From the Ashes (ASOIAF) (Sandor Clegane x OC)

Chapter 18: Sandor

Casterly Rock was definitely the best place in Westeros for a sunset, there was no denying it. Sandor stood in the Great Hall looking out the ridiculously oversized windows watching as the sun, now a deep brilliant orange, dipped below the horizon. He shifted uncomfortably. He didn't have many of what people would call fine clothes. He'd always been more comfortable in a suit of armor. But here in this fucking hall of a Lord he had to dress the part. The jacket felt stiff, especially in the arms. At least it was black. It was one of the few things he'd always genuinely liked about his house, one of their main colors was black so he could get away with wearing it most of the time. He didn't have to prance around in bright colors.

Tyrion came over to him dressed in the red and gold of his house. Looking the part of the Lord of the Rock completely. He offered Sandor a goblet of wine that was also made of gold. Fucking Lannisters and their gold. He'd half expected to find the privy in his room made of gold. He sipped the wine, it was good. That was one upside to spending time with Lord's and ladies. The food and drink was always top tier.

"You clean up better than I'd anticipated," Tyrion said, "Did you actually make use of the bath I had drawn for you? I'm not sure I've ever seen you freshly washed."

"It happens on occasion." Sandor muttered. He wasn't about to tell Tyrion that his use of the bath had nothing to do with this dinner or impressing any Lords or Ladies.

His stomach gave an all together involuntary flutter. He wondered when the last time was that he had bathed for a woman. Had he ever? He didn't think so. He'd never put much thought into being with someone, it was just an act. Something to be enjoyed until it was finished. But he was thinking about it now. He hadn't stopped thinking about it since the moment he'd first kissed Tess. And then last night at the inn....seven hells....He still, in this moment had no idea how he had the will to stop when every fiber of his being had been screaming at him for more. Being with Tess was like nothing he'd ever experienced before. He knew the feel of a woman, and how to please them, but this was Tess. Everything was amplified. He didn't just want to fuck her. He wanted every part of her. He wanted to see the look in her eyes and spend as much time as he could eliciting the same kinds of heavenly sounds from her he had the night before. Not to mention how well she understood him. He'd never taken into consideration the physical advantages of being with someone who knew him so well. Whores always tried to do the things they thought you liked because that's what they were paid to do, but it was just a performance. With her, it was like she knew how and where he wanted her to touch him without him having to express it. Dammit, he thought clearing his throat and taking another sip of wine, he needed to get his thoughts under control.

"You're quite introspective tonight." Tyrion commented, "It seems as though your thoughts are a million miles away."

More like one floor above us, Sandor thought silently but he said,

"I've had a lot on my mind on this trip. Being in the West again is, strange. I'm sure you can relate."

"I certainty can." Tyrion agreed. They both stood looking out the window as the last of the light, just a deep pink and purple glow where the water and sky met continued to fade, making the torches behind them glow all the brighter.

"You're good at this shit you know." Sandor said.

"What shit is that?" Asked Tyrion.

"Ruling. Managing people. Thinking about the big picture. You're suited to it. You have all the confidence in the world when you're being the Kings hand and that's having a say over what happens in the entirety of fucking Westeros. So don't let your baggage make you less confident when you're here." Sandor looked sideways down at him and Tyrion was looking up at him seemingly half puzzled, half impressed.