A Song of Ice and Fire Ficlet: Ned/Cat Modern AU

He hasn’t been sleeping, Catelyn can see. As she takes his hand, she wishes for a moment that she could be in his place, be the one in the thick of those Washington hallways he was thrust into. He’s a strong man but he wasn’t made for such games. She knows they tire and sadden him.

“I’m scared to ask why you’re here but I’m so glad to see you anyway.” He smiles, that old smile. It hasn’t come out that rarely in the 15 years they have been together. She knows he’s postponing the question. She plays along and offers him a light kiss but it’s not enough. In a second his arms are around her and she’s letting that old comfort set in once more, closing her eyes.

Petyr clears his throat. He doesn’t have to say it, it hangs in the room. It is my house.

She feels uncomfortable when they leave him, but there have always been things more important than Petyr’s feelings. Ned is still looking grave, thinking on what she has told him. “I should have them all arrested and be done with it.”

“You know you can’t do that without proof, these people are too powerful.” Suddenly her tone is urgent. “Ned—Ned, promise me. Promise me you won’t be rash.” She’s searching his eyes for proof that her fears are unfounded but she’s not sure she finds it.

“I’m not a complete idiot, Catelyn,” he says, but she feels he’s just brushing her off. “There’s the girls to think about, too,” she adds quietly, but she knows she doesn’t need to tell him that.

They check into a hotel room under fake names even though her plan was to fly back right away and that night everything feels slower, a little melancholy. When they fall asleep, her head is resting on his naked torso, the covers over her but not him. By the time she wakes up, he’s gone, but he’s ordered breakfast up to the room for her. On the tray there is a flower and she takes it with her. It’ll be damaged on the trip, it won’t make it home.