
“We’ll try again… and again,” he whispered as he held you, then he smiled at you, “We can try tonight,” winked Maekar.
You snorted and chuckled, and you lightly slapped his chest. “You dirty old man.”
Maekar held you close and you held him against you. It takes a whole heart filled with courage, to love and be loved in return, Maekar knows that now.
You understood it now, love is no convenience; it is gnarly, devastating, raw, and it is never easy. It only gets easier when there’s someone who stands with you, true and brave, under the eyes of love.
You and Maekar watched as the floating lanterns touched back down the still river and floated there. You are where you wanted to be–in Maekar’s arms and feeling the warmth of his body against you.
It was 7 o’clock in the morning and Daeron had just submitted an e-form on the website, suggested by one of his friends from the support group. It was for an organization that assigns people who volunteer to developing countries to teach in schools and do voluntary work. For once he wanted to do something meaningful in his life, not just join his Kepa at Kingslanding Corp as an aircraft designer.
After signing up, he already received an email that had given him an assigned country–Summer Isles, and he was going to be assigned to an island called Guardian Island.
“Summer Isles? Isn’t that where…”
He realized it–his Kepa’s girlfriend’s original country. If only she was there, she would’ve directed him where to go. But she wasn’t.
The moment Daeron found out about the contract, he was disappointed with her. That she must’ve befriended him because she was obligated to. But Daeron liked her; she cared like a mother, spoke like a friend, but loved deeply unlike any other.
He was done for the moment, so he decided to go down to grab some breakfast when…
“Daeron?”
The light streaming from the open door made it impossible to see her face… but when his Kepa closed the door, he saw her. She has come back.
Daeron immediately sprinted towards her and hugged her and they both almost fell over on the wooden floors.
Maekar warned, “Daeron, not so rough! We’d just come back.”
You looked at Daeron and he was so happy to see you.
“You’re back! Is this for real? And is this for good?!”
You sighed, “It’s real, but there are still some technicalities.”
“You got back with Kepa?” asked Daeron, excitedly.
“Oh we’re so back,” beamed Maekar.
Out of nowhere, they heard little footsteps on the stairs and the kids yelled and cried when they saw you.
“Mama!” cried Rhae.
You scooped the three of them in your arms, and all of you finally fell on the wooden floors. Their cries blended in a chaotic cacophony of whines and excitement. You listened to them ramble on and cry, oh how you’ve missed your little Maekarlings.
Then you heard a voice that you knew well,
“You’re back?”
All eyes were on the voice–it was Aerion. He had just come back from his early morning jog and he was still wearing his trainers and bluetooth earpods.
“Yes. Did you miss me?”
Aerion pouted and crossed his arms on his chest. “No.”
You stood up and hugged him even though he never asked for it.
“I missed you too, Ari.”
Aerion was awkward about it so he pulled back quickly, but you saw a glimmer of a tear on the corner of his eye.
“Welcome back,” he tried to hide his sniffling and went upstairs.
Maekar smiled and kissed you on the cheek. “Let’s have breakfast?”
You nodded and smiled at everyone. “Yes. And together.”
You and Maekar guided his children to the dining area and you couldn’t be happier. It was perfect. No more pretending or binding contracts–just you, Maekar, and his wonderful children.
Epilogue
It was just another day of being an intern at Kingslanding Corp., and the day had dragged on, while the tasks you were given piled up. This time, you were asked to scan the documents dated from the previous year for data safekeeping, but the godsdamned scanner/photocopier got stuck.
You weren’t sure what to do and you were scared to open the side panel, because you might break the damn thing if you do.
But in the corner of your eye, you saw a figure walk past through the photocopying room. Once again, that person walked back and entered the room and walked towards you.
“What’s the problem?”
A commanding voice of a man asked you and when you looked up–you saw a tall man, with silver-blond hair and beard, approach you.
“Uhm, the photocopier seems to be stuck, sir.”
He murmured, “Let me.”
He invaded your personal space to open the photocopier. You noted that he wore a pristine black suit and that he smelled so good.
What? What is happening?
He fixed the photocopier, but you heard him hiss and curse out loud–his fingers were caught inside and it bled.
“Oh no! You’re bleeding!” you panicked.
He muttered something under his breath, but without thinking, you took the hem of your blouse and wrapped it around his fingers.
“To stop the bleeding.”
He looked at you as you pressed your white blouse into his bleeding fingers; he was staring intently at you and you noticed, his eyes were beautiful too.
You heard his breathing and yours across the photocopying room; he had looked away from you and you were free to stare at his face.
Who is this man? And where has he been all my life?
When the bleeding finally stopped, you let him go and his finger didn’t bleed anymore.
“Your blouse,” pointed out the man.
You shrugged. “It’ll wash out.”
He stared at you for a long time. It was unnerving, but what you felt was far from unnerving. He huffed and left you.
You playfully mentioned, “Crush alert.”
You asked some of your new friends who that man was and you gave them his description. Your new friend, Jonquil, immediately recognized him.
“Girl, that was Mr. Maekar Targaryen! Good thing he didn’t curse at you.”
“Why would he? He helped me, I helped him.”
Caryssa spoke up, “Because that’s his thing. He’s a potty mouth.”
You gushed, “But he was just so handsome!”
Caryssa scoffed, “Wait till you see his brothers. He’s got two who also work here.”
Before quitting time, you went to the office of Mr. Targaryen to give him something. A beautiful woman with dark hair and purple eyes greeted you.
“Hello, luv.”
You mentioned your name and greeted her back, then you put an ointment on her desk. “This is for Mr. Targaryen. He helped me earlier at the photocopying room.”
She looked down and saw your bloodied blouse. “Oh that was you? Don’t worry, I’ll bring it over to him. Would you like to say hi?”
You held out your hands and declined. “No, please–uhm, thank you, anyway. I have to get going and I don’t want to interrupt Mr. Targaryen.”
“Okay. Well, thank you, dear.”
You waved goodbye and you saw from the nameplate on the secretary’s desk that her name was Lysanne.
Lysanne went in and put the ointment on Maekar’s desk and said, “The new intern wants to give this to you.”
Maekar faced Lysanne and asked, “Who?”
“Bloody blouse. The one you helped in the photocopying room?”
“Oh.” Then Maekar took the bottle of ointment.
“Where is she?” asked Maekar.
“Went home.”
Maekar stared at the bottle. “Ask for her name. She could be your assistant.”
“Will do,” replied Lysanne.
From then on, Maekar never forgot about the intern that he helped. He never forgot how gentle her hands were as she stopped his fingers from bleeding. He never forgot how gentle her voice was.
He hated to admit it but he got a crush.
Maekar started seeing her more often; one time, he saw her with her friends in the cafeteria as they went for coffee. He stealthily passed by and he heard what she was ordering–a Spanish latte.
One time, he cornered one of her friends, who is now Baelor’s secretary–to ask about her.
“Oh, she’s from the Summer Isles.”
After a week, Lysanne had provided Maekar the intern’s file and he read it. What he didn’t know was when he fell asleep, with workloads on his bed; Daeron saw the file opened on his Father’s tablet.
He read it and got curious as to why his Father was reading a woman’s profile. It doesn’t really take a genius to figure out that his Father was crushing on that woman.
Then one day, Lysanne finally secured that intern’s position and took her in as her assistant. She would also need that intern because in a few months, her baby would be due. Lysanne taught the ins and outs of being Maekar’s secretary and she noticed how driven that intern is and how she listened so well. Lysanne told Maekar that she was ready.
One morning, on their way to Egg and Rhae’s school, Maekar informed Egg that there will be a new assistant to fetch them after school.
“Not Aunt Lysi? Who is it?” asked Egg.
“I told you, her new assistant,” insisted Maekar.
“Kepa, is it the woman in your tablet? The profile you always read before going to sleep?”
Maekar shushed Egg up before Rhae could hear, good thing she was fast asleep during the ride while Maekar held her.
He finally admitted it, “Yes. She’s your Aunt Lysi’s new assistant.”
Egg smiled at his Kepa. He didn’t dare to say it but Egg had a feeling she would be their new Mum too.
Then Maekar had to orient her when she took over Lysanne’s position, as Lysanne was spending her maternity leave at Casterly Rock then.
“You’ve been with us for a time; has Lysanne taught you everything you need to know?”
Maekar assessed her, she did look a little jittery when he gazed into her eyes.
She is pretty… No, not pretty, she is beautiful. How can I talk to her if she’s this beautiful? Maekar thought to himself.
She answered, “Yes, sir. Ms. Lysanne has relayed all the tasks to me.”
Maekar emphasized, “This is the Logistics Division and it’s different from the intern department you’ve worked on before. You have to stay sharp and ready at all times.”
He observed her, she was absorbing every word and she didn’t seem to tremble at all. The only way for him to not get distracted whenever he would talk to her is to amp up his aggressive energy. But she was radiant and kind, Maekar would find himself staring at her for so long.
“Duly noted, sir. I will do my best as Lysanne did.”
Maekar stood from his seat and went over to her. He towered over her and Maekar had to look down on her.
“Very well. This position is not for the weak.”
She shrugged, “I can take it at any position, sir–er…”
Maekar blurted out, “What?”
She replied with a sly smile, “What?”
Maekar almost smiled, he doesn’t know why. Then he finally dismissed her.
“The reports–”
Then she blurted out, “On it, Your Highness!” and then she left his office to go to her cubicle.
I think we will get along just well. mused Maekar.
And got along so well, they did. Now back at the present time, Maekar had just told her everything and it took her time to process it.
Maekar waited for her to say anything as they both laid on the hammock he had put up in the garden. They were stargazing and she suddenly asked when he realized that he felt the same, so he went back to the start.
“From the get-go? From the very first time?” she clarified.
“Yeah. Ever since we encountered each other in the photocopying room.”
She sat up and stared at him in disbelief. She opened her mouth to speak, “Then what the fuck was the contract for?”
Maekar tilted his head. “What? It was a formal agreement. You wouldn’t have agreed to date me if I asked you.”
She shook her head and she looked annoyed. “Well you never asked me! A normal person would! Briley did–he asked me out for the festival!”
Maekar now realized she also felt the same from the get-go.
His eyebrows shot up and he mumbled, “You would? If I asked you then?”
She let out a bellyaching laugh, “Yes, Maekar! If you asked me out on a date then, I would totally say yes! But you went and made that contract.”
“B-But… when you were drunk, you asked me to fuck you… oh!”
It only clicked now for Maekar and she kissed her loving but emotionally stunted fiancé, that is of course, learning to be more vocal about his emotions.
She snuggled up to him and kissed him on the cheek this time as they continued stargazing. Maekar held her close as they laid down on that hammock.
“I wish I’d asked you out sooner,” murmured Maekar.
She put her hand on his chest and said, “No. I won’t have it any other way.”
Of course, Maekar now accepted it, he wouldn’t have done otherwise. Now that she’s here, everything they have been through, was well worth it. He kissed her forehead and they kept watching the stars twinkle and wink at them.
Had the urge to draw and ink, today...the first time I've been able to do art (other than writing) since October.
Working on references for my WOC OCs so I can commission people for art ^_^. Figured I'd start with Annette and Otis (Doc's mom and granddad).
I have pencil drawings of Ghost and Sam...but Imma have to tweak their designs a bit, Sam's especially because the KR11 had a double reduction rear axle....which did not make it into those initial sketches.
MIT Chapter 8 is in the final rounds of editing. Should have it posted in a few days.
Cheers!
Bonus: Rewatching every episode of Bronies react while I work. I feel like I've been transported back in time like 10 years.
cicatrix - Echo x F!Mercenary!OC
cicatrix: a scar (= mark left on the body) from a healed injury
The clinic's bacta tank was an upright model, and Lyrri's body drifted inside, limp. He noticed the scarring first; even after four three hour long sessions of full immersion, the lash marks on her chest, back, and extremities were still pink and swollen, snaking over a third of her body. The corded tissue flushed angrily in some places, making Echo scrub his and over his face and clench his jaw. He studied the screen of vitals beside the tank, ignoring the cloying, antiseptic scent in his nose.
He continued to monitor Lyrri's vitals as the immersion treatment neared its completion. A couple med-droids filed in just as the sedating drugs were flushed from her system and her eyes opened; Echo stood clear as the droids drained the tank and assisted her onto the platform at the top. In that instant, it hit him that except for those very flimsy clinic-issued underwear and chest bindings, Lyrri was naked.
