What Is This Feeling?

“Great practice today guys. Let your parents know that it’s the same time on Thursday, alright? Everybody, hands in. Baelon, that means you too, Squirt. Come on. Dragons on three, right? One, two, three….” Rhaenyra counted aloud.

“Dragons!” Was called nearly in unison as her group of seven year old players scattered across their half of the gym to gather their belongings and meet up with their parents.

Rhaenyra was rounding up basketballs before shooting them into the large metal cage that they were stored in as she caught sight of one of her players taking a seat on the red bleachers alone. Even from halfway across the court that shade of blonde left no questions about which player was still waiting around for their parents. Or parent, rather, as Rhaenyra had very recently found out from her little brother. A fact that she was still having a hard time wrapping her head around. As far as she could tell Helaena was an absolute delight and her mother…well, Ms. Hightower was gorgeous, like jaw-droppingingly so if she was being completely honest. Rhaenyra found it a little difficult to keep her eyes off the woman the first time she saw her walk in the gym a few weeks earlier.

“Helaena, Mom running a bit behind today, Sweetheart?” Rhaenyra asked, picking up the last of the rouge basketballs before she squatted down in front of the tiny blonde that was nodding shyly in front of her.

“It’s okay. She’ll be here. Come on, let’s grab Baelon and get in a little more practice. What do you say?” Rhaenyra asked with a smile, “He likes to pretend that he can dunk on the shorter goal. Wanna give it a try?”

That was how Alicent found them fifteen minutes later, both children giggling in delight of Coach Rhae lifting them up in turns so they could slip the ball into the hoop and grab a hold of the rim as she gave play by play commentary on their game winning slam dunk in her best voice impression of an announcer.

“Momma!”

“Hey, Bug. I’m so sorry I’m late.” Alicent greeted as Helaena spotted her and ran over to wrap her up in a hug.

“It’s okay. Coach Rhae stayed with me and we slam dunked, did you see me?” Helaena asked enthusiastically.

“I did see. You did wonderfully. Grab your things so we can get home, Bug, alright?” Alicent instructed before turning toward her daughter’s coach who was walking her way.

Alicent steeled her nerves in preparation for she knew that silky smooth voice was going to disarm her yet again, just as it had for the last few weeks since Helaena joined the team here at the community center.

Coach Rhae.

Otherwise known as Rhaenyra Targaryen, daughter of the real estate tycoon power couple Arryn & Targaryen and local legend of the college basketball world in her own right turned real estate agent. A face that adorned almost half the billboards in King’s Landing. Rightfully so. Alicent couldn’t imagine another face looking better fifty plus feet in the air.

“Ms. Hightower.” Coach Rhae greeted, her voice silky as ever, “Everything alright this evening?”

Alicent gave a half smile, “Yeah, sorry, Coach Rhae. I got out of work later than I anticipated so I missed my usual bus and got put behind a few minutes. Thank you for staying after with Helaena. I appreciate it, truly.”

“Of course.” Rhaenyra replied, flashing that billboard-famous smile of hers, “And please, Ms. Hightower, call me Rhaenyra. Coach Rhae is just for the kids. My name can be a mouthful.”

Alicent found herself smiling, “Alright, Rhaenyra. Thank you, again. We’ll see you on Thursday.”

“See you.” Rhaenyra replied, a grin pulling at her lips, “Bye Helaena, see you Thursday.”

Helaena waved before Rhaenyra watched as Alicent held out her hand for Helaena to take before heading to the door that led from the gym and out toward the main entrance to the community center. Once outside she pulled her daughter closer as the cool fall breeze hit them, reddening leaves crunching under foot as they headed down the sidewalk toward the bus stop.

Hazel eyes drifted up to the familiar sight of Rhaenyra beaming high above, her violet eyes shining, silver hair styled back flawlessly. Arryn & Targaryen branded next to her flawless face, King’s Landing’s Best for You.

Alicent couldn’t help but agree with the advert. It was well known really, how much the Targaryen family gave back to the community in King’s Landing. The new community center that they just left is a prime example. If it involved kids, it was free. Which was exactly what drew Alicent in. She could afford the buck-fifty for bus fare if it meant that Helaena got to do something she enjoyed. The past month of getting to go to swim practice one day a week and basketball practice twice had really brought her daughter out of her shell. She was actually making friends, which was something she hadn’t really managed to do at school on account of her shy nature and tendency toward spending her free time drawing alone.

“Look, Momma! It’s Coach Rhae!” Helaena yelled, pointing toward the image on the bus that had just pulled up, “Isn’t it cool that we know her?”

“I see, Bug, and yes, it’s very cool.” Alicent smiled down at her daughter, pushing her blonde curls back from her face, “Come on, Kiddo, I’ll let you sit by the window.”

\*/

Alicent sighed as she pushed open the door to their modest apartment, toeing off her shoes that still felt sticky on the bottom from work earlier at the restaurant. She helped Helaena unshoulder her bag and coat before hanging them by the door.

“Dinner and then bath time, Bug, alright?” Alicent said aloud as Helaena ran to her room to check on Dreamfyre, her goldfish, who seemed to be happily swimming around in her gallon tank as a few fish flakes were dropped in.

Alicent tutted her tongue as she drug through the cabinets to scrounge something together for their dinner. Alfredo would do just fine.

Dinner and bath time were quick before Alicent found herself in her own nighttime ritual of reading a bedtime story before tucking Helaena in and then having a quick shower herself. Her sheets were cold when she finally settled into bed causing her to shiver involuntarily. She pulled the extra quilt up from the foot of the bed to help stave off the chill, laying awake for quite some time before sleep finally claimed her.

The following morning Alicent stuffed a badly toasted piece of bread between her teeth as she slipped out the door for the early shift, Gwayne falling back asleep on the couch already as she left.

Thank Gods for her brother. She wasn’t sure what she would do without him if she were honest. Ever since she found out that she was pregnant with Helaena he had been her only constant. Her father was furious back then, but who could blame him. She was only seventeen, a Junior in Highschool at the time. She was a good kid, a stellar student. Everything that she was supposed to be in her father’s eyes, until she wasn’t. One mistake, no, not a mistake. Helaena was not a mistake.

One… time.

One choice.

Not even using protection was full proof.

And then her life changed forever.

Her father wanted nothing to do with the sin in her belly, kicking her out of the home she grew up in the same night that she told him she was pregnant. Helaena’s sperm donor wanted even less to do with them.

Get rid of it was his last advice to her.

The thought still made her feel sick to her stomach.

Gwayne, her savior, was twenty at the time. He took her into his home, a one bedroom apartment that he shared with his girlfriend at the time. A girlfriend that quickly grew tired of the situation when he insisted that Alicent take his bedroom when she began to show.

“It’s okay, Ali. You and my niece are more important. Gwayne had assured her often, but “ It was nice that she paid half the bills though. ”

School suddenly wasn’t as important as making a living was.

Years later, here she was, still doing her best to provide for her little girl. Still so incredibly thankful for her brother for coming through for them yet again.

She tied on her apron after pushing through the backdoor of The Iron Maiden, the clattering sound of the kitchen already at its usual volume.

“Alicent, thank Gods. Huge catering order just came through for breakfast. I could use an extra set of hands until we open.” Talya called from where she stood at her office door.

“On it, Boss.”

It wasn’t anything like how she used to envision her life, but she made enough to keep a roof over their heads and keep them fed. On the occasional good day she was even able to take her daughter out for ice-cream or get her some other special treat. It wasn’t bad, their life, but she couldn’t help but find herself wanting more for Helaena. More for herself.

She loved her daughter, her sweet, bug loving dreamer. But sometimes, it did get lonely. Dating in your early twenties with a toddler in your arms was not an easy task she found. The one or two times that she had met someone who was interested, they quickly lost interest when they found out about her darling girl. It was likely for the best, she knew. She didn’t have the time to dedicate to a relationship when she already struggled to make her early shifts at work due to sitter issues. Gwayne already did too much for them. She couldn’t ask him for a single thing more.

But still, deep down, she craved more for the both of them.

\*/

She was running late, again.

She pulled her jacket tight around her in an attempt to cover her apron that was still on, completely forgotten in her haste to leave work in time to make it to the community center for the last half of Helaena’s practice.

Finally the red neon letters came into view as she rounded the corner.

King’s Road Community Center

A Targaryen Property

She all but jogged down the hallway past the rows of people lifting weights and running on treadmills and the hall that smells slightly of chlorine. She paused just outside the doors to the gymnasium, trying to smooth out wayward curls before walking in as if she hadn’t been hellbent on getting here for the past half hour. She still felt slightly winded as she took a seat in the bleachers next to Gwayne who was looking at her slightly amused.

“Did you run here, Sis?” Gwayne teased, his dimpled smirk letting her know he knew the truth.

“Didn’t want to miss the whole thing. How’s she doin?” Alicent asked, her eyes settling on her favorite girl.

“Good, I guess. Not really sure what’s happening if I’m honest. They all just seem to be running around, dribbling on occasion, throwing the ball at the basket. If we’re lucky, someone shares the ball.” Gwayne joked, his eyes following his niece.

A short burst of the whistle stopped the kids in their tracks as their coach held her hands open for the ball.

“Alright, Dragons. When the defense collapses on you and you have the ball, what should we do?” Coach Rhae asked, earning a resounding pass the ball from the team, “Right! So, let’s practice that. Set back up, Dragons.”

“Hardass.” Gwayne whispered playfully under his breath so only Alicent could hear him.

Alicent rolled her eyes, shushing him before bumping him with her shoulder. Her eyes wandered back over to the court, a smile pulling at her lips as she watched Rhaenyra. Her black whistle was tucked between her lips, silver hair slicked back and practically shining under the bright light of the gym. From where she was sitting she could see those violet eyes watching intently as she nodded in approval of whatever the kids were doing that pleased her. Alicent watched as the whistle fell from her lips to rest against her chest as she cheered, completely engrossed in the practice.

“That’s what I’m talking about. Well done, my little Dragons. We will work on passing more next week. Everyone on me right over here.” Rhaenyra called, “Three laps to end practice today. If anyone beats me, I have goodies for you. On my whistle!”

Alicent chuckled as she watched Helaena run as fast as her little legs would carry her around the perimeter of the halfcourt that was their designated practice area.

“Stay out of bounds. No cutting corners, Dragons. Thank you!” Rhaenyra reminded her team as she jogged behind them.

Alicent licked dry lips as she watched Rhaenrya run by, her long toned legs flexing as she moved with practiced ease around the court. From the Coach that was emblazoned across her shoulders in white letters to the way her shorts sat snug at her hips, Rhaenyra was undeniably fit. Alicent felt another smile tugging at her lips as she watched Rhaenyra move to her team’s left to gently herd them all back out of bounds where they were supposed to be running.

“Whew, you guys are fast!” Rhaenyra said loudly, exhaling hard to feign exhaustion as the team cheered, “Guess that means everyone gets goodies!”

Rhaenyra rolled a cart from behind the row of chairs that lined courtside and began unboxing everything.

“Alright, Dragons, come on up when I call your name, alright?” Rhaenyra said loudly as she began pulling out black jerseys.

“Rosby!” Rhaenyra called, holding up the black jersey for a boy that came forward to claim it and getting a high-five from their Coach.

Helaena’s eyes lit up, turning to look at her mother. Alicent beamed back, clapping quietly to show her own support at the prospect of Helaena having her very own team jersey.

“Hightower.” Rhaenyra called, holding up Helaena’s jersey for her to see.

“You’d think she won the lottery.” Gwayne teased, smiling as they watched Helaena show them the jersey from across the court where she stood with her team, “I’m glad you’re doing this for her, Ali. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen her so happy. Well, not since you agreed to let her get Dreamfyre.”

“And in an effort to help with keeping the spread of germs to a minimum, everyone gets one of these.” Rhaenyra explained as she walked around with a box in her arms as she passed out personalized water bottles, “Targaryen, where are you?”

“Right here, Rhae.” Baelon stood up from tying his shoe, his violet eyes meeting his sister’s as they shared a similar smile. With a ruffle of his silver hair she moved on to the next player.

Ten jerseys, ten water bottles, and ten towels later ten smiling Dragons were ladened with gear that boasted Targaryen Realtors, Rhaenyra’s own office, in some capacity on each one.

“Alright, Team. See everyone on Tuesday. Don’t forget that we have our first game next weekend against the Wolves. Hands in. One, two, three…”

“Dragons!”

Alicent and Gwayne met Helaena down on the court as she ran toward them, arms full, her smile on full display.

“Mommy, look!” Helaena said excitedly, “Coach Rhae gave us so much cool stuff and it has my name on it, look. Mommy, look how cool this is. Our jerseys are black like Coach Rhae’s shirt. Isn’t this cool! We’re just like Coach Rhae.”

Alicent smiled at her daughter but couldn’t help feeling a tinge of sadness. She wished that she could afford to give her nice things more often. It wasn’t lost to her that most of the other kids had on brand new shoes that seemed to be just for the basketball court. “It is, Bug. So very cool. Isn’t that right, Gwayne?”

While Helaena was making sure that her uncle hadn’t missed a single detail of her new jersey, hazel met violet eyes that had been watching her curiously from a few feet away as Rhaenyra stacked empty boxes back on the cart. Alicent couldn’t help the faint blush that crept up in her cheeks before she was able to avert her gaze back to her brother and daughter who was still chatting excitedly.

“Hi, I’ve seen you around practice before but I don’t think we’ve ever met.” Rhaenyra greeted as she neared them and extended her hand to the eldest Hightower, “Coach Rhae.”

“Gwayne.” He greeted with a smile, “You’re getting rave reviews over here from my niece, Coach. Good to meet you.”

Alicent smiled when violet eyes fell to her, a flash of something that she couldn’t identify gone as quick as it came.

“The feeling is mutual, right Helaena?” Rhaenyra grinned, holding her hand out for a low-five.

Arms were wrapped tight around Rhaenyra’s waist in a flash, blonde curls buried into her stomach.

“Helaena.” Alicent warned fondly, her heart squeezing at the sight of her daughter giving her affection to another so freely, “Sorry, Coach Rhae. She is usually quite adverse to touching other people.”

“She’s alright.” Rhaenyra replied, her hand coming to rest on blonde curls as she smiled down to meet blue eyes that were peeking up at her fondly, “Hugs or high-fives are always welcome.”

Helaena giggled, giving her Coach one last squeeze before stepping back toward her mother and uncle, “See you next week, Coach Rhae.”

“Nice to meet you, Coach Rhae.” Gwayne nodded as he took his niece’s free hand and turned to leave.

“Thank you, Coach Rhae. You’ve made her week, I’m certain of it.” Alicent said with a smile, “See you next week.” As she was turning to follow after her family, that silky voice managed to make her night one more time.

“Ms. Hightower.” Rhaenyra called, that billboard smile plastered across her ridiculously handsome face, “Rhaenyra. Just…Rhaenyra, please.”

Alicent’s face scrunched in confusion as she gestured to where her brother had been standing moments before. Rhaenyra gave her one last smile before turning on her heel to head back over to finish packing up.

“Rhaenyra.” Alicent said softly, causing her to pause in stride, “It’s Alicent. Just…Alicent.”

She smiled again, not daring to look back to reveal the beaming smile that had broken across her face.

When Alicent caught up with the other two, Gwayne gave her a smile, “Looks like someone might be sweet on a certain silver haired ex-baller.”

Alicent scoffed, “No, I certainly am not.”

Gwayne laughed, “Right, well, I meant your daughter, but uh, do you have something you would like to share, Sis?”

“Oh my Gods, Gwayne, no.” Alicent sighed, rolling her eyes at the ridiculousness of his insinuation.

“Alright. Alright. Shesh.” Gwayne huffed before giving her another look, “But, you know we’ve talked about this. I’d love and support you regardless. You know that.”

“It’s not like that, Gwayne.” Alicent repeated again, all laughter gone from her voice, “Plus, like I’d need another reason for father not to speak to me.”

“Who gives a flying fu-.” Gwayne stopped himself as he looked at his niece that seemed to be lost in her own world as they walked, “I mean, who needs ‘em anyway, Ali. Certainly not my favorite girls. You’re doing just fine without him.”

“Look, Mommy, it’s Coach Rhae!” Helaena pointed out excitedly for the second week in a row as their bus arrived.

“I mean, if you were to ever give in to those feelings of curiosity you sometimes get and jump teams to try things out, who better to take the leap with than a loaded hottie that adores your kid?” Gwayne joked, wiggling his eyebrows.

Alicent scoffed yet again, allowing Helaena to slide in by the window, “You’re crazy, Gwayne. Certifiably.”

“Right.” Gwayne hummed, watching his sister stroke Helaena’s curls back from her face as she chatted away something he couldn’t hear over the roar of the bus, “I’m the one that’s crazy.”

\*/

She was running late...again.

She sighed in relief as she crossed the threshold of the gym to find Baelon and Helaena shooting baskets as Rhaenyra watched from the sideline, occasionally dribbling the ball in her hand as she watched.

“I’m so sorry.” Alicent said softly as she arrived at her side, feeling a little breathless from her brisk walk in the cold from the bus stop, “My boss made me stay to finish up with a large party of customers that would not freaking leave. I feel terrible. I’m so sorry for making you stay after, again.”

Violet eyes roamed her face as a smile tugged at pink lips, “Alicent, it’s alright. Take a breath. Everything is fine here.”

Alicent’s breath hitched a little at how naturally sweet the sound of her name felt coming from Rhaenyra’s lips for the first time. Her stomach flipped, knotted in excitement and something else she could not name that was fueled by those fiery violet eyes that watched her carefully.

“Gwayne, my brother, he, um, he had to get to work after he dropped her off. I tried, I did. I’m sorry.” Alicent explained softly, feeling embarrassed and like an extraordinarily inadequate parent in that moment.

“As I said, it’s fine. Honestly, there is nowhere else I’d rather be if one of my Dragons needs me to be here. Part of being their coach, really.” Rhaenyra offered assuredly.

“Yes, well, you still don’t get paid to babysit, so -” Alicent started to say before she was cut off.

“Alicent,” Rhaenyra said softly with a sly grin, “you’re right. I volunteer. Please. It’s no trouble, I promise you. Helaena and Baelon enjoy shooting around together when the gym is slow like this. So, you’re right on time, really.”

Alicent offered her a grateful smile, finally feeling a little more at ease thanks to the woman beside her.

“If you want to, umph,” Rhaenyra said, clearing her throat to try to make her voice return to its normal pitch, “you could put your number in here.” A sleek Iphone was produced from a pocket that was hidden in Rhaenyra’s shorts before she offered to hand it over, “I could text you so you would have my number, ya know, just in case you’re running late again or something.”

Alicent looked at the tiny device as if it were a bomb rather than a cellphone that she could potentially use to text with its gorgeous owner. She wasn’t sure how long she had stood there staring at it instead of doing exactly what her brain was yelling at her to do, but it must have been a moment beyond what was considered normal in a social setting.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable or…overstep.” Rhaenyra apologized, her violet eyes falling to the gym floor that was waxed to a high shine.

“No, I’m sorry.” Alicent replied, mentally berating herself, “The most frequent conversation I have is with a seven year old so sometimes I forget how to converse with an actual adult. Of course you can have my number. It’s probably best considering I trust you with my kid twice a week.”

Rhaenyra’s laugh sounded like the first days of spring felt, beautiful and warm.

The heat must have kicked on in the gym as she suddenly felt hot, her cheeks flushing as Rhaenyra’s fingers accidentally grazed her hand while she handed over her phone. For some reason Alicent had never been more hyper aware of their height difference as Rhaenyra stood close, grinning, meanwhile she was struggling to remember her own phone number.

What was this feeling?

“I never call myself, sorry.” Alicent said softly, thumbs hovering over the numbers before she keyed them into Rhaenyra’s phone.

“No worries.” Rhaenyra replied, her violet eyes shining as she accepted her phone back, “I have the same problem.”

Little arms wrapping around Alicent’s waist pulled both of their attention to Helaena who was looking between her mother and her Coach.

“Hi Bug, you ready to go?” Alicent asked, her arm settling on her daughter’s back as she rubbed gently.

Helaena nodded reluctantly, blue eyes peeking up at Rhaenyra who smiled down at her in return before settling back on her mother for a moment.

“See you ladies next week.” Rhaenyra offered, exhaling a long slow breath really not wanting to say goodbye so quickly.

“Mommy, how long until next week is it?” Helaena asked her mother quietly, earning an arch of a silver brow and a giggle from Alicent.

“Just a couple of days, baby. Not long.” Alicent replied, sharing a grin with Rhaenyra before taking her little girl’s hand in her own, “Let’s head home so Coach Rhae and Baelon can too.”

Helaena nodded, enthusiastically waving goodbye to her Coach and her friend that had been watching them all as he lazily shot baskets. Alicent waved as well prompting Rhaenyra to give them a wave in return. It wasn’t until they had disappeared from the gym did she realize that her hand was still in the air.

Rhaenyra rolled her eyes at herself, dropping her hand back to her side before turning back to the court where her little brother stood watching, ball tucked lazily under his arm.

“Did you get her number?” Baelon asked, bounce passing her the ball with a cocky grin on his face that he had absolutely learned from her.

“None of your business, Squirt.” Rhaenyra replied, smiling, passing him back the ball.

“Whatever happened to that one girl?” Baelon asked curiously as he took a shot at the basket, the swish of the net echoing in the otherwise silent gym.

“Which one?” Rhaenyra replied, fighting a smile.

Try to be a good example, Rhae, come on.

Baelon just shrugged his shoulders, losing interest in the subject, “Game of HORSE before we go?”

Rhaenyra smiled, nodding.

“No three pointers, Rhae.” Baelon noted before shooting the ball from the free-throw line on one foot.

“Show off.” Rhaenyra smiled at him before taking her own shot.

Man, did she adore this kid.

Some time later that evening Alicent and Helaena had made it home, had dinner, and were cuddled up on the couch watching a show that Helaena had picked out before bed when her phone chimed unexpectedly.

| R: Hi. It’s Rhaenyra. Call or text anytime. 😉

Alicent cheeks grew warm as she read and re-read the message that sat unchanging on her phone screen.

This was fine. Everything was fine. It was normal, normal and fine. Except for the winky face that starred back at her at the end of Rhaenyra Targaryen’s text message.

Perhaps it was a typo.

Her palms were practically itching in her eagerness for answers, but as Helaena cuddled closer and her blue eyes drifted shut Alicent put her phone down on the arm of the couch not wanting to miss out on a moment with her cuddle bug.

\*/

“It wasn’t a typo.” Gwayne assured her, taking another sip of his coffee, Alicent’s phone glaring up at both of them.

“What do you mean it wasn’t a typo?” Alicent asked, her mind suddenly empty of all other thoughts.

Gwayne snickered, taking another sip of his coffee, “This, my dear sister, is what kids these days call flirting.”

“Not possible.” Alicent decided.

Even to consider it was ludicrous, honestly.

“It’s Rhaenyra Targaryen.” Gwayne reminded her.

As if she needed reminding.

“That’s what I said.” Alicent agreed, exhaling a deep breath, still reeling from Gwayne’s lunacy.

“To whom?” Gwayne questioned.

“Myself.” Alicent replied quietly, realizing how it sounded.

Gwayne snickered again, “Anyway, as I was saying… It’s Rhaenyra Targaryen. We all know she is a fan of the ladies.”

Alicent scoffed, taking a drink of her coffee and burning her tongue in the process.

“And, if the latest gossip rag can be believed, currently single.” Gwayne informed her casually.

“Since when do you read gossip magazines, Gwayne?” Alicent asked, frowning at her favorite coffee mug’s betrayal.

“Since my favorite niece started playing ball for a local celebrity. Maybe we’ll see someone famous at one of her games or something. Surely the Realm’s Delight still has groupies that follow her around, right?” Gwayne reasoned, “She used to draw quite the crowd at the University games I watched on TV.”

“And you think those people are interested in a kid’s Rec league? Really? Who are you right now?” Alicent teased her brother, poking his hand, “Does anyone even call her that anymore? It’s hardly been a headline in the papers since she graduated from University.”

“Keeping tabs too, are we?” Gwayne teased, waggling his red brows at her.

Alicent scoffed yet again, “You must stop. Seriously.”

“Fine, but any way you slice this pie, Sis, that,” He gestured toward the phone, “was flirting.”

“Right. I’m sure. Loads of baggage to be interested in around here.” Alicent joked dryly, ridiculous slipping out under her breath as she opened the fridge, “Do you want some breakfast before I go?” Alicent asked, peering over at him.

“Eggs would be great. I’ll share with Bug when she gets up.” Gwayne smiled gratefully, “Thank you.”

\*/

It had been one of those days. The seemingly never ending kind where not much does right, the kind that makes you want to crawl back into bed and out the other side to start over in hopes that a redo would somehow manage to give you the least bit of grace.

The morning hadn’t started out terribly. Helaena was up with their alarm and readied herself for school without much fuss. Things went even smoother when she saw Alicent pack her backpack with her gym shorts and a spare t-shirt.

“Uncle Gwayne will take you to practice after school, Bug, and Mommy will pick you up, okay?” Alicent reminded her as she slipped her lunch into her bag as well.

“Okay, Mommy.” Helaena replied happily, slipping into her coat.

She walked Helaena to school and headed to work where things took a turn for the absurd.

The restaurant was usually packed for a Tuesday, and she was training a new waitress who didn’t have a single clue. She made the mistake of trusting her to hold a tray of drinks, which proved to be a big mistake as they soon ended up spilled across the floor in the back hall coming from the kitchen. Thank the Gods for very small miracles.

A party of eight got huffy for the backup in the kitchen and took it out on her by way of her five dollar tip on a $150 bill.

Her trainee shadow, to her credit, was trying , but in her efforts to watch closely ran straight into Alicent when she had a refill of Coke in her hand, sending it sloshing down the front of her shirt. Her very white dress shirt and very white undershirt were drenched across her chest.

Fast forward to quitting time and Talya with her pitiful pout.

“Dayna is running a few minutes late. Help a girl out and stay? Just a couple of minutes, please?”

Nearly a half hour later, here she was…running late. Again.

She pulled out her phone as she hopped on the bus to do what she absolutely did not want to have to do on the first day of practice after ignoring Rhaenyra’s winky face emoji text for days.

A text she absolutely had not thought about nor looked at at all every single day since last Thursday. Absolutely not once.

| A: You’re not going to believe this, but I’m running late.

She felt like the worst mom on the planet.

Her phone bussed in her hand, still switched on silent from work.

Rhaenyra Targaryen

Dread settled in her stomach that knotted up instantly as she quickly answered thinking something was wrong, “Hello?”

Hi. We got hungry. Helaena claims she doesn’t have any food allergies, but I just wanted to double check with the Boss.

Alicent closed her eyes briefly, thanking the Seven that Helaena was at risk of nothing but being subjected to whatever Rhaenyra was planning on feeding her.

Alicent?

“Hi, I’m here. No allergies.” Alicent told her softly, “Sorry, I- I thought something may have been wrong.”

Sorry, Al. Didn’t mean to scare you. We’re all good here. Meet us at the concession area when you get to the Rec Center?

“Yeah, of course. I’ll be there in a couple of minutes.” Alicent replied, stepping off the bus onto the sidewalk.

See you soon. Bye.

“Bye.” Alicent said softly, suddenly feeling a little breathless.

Al? Why did she feel so damn charmed by this woman?

Meanwhile, Rhaenyra stood behind Baelon and Helaena, a hand resting on each of their shoulders as they perused the menu.

“Get whatever you want, alright?” Rhaenyra stated, “Helaena, what does Mommy drink?”

Blue eyes found her own as she thought, “Wine.”

Rhaenyra couldn’t fight back the laugh that erupted from her mouth before gently squeezing Helaena’s shoulder, “I admire your honesty, Kiddo. What else does Mommy like to drink?”

“Diet Coke.”

“That one we can manage.” Rhaenyra replied before she ordered nearly the full gamut since they couldn’t decide on what they wanted.

Alicent arrived a few minutes later and if she thought she had been charmed on the way to the Rec Center, it had nothing on how she felt when she finally settled into the empty seat next to Rhaenyra at the table they were sitting at.

“Hi guys.” Alicent greeted, “All of this looks tasty.”

Someone had obviously let the kids order whatever they wanted to eat as a pizza, a basket of fries, and appetizing looking chicken tenders were sitting between them, although to that someone’s credit, both Helaena and Baelon were still munching on their salads before eating anything else. Even she has the hardest time getting her girl to eat her veggies.

She grinned at Helaena when she looked up, her Gatorade stained blue lips and a wide toothy smile made the rest of the day fade away.

“Can I have some pizza now, Rhae? I’m done with my salad.” Baelon asked his sister, pushing the container to the side and grabbing a plate.

“Of course, Bub. Eat all you want.” Rhaenyra replied, “And a Diet Coke for the lady.”

Alicent eyed her a moment before taking the drink with a grateful smile, “Thank you.”

“Mommy, can I have pizza too?” Helaena asked, taking another gulp from her Gatorade.

“Of course, Bug.” Alicent replied, getting ready to help but Rhaenyra beat her to it, standing and helping Helaena with a slice that wasn’t quite cut all the way through.

“Al?” Rhaenyra asked, offering her the next slice.

“Sure.” Alicent replied, smiling to herself at the nickname falling so easily from Rhaenyra’s lips, “Thank you. How much do I owe you for feeding us?”

“Nothing. Your name being on the building holds sway around here, I guess.” Rhaenyra lied easily, or alluded to an untruth as she preferred to think of it.

The food wasn’t free, not at all, but she didn’t want Alicent to worry about it.

Alicent, meanwhile, was relieved. She was afraid to even ask how much half of all this food would have been at a place like this.

They fell into easy conversation as they ate about school, practice, and of course the excitement over their first game that was coming up in only a few days time. Alicent adored how excited Helaena was and felt very grateful for Baelon being friendly to her.

“Alright, you two. Go wash those pizza fingers of yours.” Rhaenyra instructed as she took the shredded napkin from her brother’s hands and piled the other table trash on a plate to toss in the trash.

Alicent stood, shaking out her coat as Rhaenyra stood beside her, violet eyes wandering.

“What happened?” Rhaenyra asked, gesturing toward the brown Coke stain on her shirt that she had been wearing half the day.

Alicent’s cheeks flushed in embarrassment as she adjusted her coat to cover it, “Long day.”

Rhaenyra nodded in understanding, a soft smile tugging at her lips as she lifted a hand and readjusted Alicent coat an inch to make sure she successfully covered the stain she was obviously trying to hide, “I asked Helaena earlier what you liked to drink. She totally ratted you out and said wine before she said Diet Coke. I feel bad now for not trying harder to get you that glass of wine after such a long day.”

Alicent’s cheeks flushed impossibly brighter, shaking her head at her little Bug not being able to keep things to herself if her favored Coach Rhae asked her a question.

Rhaenyra grinned, her violet eyes wandering unabashedly over Alicent's face, “As pretty as it is when you blush like that, you should know that there is no need to feel embarrassed around me.”

Alicent was speechless, her mouth hanging open slightly as Rhaenyra’s words warmed her cheeks even further before she managed a reply.

Gods above, was Rhaenyra Targaryen flirting with her?

“That little traitor.” Alicent joked softly, “I rarely get a chance to enjoy a glass of wine. My brother brings over a bottle every now and then. I would hardly even count it as enjoyment.”

“Perhaps you should let me remedy that for you sometime.” Rhaenyra offered casually, “I would love to take you out for a drink.”

Alicent’s mind went blank of all else aside from silky words, violet eyes, and blonde curls.

“I- I can’t. I have Helaena.” Alicent said softly, unable to process anything else.

“Maybe, we could have a night…in, then.” Rhaenyra offered, smiling softly, “If you wanted. Baelon has his own setup at my place. I’m sure he’d like it if someone actually played his games with him that didn't die in the first two minutes. I could cook, well, you two probably wouldn’t like that, but I could order in, maybe? We could share a glass, or hell, maybe a bottle of wine depending on how long your day has been.”

What was happening?

“Umm.” Alicent hummed, her tongue heavy as the fluttering in her stomach kicked into overdrive.

“I’ve begun badly, haven’t I?” Rhaenyra asked, her smile falling for the first time, “I’m sorry. It’s just difficult, ya know? When you want to get to know someone, when you feel that magnetic pull and can’t seem to stop yapping, kinda like I am now. Um, I’d just really like to get to know you better, Alicent. If you’ll let me.”

“Mommy, it’s raining.” Helaena informed her as she and Baelon returned from washing up.

“Oh, no. Is it?” Alicent asked, feeling tired because of course it was raining, “It’s alright, Bug. I’ll wrap you up in my coat.”

“We can take you two home, or wherever you need to go.” Rhaenyra offered immediately, “I have to take Baelon home anyway so I’ll already be out.”

“Oh, Mommy, can we! Can we go with Coach Rhae?” Helaena asked excitedly.

Alicent thought for a moment, still reeling from Rhaenyra’s comment not even two minutes before and the potential of this impending car ride with her that would prolong the evening. Something told her to decline, to take this moment to create a little space.

“Please, Mommy?” Helaena asked, looking up at her with pleading blue eyes.

“You’re sure you don’t mind.” Alicent asked Rhaenyra softly as if the kids were listening to every word they were saying.

“Not at all.” Rhaenyra answered, smiling as if driving them home in a rain storm was a privilege.

Alicent was completely caught off guard as Rhaenyra stood in the pouring rain and for the first time in her life someone opened the car door for her, and the kids too. Rhaenyra was drenched, but smiling as she climbed in on the driver’s side of her SUV.

“Seat warmer, Al?” She asked, still smiling like a lunatic, a water droplet running down her cheek from her curling silver hair, “Buckled up, kiddos?”

The ride to Alicent’s apartment was filled with endless chatter from Helaena who was excitedly talking about their upcoming game once again, Baelon politely responding far less enthusiastically by the third time it was brought up. Alicent wasn’t oblivious to the not so sly glances being shot her way from the driver’s seat and it was absolutely making her feel flush.

Twenty minutes later they were pulling up to the curb outside of Alicent’s apartment, Helaena already bidding them farewell.

“Thank you Coach Rhae. Bye Baelon.” Helaena practically sang as she climbed down from the backseat of Rhaenyra’s Yukon.

“Bye Helaena. See you, Alicent.” Rhaenyra replied, “You ladies have a good evening.”

Sometime later after showers and a bedtime story, Alicent noticed an unread text.

| R: I’ll have B Friday night. Dinner is at 6. He’s requested his favorite from this great place not far from me. The kid loves his noodles. We will have plenty of food, and I have more wine options than I should, probably. I can text a link to their menu if you two ladies would like to join us. We would love to have you both over. No pressure to join us, Alicent, honestly. I would just regret it if I didn’t extend an actual invitation.

The message had been sent over an hour ago, and even though she just saw it, her lack of response was making her feel a little anxious. Her emotions were all over the place. She didn’t want Rhaenyra to think she was avoiding her or the idea of them hanging out more than she probably already did. She also didn’t want to misread the signs, if there were even signs to read. Because there even being signs to read was absolutely preposterous. Why, why, why would Rhaenyra want anything to do with her?

Not to mention Rhaenyra making it crystal clear that Helaena was undoubtedly included in whatever their plans were made her stomach flutter uncontrollably.

In the end, her curiosity to know more won out.

| A: Hi, just saw this. We were in the middle of a bedtime story. We would love to join you two on Friday. No need for the menu, we aren’t picky.

| R: No worries at all. Bedtime stories are essential. Great! Can’t wait for Friday. ☺️

Alicent giggled, wondering if using emojis were a staple in Rhaenyra’s texting etiquette.

| A: Us either. Just send me your address whenever.

Rhaenyra must have already been in the process of texting her as her address popped up no less than a second later followed by a another message.

| R: Dress comfortably. It’s just me and B. Sweet dreams, Al.

| A: Sweet dreams, Rhaenyra.

Alicent settled into bed, thinking back, trying her best to remember the last time that someone was this kind to her and Helaena who wasn’t Gwayne. She wondered when the last time was that someone made her feel comfortable like this. She wondered, considering for a moment that maybe nobody ever had.

It was then that she decided to allow herself to feel, to maybe see where this, whatever it was with Rhaenyra could go. If nothing else, she would potentially gain a pretty great friend.

On Thursday she managed to make it to Helaena’s entire basketball practice. It was quite apparent that all ten kids were excited about their impending first game on Saturday and were working extra hard as Coach Rhae cheered them on.

Alicent couldn’t help but let her eyes linger, admiring discreetly on how effortlessly Rhaenyra wrangled the kids in, molding them into young athletes. It certainly had nothing to do with how good she looked in those red shorts she wore or how her leg muscles flexed as she moved around the court demonstrating what she wanted the kids to do.

“Don’t cross your feet, Dragons, you’ll trip.” Rhaenyra reminded them, “Shuffle, remember?”

She could see Rhaenyra fighting a grin around her whistle that was tucked between her lips. She couldn’t help but admit that she found Rhaenyra undeniably attractive, but who wouldn’t. Anyone with the gift of sight could see that she looked like the eight goddess hand sculpted in marble by the Seven themselves.

It wasn’t exactly new new for her to think of another woman as being pretty, but this feeling, the one she was finally acknowledging that was bubbling inside her every time that she looked at Rhaenyra, was completely different than anything else she had felt before.

Practice was ending, all hands in as Coach Rhae counted them off, Dragons shouted in eleven different voices before violet eyes met her own across the court for the briefest second. Rhaenyra’s lips were curling into a smile that radiated a warmth that seemed to settle right in Alicent’s belly.

It was strangely addicting, this feeling.

It almost made her want to walk down the bleachers and cross the court with some excuse that was pressing, obviously, just to engage Rhaenyra in conversation. She wanted to see those captivating violet eyes up close and hear that silky voice engaging her and her alone.

Little arms hugging her around the middle drew her from her daydreams, “Mommy, did you see us practice? Coach Rhae says she thinks that we’ll win on Saturday because we’re the best and we work really, really hard at practice and that she’s really proud of us.”

Alicent smiled down at Helaena, adjusting the strap of her bag on her shoulder, “I did see. All of you were wonderful, Bug. As long as you have fun, that’s what matters. I’ll be proud of you either way.

“Yeah, but it would be more fun if we win.” Helaena replied, smiling as her eyes landed on one of her favorite people.

“Hi.” Rhaenyra greeted, her silky voice sending a shiver up Alicent’s spine, “Just wanted to double tap with you about, umm, Friday.”

Alicent appreciated Rhaenyra's elusiveness around their dinner plans as she had not told Helaena yet just in case it fell through. Alicent knew without a doubt she was going to be positively delighted about eating dinner at her beloved Coach Rhea’s house.

“Mommy, what about Friday?” Helaena asked curiously, looking from her mother to Coach Rhae.

“I’ll tell you on the way home, Baby.” Alicent promised, her fingers pushing her blonde curls away from her face before looking back at Rhaenyra, “We’ll be there.”

Alicent practically heard her swallow as her throat bobbed, a smile stretching slowly across her lips, “Awesome. I, um, I mean, we super can’t wait.”

Alicent giggled, causing Rhaenyra to blush for the first time, “Oh yeah? We super can’t wait either. See you then.”

“Bye, Coach Rhae!” Helaena sing-songed, waving her hand frantically before slipping it into Alicent’s as they left together.

“Super can’t wait? Really? What the hell was that, Rhaenyra? Pull yourself together.” Rhaenyra whispered to herself as she watched Alicent and Helaena leave through the entrance of the gym.

Normally she was the perfect image of confidence, especially when it came to women. A favored subject of hers that she believed herself to have mastered years ago. Never had she felt so out of sorts while talking to a girl, to a woman.

Never.

Yet here she was, heart racing and stumbling over the basics like some crushing teenager.

Since the moment she saw her several weeks ago, all signs pointed to the one thing that she already knew for sure, that Alicent Hightower was something special.

The next day went by as usual for Rhaenyra, meeting her clients with deep pockets that had their eye set on the same Penthouse in a luxury highrise. Days like this were a headache, but by the end one of them made had an offer that the seller couldn’t refuse, resulting in another large pending payday for Targaryen Realtors. It was a little later than she had planned when she sent over the last bit of paperwork to her clients to sign when she was able to leave the office. She still had to swing by her parent’s house to pick up Balon as well as pick up dinner for them all. She felt a nervous excitement settling over her as six o’clock neared, their usual roles reversing as Rhaenyra fell a bit behind schedule.

She sent a quick text to Alicent to let her know that they were on their way, but running a couple of minutes late. In some sort of poetic twist of luck, and to no one's surprise, so was Alicent. Their timing was perfect as Rhaenyra and Baelon met Alicent and Helaena coming into the main lobby of Rhaenya’s apartment building, one arm full of carryout and the other carrying Baelon’s overnight bag.

Helaena was practically bouncing on her toes in excitement as Rhaenyra and Baelon came into view. “Hi, Coach Rhae! Hi, Baelon!”

“Hey, you two, great timing. Sorry we are running a bit behind.” Rhaenyra greeted as they all passed the security officer working in the lobby, “Evening, Cris.”

“Evening, Ms. Targaryen.” Criston offered in reply as they passed.

“You’re right on time. Can I carry something for you?” Alicent asked as they neared the elevator.

“I got it. Thank you. Baelon, grab the button, will you, Bub.” Rhaenyra asked as she readjusted the contents of her arms.

Baelon eagerly pressed the elevator button, illuminating the up arrow as the elevator dinged and the doors slid open smoothly. Baelon stretched up on his tip toes and pressed the 50 button.

Alicent felt something akin to unsure in that moment. Not unsure how someone like Rhaenyra would live on the fiftieth floor in some high rise apartment building, but unsure because how is it that someone like her was riding in a very nice elevator that played classical music at a low volume with someone like Rhaenyra who held the dinner that they would soon be sharing in her hands.

A hand settled into hers, her beautiful little girl looking up at her with a toothy smile that she had been wearing since she revealed to her the day before about these very dinner plans. Scarcely had she ever seen Helaena so excited about something. It squeezed at her heart knowing that a simple dinner could make her little girl so happy.

When she looked up, violet eyes were already on her, lovely as ever but filled with a hint of what could only be concern. Rhaenyra didn’t ask, but she could tell that she wanted to.

Is this still okay?

Alicent gave her a reassuring smile as the elevator came to a halt on floor fifty where they all stepped off.

Rhaenyra’s apartment was gorgeous, obviously. As if there was even the slightest chance that it would be anything less than what Alicent described as luxurious, and all she had seen so far was the foyer.

“Hey Alexa, I’m home.” Rhaenyra called, prompting her apartment to come to life.

Lights in the kitchen illuminated the space as well as other accent lights within the apartment, the massive TV in the living buzzed to life with whatever basketball game was on, the elongated fireplace beneath erupting with beautiful flames.

“Baelon, why don’t you give Helaena a tour while we get dinner ready?” Rhaenyra suggested before both kids disappeared down the hall a second later.

“May I take your coat?” Rhaenyra asked softly, not wanting to overwhelm Alicent as her eyes wandered over the details the apartment.

“You have a beautiful home.” Alicent offered as Rhaenyra helped her slip out of her heavy jacket, completely unaware of the violet eyes that were drinking in the sight of her in her jeans that fit just right and her favorite band t-shirt.

“Thanks. Thank you for coming over, Al. I’m so glad you two are able to join us tonight.” Rhaenyra replied with a smile, “Have a look around. Please, make yourself comfortable. I’ll get dinner ready.”

“I’ll help. You can give me a tour after.” Alicent smiled in return, “Put me to work.”

Rhaenyra bit back the completely inappropriate joke that came to mind and instead hung Alicent’s jacket in the entryway before walking back into the kitchen rolling up the sleeves of her crisp white long sleeve dress shirt. Alicent watched, while pretending not to of course, as pale forearms were exposed, her eyes wandering to her shoulders and down to her chest and the plain of her stomach that was hugged perfectly by her shirt that had to be tailored to fit. She wondered what it would be like to put her hands on Rhaenyra’s hips, maybe slip a finger into a belt loop of those slim fitting dress slacks to pull her closer. Maybe work that black leather belt with the fancy buckle open before pulling that pristine white dress shirt untucked so she could run her hands over those stomach muscles that she knew in her heart that she would find there waiting. What would they feel like under her roaming hands, her lips, quivering and taut.

“Al?” Rhaenyra called softly, “Everything alright?”

“Yes, of course.” Alicent replied, accepting the four plates that Rhaenyra was trying to hand her.

She shook her head in an attempt to clear those thoughts of Rhaenyra, wondering how a person goes from not interested in exploring a certain part of themselves to willing to dive in headfirst.

“I picked up some Diet Coke. Helaena mentioned that she likes Lemonade, would that be alright?” Rhaenyra asked, her head mostly buried in her gigantic refrigerator.

Alicent smiled to herself, finding the answer to her question all on her own.

“Thank you, Rhaenyra. Lemonade is fine.” Alicent replied as she started digging out the boxes of takeout from the bag.

Endless thoughtfulness, kind, and so damn sexy.

How could one person manage to be all that so effortlessly?

Rhaenyra walked over to the living room before calling down the hall, “Baelon, Helaena, time for dinner, Kiddos.”

Socked feet against the hardwood was heard a second later before Helaena all but slid into the kitchen, “Mommy, Baelon has a game called Mario Party and he’s teaching me how to play. It’s so fun. Can we play again after we eat, Mommy, can we?”

“We’ll see, Bug, alright?” Alicent replied, surprised as Rhaenyra pulled a chair out for her to sit at the table, “Thank you.”

“Of course.” Rhaenyra replied softly, “Helaena, darling, would you like to sit by Mom?” Helaena giggled, completely delighted, plopping down as she happily kicked her feet before Rhaenyra scooted her seat forward just a little.

Seeing Rhaenyra treat Helaena so wonderfully did something to her biology. It warmed her blood in such a way that sent blush to her cheeks and desire low in her belly.

“Alright team, dig in before it gets cold.” Rhaenyra said, helping Baelon scooping his favorite noodles onto his plate.

Dinner was nice. Nice in the way that is comfortable. Comfortable in the way that is welcoming and makes you want to keep coming back for the same experience day after day. It was warm in the way that Rhaenyra’s lips curled into a smile as she listened intently to her brother and Helaena talk about their day at school and then shared a little bit about her own. She felt a little nervous at first to share anything about her own day, but found the confidence when a socked foot settled against her own under the table. Rhaenyra smiled at her and seemed genuinely interested as she asked questions about her day, as trivial as it was to pour coffee for strangers for most of the morning.

“I’m done, Rhae. Can we go play Mario now?” Baelon asked as he took the last bite from his plate.

Violet eyes looked to her for approval before Helaena caught on, seemingly understanding who actually held the decision of their gaming fate, “Please, Mommy.”

“It’s alright with me, Bug.” Alicent replied, both kids clamoring from the table before taking off back down the hall.

Alicent was now hyper aware that they were essentially alone together for the first time, their feet still snug against the other on the floor between them.

“As much as I would absolutely settle for sitting here playing footsie with you, Al, I could give you a tour of the place or we could sit on the couch, maybe by the fireplace with that promised glass of wine. Whatever you’d like to do, really.”

“Let’s get dinner cleaned up and then maybe that tour? I think I might need a raincheck on the wine. I don’t drink often and I don’t want to get sloppy.” Alicent joked, enjoying the way that Rhaenyra’s foot felt against her own.

“Probably a good idea for me as well, honesty. I should probably steer clear of the influence of any liquid courage.” Rhaenyra joked offhandedly as she stood and started to clear away the table.

Alicent didn’t even want to guess what she meant. Guessing was a dangerous game that she could not afford to play. She needed to be absolutely sure before she did something foolish like let herself keep feeling something for Rhaenyra if she had no intention of ever feeling the same.

“Liquid courage for what? You don’t seem like the type of person who would need such a thing.” Alicent teased playfully as she gathered their partially empty glasses and sat them on the white marbled countertop.

She was surprised when Rhaenyra released a shaky breath and turned to face her, leaning that fit body back against the cabinets, running a hand through her silver locks.

She seemed almost nervous in an way, and that, in turn, made Alicent feel nervous as well.

“Can I be honest with you, Al? Like, honest honest?” Rhaenyra asked quietly.

Alicent panicked, feeling for sure that Rhaenyra was about to do her very best to let her down as gently as possible.

“You scare the hell out of me, Alicent.” Rhaenyra explained softly, catching Alicent by surprise, her wide doe-like eyes watching her every move, “This is new territory for me. I’m not usually this terrible at letting a girl know that I’m interested in her, but you’ve rendered me useless it seems. But I am interested. I think you’re incredible, Al, and I would love nothing more than to get to know you better. You’ve got a great kid that I realize is your first priority. I just, I wanted you to know. If you’re not interested, it's okay, I understand. I’d still like to have you two over sometime, if you’d be keen because I think you’re both pretty great.”

Alicent had to make a conscious decision to close her mouth when she realized he was hanging open slightly in shock.

“I - uhhh, I don’t know what to say, Rhaenyra.” Alicent began in reply, “Hearing you say things like that makes me feel like I’m dreaming because it’s near impossible to believe it to be true because it doesn’t make any sense, the two of us.”

Rhaenyra pushed off the counter, her throat working as she swallowed, her hands hanging at her side, fingers flexing as if they were fighting the need to take hold of something, “It is true. Will you give me a chance to prove it?”

“I’ve never done this before, with a woman, or with anyone really, if I too am being honest honest.” Alicent jokes softly, a smile pulling at her lips.

“Really?” Rhaenyra asked in disbelief, “Usually my gaydar is pretty spot on and it spiked through the roof the first time I saw you walk in the gym.”

Alicent scoffed playfully, reaching out to playfully swat at Rhaenyra’s arm, “Whatever.”

Rhaenyra offered her hand, palm up, “What do you say to us taking it slow, see how it feels to you? You set the pace. I’ll follow your lead, Al.”

Alicent took her hand, immediately enjoying the warmth of her skin and the way that Rhaenyra’s hand fit so well into her own, “You’d do that?” Rhaenyra smiled, nodding as she watched as Alicent’s fingers trailed up her arm, “You’re so warm. And so overdressed.”

Rhaenyra hummed, a silver brown raising in question, “Oh, yeah?”

Alicent rolled her eyes, “Someone told me to dress comfortably, so we did, and that same someone is still wearing their dress clothes from work.”

“That’s right, I did. Please make yourself at home. I’ll be right back.” Rhaenyra replied, giving her one last squeeze to her hand before heading to change clothes.

Alicent took the opportunity to catch her breath, still reeling from the last few minutes. Being alone with Rhaenyra without kissing her into oblivion was far more difficult than she ever imagined. But then again, she didn’t imagine that she would lay her feelings bare while simultaneously making her heart want to jump out of her chest and waltz right over to Rhaenyra and cannonball into her palm.

She did as Rhaenyra said and made herself at home, wandering around the apartment while admiring its modern design. She loved the way everything was perfectly detailed, but obviously lived in.

And the view…

Well, the view was nothing like she had ever seen, the sun setting along the horizon in hues of orange, red, and graying clouds. The city was stretched out below them, the city lights making it look vast and alive as they towered above it all.

“Lovely view isn’t it?” Rhaenyra said softly, so as not to frighten her.

“It’s gorgeous. What an incredible thing to see every day.” Alicent replied, slipping her hand back into Rhaenyra’s own, who took it without hesitation.

How wonderful it felt to be like this with her.

Alicent took a brief moment to admire Rhaenyra’s plain black t-shirt and her flannel pajama pants before turning toward her and looking up into those unwavering violet eyes, “I’m not so sure you should’ve given me the reins, Rhaenyra.”

“Why?” Rhaenyra asked, her thumb brushing across a slightly sweaty palm.

“Because I’m ridiculously attracted to you and I am discovering that I have no chill.” Alicent replied softly, causing them both to grin.

Rhaenyra inched a little closer, “That’s a good thing, no?” Alicent whimpered in reply, wanting so badly to touch the woman in front of her, “Alicent, darling, part of having the reins is controlling where we go. You can touch me if you want to. Like I said, I’ll follow your lead.” Hands were on her stomach within the next second, slow but deliberate as they snaked around to her sides over her t-shirt, “Take your time, if you need. I’m not going anywhere unless you command it.”

Rhaenyra’s words transformed into molten heat that seemed to soak straight into her panties. Never had she thought it possible to be so turned on by the mere proximity of another person before.

“I think that I would very much like to kiss you, but I haven’t been kissed in a long, long time.” Alicent whispered, suddenly feeling nervous under that violet gaze again.

“That’s a damn shame.” Rhaenyra replied, tucking a finger under Alicent’s chin to gently urge her to meet her eyes, “May I?”

Alicent was pretty certain that if their lips were meeting in the next few seconds she would combust and Helaena would be doomed to be raised by Gwayne.

“Please.”

A hand was gentle on her cheek and in her hair, at her neck, supporting, gentle, firm, everywhere all at once, “You’re so beautiful, Alicent.”

Her ears were ringing with white noise or booming fireworks or church bells or the sound of her future as the softest warmth in existence pressed against her lips, gentle at first and then all consuming heat that burned hot in contrast to the ice-cold glass that was pressed against the small of her back. Kissing Rhaenyra was everything she never knew that she couldn’t live without. She never wanted to stop.

A low whine escaped her throat that was swallowed by Rhaenyra’s mouth still fitted so deliciously against her own.

“Gods, Al.” Rhaenyra whispered against her lips as she realized her own fingernails were scratching down the flexing muscles of Rhaenyra’s stomach threatening to dip below the waistband of her pajama pants.

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” Alicent mumbled in apology, still pressed between Rhaenyra and the window and hundreds of feet on nothing.

“Don’t. It’s okay. If the kids weren’t here, I’d invite you to bed. Trust me when I assure you, darling, that there is nothing for you to be sorry for.” Rhaenyra whispered against her cheek before pressing a kiss to her jaw earning another pitiful whimper from Alicent, “You alright?”

Alicent nodded, easily accepting the chaste kiss that Rhaenyra pressed to her lips. And the second one, “You sure?”

“Yes, just…worked up.” Alicent assured her, grinning in her embarrassment.

“Mmmmm.” Rhaenyra hummed, biting her bottom lip as she breathed in deep as if to settle herself somehow, “How about that tour now? And then maybe we can get cozy on the couch for a bit? Watch some SportsCenter?”

Alicent fought off the grin that was threatening to appear, settling her hand against Rhaenyra’s cheek before she spoke, “Now I know why you’re single.”

They both laughed.

Rhaenyra could do nothing but kiss her again.

An hour later they were sitting together on the couch, Alicent all but curled up in her arms as they talked about any and everything. Rhaenyra was attentive, rubbing the baby hairs at the back of her neck as she relived the night that she told her father about Helaena and talked a little of Helaena’s biological father. Rhaenyra was an open book as well, answering anything about herself that Alicent wished to know.

The sound of feet against the hardwood coming down the hall forced them to separate a bit, neither willing to move very far from the other.

“Mommy, Baelon fell asleep. I don’t know how to turn off his game.” Helaena explained, wiping her own eyes as she padded over toward her mother.

“I’ll take care of it. Be right back.” Rhaenyra replied as Helaena crawled up onto the couch and into her mother’s arms.

Alicent looked at her watch, a glaring 9:30 informing her that their evening was at an end.

Rhaenyra was on the phone when she came back into the living room, Alicent catching the tail end of her conversation, “I owe you. See you shortly.”

She sat back down on the couch next to Alicent and Helaena who was drifting off in her mother’s arms. Rhaenyra smiled fondly at the sight, “My cousin lives downstairs. He and his boyfriend are going to come hang here while I take you two home. I’m sorry for not realizing how late it had gotten.”

“You don’t have to do that.” Alicent replied, her fingers combing through Helaena’s curls, “I checked earlier. The bus home runs every twenty minutes. We’ll be fine.”

It took little more than fingers grazing her calf and a lazy grin combined with a please, Al for Alicent to fold like a cheap lawn chair. Laenor and Joffrey arrived a few minutes later and exchanged quiet introductions as Rhaenyra shuffled out the door with her Hightower guests. In the elevator Helaena was dead on her feet, “Mommy, can you carry me? Mm sleepy.”

“We’ll be home soon, Baby.” Alicent assured her.

“I can carry her if you’d like.” Rhaenyra offered softly. That was all it took for Helaena to look at her just as pitifully before Rhaenyra scooped her up, “Up you go, my little darling.”

Alicent wasn’t sure if she had ever adored a sight more than the one that stood before her in a fancy elevator that played classical music even softer after 9pm. Her heart squeezed as Helaena buried her face into Rhaenyra’s neck and lulled into the safety of her arms. If the sight wasn’t so beautiful, she may have been a little jealous. But then, Rhaenyra’s fingers slotted between her own, lifting her knuckles to press a chaste kiss there.

This was their first night, their first dinner, their first moments alone just the three of them and she felt as if her heart was singing in tune with the ridiculous elevator music.

How was she meant to survive this without falling in love?

As the elevator door dinged in the lobby “You first, Al.”, she realized that perhaps she wasn’t meant to. Warm fingers were back between her own before she took three steps outside the elevator before walking hand and hand across the lobby, Rhaenyra unbothered in her flannel pajamas.

“Cars ready, Ms. Rhaenyra. Mr. Laenor called ahead. Said you had a little one with you that didn’t need to wait in the cold.” Erryk informed her as his twin brother held the door open for them all.

“Thanks, guys. I’ll be back in a few.” Rhaenyra replied quietly as they exited the building and walked over to her sleek SVU that was already warming up. She opened the passenger door for Alicent before getting Helaena settled in the back and buckled in with little fuss.

Rhaenyra tapped a few buttons on the screen, GPS mapping her route to Alicent’s apartment as a hand settled on her thigh across the console. Even in the glow of the lights through tinted windows Alicent looked beautiful.

“Thank you for tonight.” Alicent whispered softly, “I think we both had a great time.”

“As did I.” Rhaenyra replied, giving her a quick smile, thumbs rubbing across the knuckles of the hand on her thigh, “I hope we can do it again.”

“I have the reins, right?” Alicent asked, teeth sinking into her bottom lip anxiously.

“That’s right.” Rhaenyra replied, grinning but not taking her eyes off the road.

“Tomorrow night. Movie at my place? At 6 or whenever you’re free. What do you say?” Alicent asked nervously.

“I would love to, Al.” Rhaenyra responded softly, further pleased by the brief squeeze to her thigh.

Rhaenyra would have none of Helaena walking all the way up to Alicent’s apartment, choosing instead to carry her, Helaena still fast asleep in her arms until she was laid in her bed and Alicent made her get change into her dragon jammies when Rhaenyra stepped out into the living room to wait.

Rhaenyra had never felt anything like holding Alicent in her arms, her face tucked into her neck or her breath warm against her cheek before she pressed a parting kiss there. This woman made her lose sense and she couldn’t get enough of her.

The following morning she had a hard time focusing on the upcoming game when Alicent was sitting in the bleachers next to her brother and right behind mother and father who was there in full support of Baelon. She wanted to wave, or more accurately wanted to walk over and greet her with a kiss, but obviously she couldn’t do that as they were not an item, as it were, and her mother and father knew nothing of her new romantic interests. She couldn’t help but think that waving from a distance was a bad idea because her mother and father would just think that she was waving at them and then that would likely cause talking amongst them and she couldn't have that. Not until she had a chance to introduce them properly herself. She most definitely didn’t want Alicent to think that she was ignoring her as she tried to find middle ground in brief bouts of eye contact.

Thirty five minutes later, the Dragons were victorious and lining up to congratulate the Wolves on a game well played. Baelon scored half of their points and Helaena scored two, both pleased with their efforts as they ran to their parents afterwards. Rhaenyra shook hands with Cregan Stark before heading over to join her family and Alicent and Gwayne who were standing to leave.

“Mom, Dad, I’d like you to meet Helaena and her mother and uncle. This is Alicent and Gwayne Hightower. Alicent, and Gwayne, this is my mother and father, Aemma and Viserys Targaryen.” Rhaenyra introduced, feeling bad when Alicent’s paled a little bit before sticking out her hand in greeting to her mother and father respectively.

“Lovely to meet you both.” Alicent offered before elbowing Gwayne to prompt him to say something.

“You as well, my dear.” Viserys replied politely. “Nice shot out there today, Helaena.” Aemma offered to the smiling girl that was gripping her mother’s hand, “We’re looking forward to seeing you play next Saturday as well.”

Helaena seemed a little bashful as she looked to her Coach, “Did I really do okay, Coach Rhae? I didn’t score as many points as Baelon did.”

“You did great, darling. We’re all a team, right? There are no single players here. We work as a team, we win as a team, and one day, a long time from now, we might lose as a team too.” Rhaenyra replied softly, grinning as she ruffled blonde curls that were tied back in a ponytail.

Alicent wasn’t expecting her to say anything so obvious in front of her their families, so it certainly took her by surprise when Rhaenyra stepped a little closer, “See you later on?”

She could feel Gwayne’s eyes on her as they pulled on their coats as they shuffled out of the gym, “Later on, hm? Am I correct to assume that there has been something that you’ve been keeping to yourself, dear sister?”

“None of your business. And you, aren’t you supposed to be on the lookout for celebrities or something? How could her parents be sitting right in front of us and you didn’t even notice?” Alicent hissed as they walked next to each other, Helaena blissfully unaware.

“You didn’t notice either. I’m unsure how. It’s not like many people have that rare shade of silver that you’ve evidently been running your fingers through and not telling me.” Gwayne whispered in return, feeling victorious when Alicent’s cheeks blushed pink.

“I have not.” Alicent replied curtly, but now she absolutely intended to do so later that very evening.

It was infinitely harder for Alicent to run her fingers through those perfectly styled silver locks when her daughter was the one cuddled up to Rhaenyra as she showed off her favorite book about bugs.

Did you know that caterpillars have twelve eyes?

Did you know that fruit flies were the first living creature to be sent to space?

Did you know that mosquitoes are attracted to smelly feet?

“They must bite you all over then.” Rhaenyra teased, playfully pinching Helaena’s bare foot that was resting against her leg.

“Heeeyyyyy, I’m not smelly.” Helaena replied matter of factly before not missing another beat, “Did you know that butterflies taste with their feet?”

“I did not, but that is fascinating, Helaena. How did you learn so much about bugs?” Rhaenyra asked curiously, watching intently as she simply shrugged and showed her another photo of a monarch butterfly.

“Mommy, can we watch Bug’s Life? I bet Coach Rhae has never seen it.” Helaena asked excitedly before hopping up to find her favorite DVD.

While Alicent was sure that Rhaenyra was going to never want to step foot in her house again, she just grinned at her little girl’s excitement. That excitement only lasted about thirty minutes before both Helaena and Rhaenyra were sound asleep on the couch. Alicent couldn’t help herself as she pulled out her cell phone and snapped a picture. Rhaenyra, a large book with a butterfly on the cover lying across her stomach and a sleeping blonde with wild curls buried in her arm, her hand holding on to Rhaenyra’s fingers. They were almost too precious to wake up.

“Wake up, Love Bug. Time for bed.” Alicent said softly as she roused her daughter. “What about a bedtime story, Mommy?” Helaena asked as Alicent helped her up from the couch. Rhaenyra’s eyes flew open, clearly surprised that she had fallen asleep, mumbling an apology, “I’m so sorry, Alicent.”

“It’s quite alright. I’m just going to get her to bed. Stay. Please?”

“Mommy, what about my bedtime story? Can Coach Rhae come listen too?” Helaena asked, sleepy blue eyes looking more than hopeful.

“What do ya say, Rhaenyra?”

Rhaenyra grinned, standing and scooping a giggling Helaena up in her arms, “Come on Bug Girl, let’s get ready for that story.”

Alicent was beginning to wonder if Rhaenyra had a thing for feet or just had a thing for touching her discreetly. She sat on Helaena’s bed as she read, her legs crossed, foot dangling in the air near where Rhaenyra sat cross legged on the floor. It was gentle, almost reverent in the way the pad of her thumb brushed over her ankle bone as she read, Helaena almost asleep only a few inches away.

Rhaenyra seemed to be listening as well, a familiar grin on her face.

Alicent wanted to turn to her and just ask. What is this feeling? Where have you been? What took you so long to find us? Are we a team now? I would like to be. Would you?

She felt insane thinking such things, but as Rhaenyra offered her hand after adjusting Helaena’s blanket around her she wondered if she was that far off base.

Faithful to her word Rhaenyra ensured that Alicent knew that she held the reins, waiting patiently for her to make the first move before kissing her like it was her life’s purpose as Alicent’s hands slipped into her short silver hair, anchoring herself just in time. Feeling Rhaenyra’s tongue in her mouth, against her own, was divine, a baptism in fire that burned her from the inside out.

How was she to survive this woman when her presence alone stole the breath from Alicent’s lungs. Would parting from her always render her feeling the same?

As it turns out, it would, especially after Rhaenyra’s tongue found its way between her trembling thighs a few days later. She felt like a teenager all over again, coming home in the middle of the day while Helaena was at school to get fucked so spectacularly by a woman who couldn’t keep her hands off her, or from inside her for that matter.

“Once more, for me, Al. I know you can come one more time for me, Beautiful. Isn’t that right?” Rhaenyra whispered, her fingers already curling to hit that spot that no one else had ever touched before, “Yes, that’s my girl. So wet for me. You feel so fucking good, Baby.” She laved that wicked muscle over her nipple, sucking just so, in the way that made Alicent want to hold her head there forever. That made her wish that she could feed Rhaenyra from her own body.

Alicent fisted her hands in silver hair earning a low groan of pleasure from Rhaenyra who adjusted the angle of her wrist, swiping her thumb across her love’s pulsating clit with every stroke.

“Yes, Baby, just like that.” Alicent whispered, “You’re incredible. You make me feel so good, mmm.” Nails digging into the soft skin of a bare neck as pleasure rocked through her body just as hard as it had the very first time, “I’m coming. Fuck!”

Three weeks later Alicent found herself in the throes of another nooner at Rhaenyra’s apartment. After a long couple of days she needed this badly, a fool proof way to rid herself of the stress that she could feel herself carrying in her shoulders. She loved the way that those strong hands felt on her back, against her bare skin, soothing away the stress of the world as Rhaenyra’s knees held her quivering legs apart as she buried her strap inside of her over and over sending waves of pleasure up her spine with each thrust. Rhaenyra was filling her cunt so well that she could feel her everywhere, in every nerve ending. She lay on her belly, pliant and willing, hips canted just how Rhaenyra wanted her.

“That’s right, Princess. What a good girl you’re being just lying there taking me so well.” Skilled fingers found her clit, slipping through her abundant slick and teasing, “I love watching you, Alicent. Watching as you spread around my cock and take me inside you. Fuck, I think I might come from just watching you, Love. So beautiful. So, so perfect.”

Love? That was new. Alicent groaned in pleasure spreading herself open a little more, turning to see the look of sheer ecstasy on Rhaenyra’s face as she watched, her violet eyes blown and zeroed in, “That’s right, let me see you, fuck yes, Baby.”

The fingers on her clit moved with renewed purpose, pushing Alicent closer to the edge as Rhaenyra continued to fuck her from behind, “I’m so close. Are you going to come inside me, Rhaenyra?”

Rhaenyra faltered only for the briefest second before grinning, their eyes meeting over Alicent’s shoulder, “Would you like that? I’d fill your belly up so good."

That did something to them both, driving them both nearer to the edge they were both seeking.

“Yes, I want you to come inside me so badly, Rhaenyra. Fuck, I want it so bad. Give it to me. Please.” She was impossibly wet, the squelching sound evident each time Rhaenyra thrust into her, “Yes, just like that. I’m gonna -.”

“Alicent, Seven above, fuck.” Rhaenyra gritted out, her breathing labored as she trembled against her, hips shaking as came hard, gripping Alicent’s hips for dear life.

Rhaenyra whimpered, a gentle hand running over Alicent’s back lovingly, “Gods, what do to me, Al.” Rhaenyra eased out of her, humming in delight at the sight of Alicent glistening on the silicone shaft and practically dripping from her soaked cunt, “Don’t move, my sweet girl. Stay right there for me.”

Alicent hadn’t planned on it. She hadn’t planned on leaving this ridiculously comfortable bed at all for the next several hours at all actually.

She jumped a little as a warm cloth wiped between her legs, “Sorry, Love, just cleaning up a little.”

Never had anything felt like this. Never had she felt so cared for in every way, which seemed to only be a growing trend with the woman beside her.

She crawled into Rhaenyra’s arms, smiling at the feeling of a kiss being pressed to her bare shoulder before asking, “Can we sleep until I need to go get Helaena?”

Arms tightened around her, pulling her closer before warm lips pressed against her neck, “I have to meet a client, I’m sorry, but of course you are more than welcome to rest here. Have a shower. Whatever you’d like.”

Moments like this one is the only thing that made being with Rhaenyra hard. The moments of transition between being so close to her, of being so sweetly intimate to going their separate ways. It was becoming increasingly more difficult, honestly, to let her go and to not know when they would be able to be this way again.

It did render her breathless, like a crushing weight on her chest.

And then…

“I need to tell you something.” Rhaenyra whispered against auburn curls.

Alicent felt sick, a hundred different scenarios flashing in her mind, each worse than the last. This was the last time, their last moments together. Rhaenyra didn’t want her, she didn’t want them. There was someone else. Someone easy with no baggage. Someone with money, a real career. Someone with no children.

Tears burned at the corner of her eyes as she laid there, suddenly feeling more naked than she had a moment before.

“What is it?” Alicent asked, unmoving, stiff.

“Can you turn over and look at me, Al?” Rhaenyra asked softly, lips brushing against her hair as she spoke.

She didn’t want to. She didn’t want this to be over. She didn’t want this to ever be over. But, those hands that she craved were gentle and encouraging at her side. It was addicting, the way that Rhaenyra touched her, the way she held her. A hand moved across the plain of her stomach from her hip to her ribs as she turned over, lovingly, natural in a way that felt permanent.

Those violet eyes that she adored were boring into her own, “You have the reins, Babe. But, I just wanted you to know that I’ve been thinking that maybe we could tell Helaena about us.”

Alicent’s mind went blank.

Tell Helaena that we’ve been having mind blowing sex for the past few weeks? Tell her what exactly Alicent didn’t know.

“I, um, I really like you, Al. I’m serious here. And I want you to know that I would never dream of hurting your little girl. I want you to trust me enough, when you’re ready, if you want it too, to tell her that I’m your…girlfriend?” Rhaenyra explained nervously, “I want you two more than just sometimes. I want you more than just these quick, stolen moments in the middle of the day like we’re some dirty secret that needs to be hidden. I want to give you more. I want to give you better. You deserve better, we, all three of us, deserve better.”

“Okay.”

“Okay?” Rhaenyra asked, “Okay…as in you want to be with me and we’ll tell Helaena and you’ll allow me to date you properly, okay?”

Alicent smiled, nodding as she leaned forward to kiss Rhaenyra’s lips, “Yes. All of it. I want more of you too. I’m not sure I’ll ever get enough.”

Rhaenyra kissed her back with fervor, taking the opportunity to flip Alicent over on her back and settle above her.

So what if she was a little late.

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