Chapter Text
one
Sansa looked forward to her eighteenth birthday ever since she was a little girl.
She had heard all the stories, about how it happened the moment you turned eighteen, to the minute. How from that point on the moment you saw your soul mate your souls connected and you could hear their thoughts, see their memories. She had read all the stories she could find, the ones they talked about in school. She was fascinated by it all. She couldn't wait for it to happen to her.
She had heard the story of how her parents found each other. They were both in their twenties when they saw each other, they connected and they had been together since. That was the most common way on how things went after soul mates found each other. Then there were the others.
Her little sister had found her soul mate at one of the trips she took with the charity she volunteered at, just few months back. It was still a one-way connection for them, Arya had a couple of years to go till she could start hearing his. The boy was a few years older than her and still a complete mystery to the family. All Sansa knew was that they talked online to keep in touch, and the little details Arya had let slip out. Like that he was nice and patient, that he was putting himself through school, and that once he was done with it he'd move to Winterfell to be closer to her.
Jon met his too. A family trip to the circus two years prior, Rickon's idea, resulted in Jon's stoic exterior breaking at the beginning of the trapeze act as his eyes locked with one of the performers and they connected.
Robb had yet to connect with his soul mate, and so did uncle Benjen. Uncle Benjen being alone for so long is what gave Sansa nightmares at times, she wished and hoped that her story wouldn't resemble his.
Thinking about soul mates always came with that fear, but in the last few weeks, as her birthday was coming up, pushing the fear away became easier.
She couldn't let herself end up like uncle Benjen, and she never would.
She was determined to make her soul mate story as special as she could. One with a happy ending too.
two
Sansa often liked to imagine her soul mate. Who it would be, what he would look like, what meeting him would feel like.
She liked to think he'd be a clean cut, slicked back, high class guy that would cherish the ground she walked on. He'd shower her in attention and gifts and they'd make a picture perfect couple.
Someone like Dickon, the guy she was seeing.
Just not exactly him. Cause it wasn't him.
three
Sansa planned her birthday party to the smallest of details. She made a list of activities and a schedule to stick to. She printed out invitations on fancy paper and decided to hand deliver them.
This was the moment she was looking forward to most, she wanted everything to go smoothly. She made sure that everyone knew at nine and seventeen minutes, the time she was born, it was time for cake. Time to celebrate the moment she could connect to her soul mate.
Everything had to go as planned.
four
Hand delivering invitations proved itself to be much more time consuming and tiring than Sansa first anticipated. She took the day off to do it, visited everyone on her list. She tried to keep it short with everyone, it worked with some people, with others it didn't.
With one more to go she knocked on Theon Greyjoy's apartment door. She felt tired, her legs hurt, and she was over the entire thing. She was a bit pissed off too, Dickon was getting more and more impossible by the day. Ever since his eighteenth birthday, when he realized that Sansa wasn't his soul mate he'd been getting worse. They decided they'd be together until they found their own. With the way they stood at the moment, they wouldn't survive that long. She was also pissed at herself. She should've asked Jon's for his car to run this errand, public transportation only made the process longer and more tiring.
"Hey," Theon answered the door quite fast after she knocked, "Come in."
Theon had just come out of the shower, his hair was wet, there were droplets of water all over his body, and a white towel tied around his waist. He wasn't bad to look at whatsoever, Sansa realized, her eyes darting to his six-pack and back to his face. She hadn't noticed that before. But that's not why she was there, and that's not what she was going to focus on.
"I'd rather not."
"Sansa, I have to get ready for work. Whatever you're here for, you should come in and tell me while I get ready."
"Fine."
Sansa followed him inside, closing the door behind herself. Theon went into his room and she stopped near the door, her back turned towards the entrance to give him privacy as he got dressed.
"You can speak now, I'm listening."
Right. Sansa always forgot how annoying Theon could be. She was going to speak, he didn't have to give her permission. He was such a brat.
She didn't want to argue.
"I'm here to invite you to my birthday party," she spoke into the empty living room, hoping he could hear her.
"When is it?" he returned
"Friday," she said, "At seven."
"I'm working Friday night," Theon responded as he emerged back from his room, dressed in typical Theon style, with his hair still wet.
"Oh," Sansa muttered. Right. Theon had been working at a bar downtown for several years, Friday nights were always the busiest. She did not think of that before. But who gives a shit. It's not like it was crucial for him to be there, she wasn't sure she wanted him there. She was only here because her mom insisted. She probably felt bad for him. Her mom really wanted him there. "Maybe you can take the night off?"
"I'll try," he said. He stood in front of her, his keys in his hand.
"Here's your invitation. Let me know, okay." She trusted the envelope in his direction.
"Sure. Thanks," Theon offered her a smile, accepting it, "Come on. I'll drop you off at home. It's on my way."
It wasn't in his way, Sansa knew. But she was way too tired to turn down the offer.
five
With two days to her birthday, Sansa was ready. The cake was ordered. The flowers were on their way. The menu was planned. The RSVPs were received. Well, all expect one.
The only one who didn't RSVP to her birthday party was Theon, unsurprisingly. Sansa wanted to ask him about it, and luckily he was sitting on the couch in the family room, playing video games with Robb. A normal Wednesday afternoon.
She noticed he was there as she and her mom were rushing around the house, planning the seating and the placement of all the tables and decor. So she decided to ask. She had to ask. Her mom had insisted so much on putting him on the guest list, making sure he came to the party, making sure Sansa wasn't on her usual bitchiness around him, that Sansa just decided to do everything her mom asked. So she wouldn't have to listen to any more monologues about being nice and civil towards acquaintances.
She stopped her pacing around right at the living room entrance, and leaned against the arch opening that connected it to the dining room.
"Hey Theon."
"Hi," he said, turning over his shoulder to look at her.
"You haven't RSVPed yet," Sansa spoke, quite careful with her tone of voice.
"Yeah, sorry. I don't I can..."
"Theon," her mom interrupted him.
The expression on his face suddenly changed, replaced by one of borderline terror. Like a kid that's just been given a stern talking to in public.
"I'll definitely make it," Theon then said.
"Thank you," Sansa replied. She smiled, holding back laughter as she walked away. Theon being so afraid of her mom was the funniest thing she had ever seen. In the middle of all the stress, seeing that was exactly what she needed.
six
Sansa counted down the minutes with excitement.
Everyone showed up for her big moment. Everyone was there as she blew out the candles, she timed it perfectly with the time she was born. It all went as planned.
But soon that excitement came to an end. All her planning for that special moment seemed like wasted time. It wasn't special at all. Nothing had changed.
Sansa put on her best fake smile, joined her friends and her boyfriend and pushed herself to enjoy the party. She could cry after the party ended.
seven
Sansa walked everyone out individually, thanked them for coming and placed a gift bag in their hands. She hid her disappointment the best she could. It was all so anti-climactic.
All the stories she read, all the stories she heard, she wished hers could be something like them. She wished she didn't have to go years before finding the person she was meant to spend her life with. But not all wishes come true, hers certainly did not.
"I'm sorry to say sweetheart, but you got more guest to kick out," her mom's words snapped her away from her thoughts and back to reality. Right. There was one more gift bag left. Her family was cleaning up after the party, and for some reason all of them were on edge all of a sudden.
Her mom was gesturing towards the backyard, and as she looked over, she saw Theon sitting outside. She realized she hadn't seen a lot of him that evening, not since he came in and said happy birthday to her, and she took a moment to appreciate that he cleaned up and put on some stylish clothes for the occasion.
"Why is he still here?" she asked her mom, only to receive a disapproving look on her face, "Can't you?"
"Sansa, go talk to Theon," her mom responded, stern tone of voice, similar to the one she heard her mom use with Theon just two days prior.
Okay, Sansa thought, that was weird. And now I have one more son of a bitch to deal with before I can mourn my misfortune in the privacy of my room. And open presents along the way.
eight
"I'd really appreciate if you don't refer to me as son of a bitch in the future. I go by asshole. My mom was actually a very nice lady."
What the actual fuck.
Theon's words caught her unprepared. She stood in shock, watching as he got up from where he was sitting and aprroached her
"Theon?"
"Give it a minute," he said to her, his eyes finally meeting hers.
The next thing she knew was that she felt a rush of emotions. And then it got worse. A complete sensory overload. She suddenly had the worst headache she had ever had, her head felt like it was going to explode as thoughts piled on top of thoughts. Her mind was going a million miles an hour.
She almost lost her balance, but Theon got to her in time to catch her and help her sit on one of the chairs nearby.
It all felt like a fever dream.
Especially when it all ended a few moments later, her mind no longer clogged up, her emotions just her own. For the most part. There were someone else's thoughts and emotions. At first they felt like an echo, like an aftertaste to her own. But a few seconds later those got louder.
What the actual fuck.
Sorry. No one warns about how painful the first few minutes are.
She was hearing Theon's voice, like a whisper right beside her ears, but his lips weren't moving. That could only mean one thing.
Theon's my soul mate?
"Yup," this time he answered her out loud. Bullshit. It couldn't be true, "It is true. Sorry to burst your bubble."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"I wanted to. Your mom didn't let me."
Did everyone know?
I don't know. Your mom was the only one I told.
You should've told me.
Theon didn't say anything to that. Instead he showed her memories of him trying to say something over the years, getting stopped by Catelyn telling him that he should let Sansa have a life before she connected to him. Telling him he should let her experience things. She didn't know that was how that worked.
Sansa understood where her mom was coming from. She understood the pressure Theon was under. It didn't mean that it made her any less angry. She should've known.
From Arya's story Sansa learned that once made the connection never broke, that it didn't matter how far apart they were, her soul mate could still hear her thoughts. This meant that Theon had been listening to hers ever since they connected. Sansa was there at Theon's eighteenth, she made the fucking cake for his birthday. Four damn years of him eavesdropping.
So rude.
I'm sorry.
Stop that.
It's not like I have a choice, princess.
"Asshole."
"Thank you."
nine
She lay in her bed, middle of the night. Looking at the darkness that replaced her ceiling, Sansa was trying to figure the shit out. Suddenly, the biggest problem she had to face was that her soul mate was none other than Theon Greyjoy, the greatest pain in her ass that has ever lived. And that was before she knew he was her soul mate. He was an annoying and rude asshole whose thoughts she now had to subject herself to.
It's not like you're any better.
Oh please.
How easy do you think it is to be connected to you? You spend every free minute you have either obsessing over that Tarly kid, or imagining a soul mate that's the complete opposite of what I am.
I'm not gonna apologize for wanting nice things.
I didn't say you should. What you should apologize for is all the name calling you direct at me for no reason whatsoever.
Sansa reached over for her phone. She was gonna put some music on, that should drown out the stupid voice in her head. She put her earbuds in and blasted the song as loud as it could go. She was sure it was gonna work.
Can you at least listen to some good music?
I hate you.
Don't worry princess, I am well aware of that fact.
ten
"Good morning," her dad's voice was the first thing she heard as she walked into the kitchen. Her parents were up, Arya too. It was going to be an interesting conversation, but it wasn't a good morning. At all.
"Morning," Sansa returned to her parents greeting. She was feeling particularly disappointed in the morning after her birthday. Having not slept at all, it was no surprise that she let the negative emotion she was having take over.
Cheer up, buttercup.
Fuck you, Greyjoy.
"Who spit in your coffee?" her sister asked her.
"Theon."
"What did Theon do?" her dad now joined the interrogation. Sansa looked at her mom, mad at her about what had happened. She should've known.
"He's my soul mate," she stated and was suddenly met by Arya loud and persistent laughter.
"And you're not happy about that because?" her dad queried.
"He's an asshole."
"Sansa, he can hear you, watch your language," her mom offered.
"No it's fine. He prefers asshole. He asked me not to insult his mother, so motherfucker and son of a bitch are out of the question," Sansa said. I'm also fine with dickhead. "He's also fine with dickhead."
"This is the best thing that has ever happened to me," Arya was still laughing.
She's starting to annoy me, now.
Not me. She's always been my favorite.
Shut up.
"Sweetheart, I know it might seem frustrating to you, but the universe made you soul mates for a reason," her mom attempted to bring her high spirits down, and failed at it. No, you don't get to talk about this to me, Sansa thought.
Well, we agree on something.
"I have a whole different bone to pick with you. You didn't let him tell me."
"You were fourteen, Sansa," he dad said. Of course he knew too. Sansa didn't even think about their soul mate connection.
"And had no idea that someone was listening to all of my hormonal teenager thoughts."
You're still a hormonal teenager.
"I just wanted you to have some normalcy in your life. I didn't want you to think about soul mates all the time."
Little did she know.
"I've been worrying about ending up like uncle Benjen all my life, do you really think you helped me by not telling me my soul mate has been under my nose the entire time?"
"I'm sorry," her mom said
I'm sorry too.
eleven
Thank you cards. That was the only thing that was left for Sansa to do after her birthday. Luckily, what always was the most boring and tiring part of it all, this time had the potential of being a bit more fun. She wasn't going to do it alone. In her experience, hnd her assistant had a few funny ideas here and there over the years, and had the potential of making the whole process feel a little less dull.
Sansa was slowly realizing the upside of getting connected. The company.
She was determined to make it work, forgetting who she was dealing with. Thing was that Theon always made her angry and frustrated, she was just letting herself push that fact aside and give him a chance. He could try, but she wasn't going to let him make her angry. She could feel him rolling his eyes at her.
She had the corner of her room covered in presents from family and friends that she needed to open and send thank you cards for. She was making an organized list numbering things and writing them down so she doesn't mix anything up.
You don't have to do any of this, just send a mass text with a 'thank you lol' and be done with it.
Don't be stupid.
You're overworking yourself for a piece of paper that will immediately be put in the bin.
All I'm doing is being polite. They can do whatever the fuck they want with my politeness.
I just think that you need some sleep.
Don't worry about me.
Don't be an idiot. All I can do is worry about you.
You didn't seem to mind keeping me up all night with your loud thinking.
Sorry to burst your bubble once again, but it was the other way around. I can still feel your disappointment.
Why did it have to be you?
I've been asking myself that question for four years now.
You know what, Theon. Let's see what I have to thank you for. Maybe then we can focus on your issues for a while.
Try me, princess. But you're gonna eat your words, I'll tell you that much.
Sansa rearranged a few boxes and bags, thinking the names loudly in her head to annoy Theon, until she found the exact one she was looking for. Rather ones. She was excited to see what Dickon had gotten her. But as it turned out it wasn't as special as she thought it would be. A bottle of perfume that smelled nice, but just wasn't her style.
No, please go on about how great Dickon is.
Please, like you did any better.
Her fingers worked quickly as she ripped the paper off the box and opened it once it was free of obstacles. Inside, under a few layers of tissue paper was a dress. The exact one she was looking at just a week before. She really wanted it, she tried it on at the store, but she couldn't afford it and had to leave without it. She spent quite a while thinking about the dress, obsessing over how she could save up to get it. This was yet another invasion of her privacy. But it also was exactly what she wanted, and her heart was breaking at how thoughtful it actually was.
Fuck you, Theon.
You're welcome.
twelve
She thought Theon was annoying before she started listening to his thoughts. After, she came to the realization that he was way, way worse.
Theon being annoying as fuck peaked whenever he was at work. Like any normal bartender, Theon flirted for bigger tips. Theon flirting was going to be the death of Sansa.
She was in her room, studying for a test, at least trying to. He wasn't making it easy.
Can't you stop, for like twenty minutes so I can finish?
What do you want from me?
Not to have to listen to you give compliments to everyone or listen to you think about how hot these random girls are while I'm trying to study.
Fine. I'll try my best not to make any money tonight.
Doesn't your father pay your rent?
My father has never in his life given me money for anything.
Show me. Sansa said it almost like a dare. Mostly because, despite the bit of resentment she could feel Theon was harboring, she didn't believe him.
But Theon complied. He showed her memories of his sister being the one he could lean on. Memories of his dad drinking excessively and how unsafe living with him had become, of Theon seeing his mom die, of him missing his mom, of him and his sister initially moving a few blocks away from their home and coming to their won.
Sansa had never known any of it. Theon had never showed any signs of anything but having a happy life at home. She wondered why he'd never said anything about it.
Does it matter? It wouldn't have changed a damn thing.
You're right.
Go study Sans. I'll help you. I didn't suck at school, I can probably remember some of these stuff. Just jog my memory.
That would be great. Thanks.
No problem.
thirteen
Sharing a mind, though distracting, wasn't completely useless. As it turned out, when he said he could help her, Sansa didn't really think it meant he'd be doing most of the work for her. He was able to help her with things they didn't intentionally go through the other night. He was able to remember stuff from class. She did amazing on her test. But she also wished he could shut up sometimes, just for like five minutes so she could figure her own shit out.
There isn't a way to take a break every once in a while, is there?
I don't think so.
So, you're gonna listen in and help me with college too?
Absolutely. I like listening to lectures. I like to learn things. I wanted to be a teacher back in the day.
You should've gone to college.
I can't afford it.
A student loan, Theon.
That's just debt I'd have to be paying back until the day I die. Pardon, we.
Shit. I forgot about 'we'.
Yeah, I noticed.
Is it bad that I'm getting used to you?
I'm pretty sure that's what you're supposed to do.
I hate you a bit less now, too. Maybe. Like the tiniest of bits.
Also noticed. Much appreciated.
fourteen
Who's that?
Sansa was in line to have her yearbook picture taken, and from the way Theon was feeling, a bit nervous, a bit horny, she knew whoever was on the other side of his front door wasn't just anyone.
FWB. Theon answered her. She started to feel a bit angry. Jealous too, maybe. She wasn't sure why.
Ew! Seriously. You've been connected to me for four years. Why?
I needed an outlet. You been seeing Dickon for the last year. Do you think that's easy to go through?
That's different.
Want me to show you how different it is?
I don't know what you mean by that.
We feel each other's emotions, hear each other's thoughts. Imagine that during one of the many times you've hooked up with Dickon.
The sheer thought of it made her angrier. That was supposed to be private. She should've known she was experiencing all of it with an audience.
Is that what you're doing right now? Payback?
No. I would never do that to you.
Then what are you doing?
Breaking up, I guess. Telling her I've connected.
Right.
When are you telling Dickon?
Sansa didn't even think about doing that before.
I noticed.
Maybe it can wait a few more weeks?
All of Theon's emotions had now faded into negative ones. It was pain and anger, and it had nothing to do with the girl in his apartment.
I just don't want to do it yet, Theon.
I get that. I'm sorry. I've just spent the last four years falling in love with you and waiting for this. A part of me always hoped that you'd get there really quickly and we can... you know, make a life together.
Sansa hadn't considered that at all.
Yeah, I noticed that too.
fifteen
Does he do this often? Complain and make you stress out too?
Princess, this is all he does.
Expect for her parents and Arya, the rest of her family had no idea that Sansa and Theon had connected. And Sansa was experiencing a new side to them all thanks to Theon. For example, Robb's whining about everything that he exclusively did only to Theon.
He was listening carefully to Robb go on and on about a rude colleague at work, and by default so was Sansa. But then Robb changed the subject. To Sansa. She's apparently been as rude to him at home, and he couldn't catch a break.
You really are rude sometimes. I should know. Theon thought it in a humorous tone.
Shut up. She reciprocated and a smile stretched across her lips.
We should tell him.
Be my guest.
Theon attempted to do it without directly saying the words. A lot of maybe she's under stress, maybe it's about her soul mate. Robb just wasn't getting it. And Sansa had an idea on how to end Robb's suffering.
If we have to spell it out, then okay.
Sansa walked into the living room with a glass of water and handed it to Theon who was already anticipating it. She then began to walk away. No words spoken between them at all.
"Hold up," Robb's words stopped her, "What the fuck just happened?"
"He was thirsty."
"How did you know he was thirsty? And why do you care, you hate him."
"Seriously? In how much detail do we need to spell this one out for you?" Sansa returned, then added, "Oh, sorry, I'm being very rude to you lately. I didn't mean it that way."
"You're soul mates? You two?"
"Yup," Theon confirmed it.
"Well, we're all fucked then, aren't we? The universe has obviously gone insane."
"I wouldn't say that exactly," Theon said.
"I would."
"So, you're not excited that I'll be your brother in law? We'll finally be family. Officially."
"Shit."
sixteen
If playing video games makes you feel this way, maybe you should just stop.
Theon in his apartment and he was restless. It was making Sansa restless too.
It's not the video games, Sans.
Then what is it? Sansa searched for the answer, trying to put all the thoughts and emotions in some soft of order that would help her figure it out. Oh.
Right. Oh.
How long? It felt too long.
A month.
I thought you had someone to hook up with.
Not weekly. Just for emergencies. And that's over, remember?
This is a emergency, then?
Yes. Most definitely.
What are you going to do.
Nothing.
Maybe you should do something. Call that girl for one last time.
Trust me, you don't want me to. Theon was thinking about how uncomfortable it was for him all the times Sansa was with Dickon. It felt like an itch he couldn't scratch while at the same time feeling like betrayal. She couldn't do that to him again. She was also glad he didn't want to do that to her.
Sansa couldn't believe the amount of pain Theon put himself through just so she could have somewhat normal teenage years. She could never repay him for it.
Maybe we could both do something then.
Sans, you don't have to worry about this. It'll pass in like ten minutes.
You can't keep putting yourself through shit for my sake, Theon.
That's not what this is.
I owe you.
No, neither of us is ready for it.
Are you just afraid cause it's not something you've experienced.
No. You know what this is about.
I'm gonna do it soon.
We're not doing anything until then.
seventeen
Sansa avoided being alone with Theon in the weeks following their connecting. She kept a distance from him as much as she could, even when he was in her home. With the rare exception like the other day, but she stayed away. Never facing him on her own. Only physically, of course, mentally that was impossible. It was all so much to get used to, and she felt smothered enough as it was. But she knew that she had to spend some face to face time with him too. Not only because of the implication of connecting and spending the rest of their lives. Also because she had a theory that she wanted to put to the test.
So she asked her dad to borrow the car and drove to the bar he was working at.
"Hi," she greeted him, more of a formality because Theon knew she was coming. They had been discussing what drink Sansa could get, something that wasn't going to feel like it was cutting her throat. She had yet to use her ID at a bar, she was excited for the first.
"Hey," Theon offered her a smile. He was happy to see her, she could feel it. She could also feel the ever present feeling of pining for her decrease, "What can I get you miss?"
Seriously?
My boss is watching. Humor him.
"I'd like a martini, please."
"Can I see your ID?"
Sansa smiled back at him as she pulled out her wallet, then her ID and handed it to him.
I thought being near you would make all of you louder.
That's cause you didn't listen to me when I told you it was the opposite.
"Olives, onions or lemon twist?"
"Olives."
"Right away."
You look tired. You also feel it, but you knew that already.
I did.
You work too much, Theon. Promise me you'll get some sleep tonight.
I'll try. I can promise that much.
"Thank you," she said as he placed the drink on a paper coaster in front of her. Theon gave her another smile in response.
"So how was school?"
"You know how school was."
"Who was that dude that was bothering you?"
"No one."
"You know, I took a few boxing lessons last year?"
"You took boxing?"
"It was a free class in my gym."
"Now that's an ever bigger lie."
"You won't be saying that once you see my abs again."
Right. That. He heard that.
"Sure," she rolled her eyes at him and chuckled. She could feel the aftereffect of the attitude she was giving him roll from Theon's body to hers. He didn't have much against it.
So you'd fight a high school kid for me?
Of course.
A man as tall as Theon, older, with short salt and pepper hair and glasses walked up behind the bar and stopped next to Theon. Sansa was intrigued, she had never met the man before, but Theon didn't have any negative emotions once he saw him so she figured he was alright.
"Leave the girl alone. I never thought I'd have to reprimand you on how to act in front of the customers, but there's a first time for everything," the man said loud enough for her to hear. He spoke fast, he seemed confident.
Theon smiled
"Davos, I'd like to introduce you to my soul mate, Sansa. Sansa, this is Davos, my boss."
"Nice to meet you," Sansa offered to shake his hand as she spoke, seconding it with a smile. Theon boss accepted the handshake immediately.
"Likewise. Good luck with this one."
"Thank you."
"Hey!" Theon pretended to get offended, seconding it with a wink.
Sansa felt how relaxed Theon was and she couldn't help but relax too. She had nothing to be afraid of.
She hadn't realized before that finding her soul mate was something that gave her anxiety, much like not finding him. Theon wasn't the worst she could ask for. He was the best possible scenario. It was someone she knew before, someone she was always able to depend on before.
She never liked him much before because he was always a mystery, always on edge, she could feel him hiding something. But that no longer was the case. Now she understood.
Now she was glad it was him.
Theon smiled her way when she came to that conclusion, she felt his happiness on the small of her back.
I'm glad it's you too.
eighteen
The excitement of spending time with Dickon was disappearing little by little every day.
To some part it was because of Theon Greyjoy's constant yammering in Sansa's head. But more than that it was the pain that it caused him whenever Sansa would excited for it. His jealousy. She could feel all of it, it was like heartburn at the back of her throat and it wasn't disappearing.
They were both growing more and more frustrated.
She needed to end it to ease them both.
Dickon took it well. Better than she expected. He couldn't protest much as soon as she told him that she connected to her soul mate. It was over and she felt easier.
Theon did too.
nineteen
Sansa scheduled it. Thought about all of it. A lot. But she wasn't really ready for any of it.
They started off with baby steps. Hanging out more, meals together. Theon gave her a key to his apartment for emergencies, Sansa added his name and number as her emergency contact.
They spent a few weeks getting used to each other. It was becoming easier, they were really starting to get along now. Sansa loved having company for all the mundane things she had to do.
Going places or just taking a walk was now an experience. Cleaning, doing laundry or doing her nails was accompanied by Theon's idiotic jokes that she no longer minded.
Studying was easier cause Theon was more than helpful - he wasn't joking when he said that he was good at school back in the day, Theon understood the things Sansa was confused about and was amazing at explaining them slowly and broken down to the smallest of details until she understood them too.
He would've made an amazing teacher.
twenty
The shared mind made everything about it much more intense. Kissing Theon resulted in hers and his emotion blending in a beautiful cocktail of extraordinary.
Sansa felt loved. Like she never had been before.
twenty one
If Sansa thought that kissing was good, the sex was indescribable. Having a radio connection meant knowing if what you're doing is working immediately. It meant knowing exactly what to do.
It meant that everything that she had experienced in the past was better with Theon.
twenty two
Sansa sat on her bed, holding the envelope addressed to her, too scared to open it. She was nervous. Kings Landing University was her dream school and it didn't seem like their answer to her application was a good one. So she allowed herself to get lost in Theon's thoughts, rather than facing the music. Talking to him was easier anyway. It was just easy.
I'm thinking a white picket fence kind of set up.
We have years before we get to that part.
No, we don't.
You're going to university.
Right. So? I'm going to university in town. The commute will be a piece of cake.
Just open the KLU letter.
It's not good news. It's too thin to be carrying good news.
You won't know for sure until you open it.
Fine. She felt ready. Theon did too. He wanted to find out, the elephant in the room remaining a subject not to be talked about.
Sansa's fingers grazed over the envelope before she finally picked it up and ripped it open.
Dear Mrs. Stark. The Admissions Committee of Kings Landing University has carefully reviewed your application. We regret to inform you that we're unable to offer you admission to the University.
I'm sorry.
It's okay.
They have no idea what they're missing out on.
Yeah.
Her mind went quiet. Something it hadn't done in months. She felt disappointment and it seemed as though Theon was letting her feel it, it was like he disconnected. It scared her for a moment. This wasn't what she needed. She needed him to back her up on this, feel the pain with her, share it.
Theon?
I'm here.
How do you do that?
Meditation.
You know how to meditate.
I've been training a bit while you're asleep. Thought you could use a breather from me.
Not right now, no.
Oh.
Come over? Once you're done at work. Please.
I'll be there.
Thank you.
You know, I always wanted one of those tall shrub fences.
We could do that too.
twenty three
Sansa thought about ice cream and watching romantic movies and Theon confirmed that was exactly what they were going to do. He brought her favorite flavor of ice cream and Sansa found a movie for them to watch. She needed a quiet night in. He made sure that was exactly what she got.
By the minute Sansa appreciated having him by her side more and more. Not having to explain what's wrong with you but having someone who understood was a blessing.
twenty four
Sansa started making her visits to the bar a regular thing. She always occupied the same seat, at the very end of the bar where she could be closer to Theon. Sometimes she brought her homework with her, Theon was always able to help her. It was weird a bit, he made school fun for her. There was someone who knew how to decipher the things she felt stupid for not understanding before, and now that she shared a mind with that person, she was going to use it to her advantage.
You should seriously reconsider your career path. You'd make an excellent teacher.
Shut up. I'm not that good. It's just that your teachers suck.
Sure.
I'm serious. They don't know how to make it simple to understand.
What do I need to do to get you to change your mind?
If you suddenly come into a bag of money, we can do college together.
I can try.
Theon smirked at her response, she looked up from her physics book and over to the other end of the bar where he was serving a customer in time to catch it.
Suddenly Sansa could feel Theon get excited. Happy, almost moved to tears too.
Yara. He simply said.
He had mentioned few weeks back how they kept missing each other and he hadn't seen her face to face in years. They face timed sometimes. The last contact they had was an e-mail, and that was months ago. Theon sent her one she didn't respond to. And then twenty more. She just sent him a selfie here and there or a short video to show that she was alive and well and he didn't need to call the cops.
Before he could separate himself from the customers and say hi to his sister, Yara had already reached Sansa.
"Hi," Yara greeted her first.
"Hi," Sansa offered her a smile in response, unable to ignore Theon's excitement and letting it take over too, "It's so good to see you."
"Thank you Sansa. You too," Yara smiled back, taking the seat next to her, "It's a surprise seeing you here."
"I get that."
"And you're studying?"
"Finals are coming up."
"Good luck then."
"Thanks."
Theon approached them, catching his sister off guard as he wrapped his arms around her for a tight hug.
"I can't breathe."
"That's for going off the grid on me."
"Sorry," Yara said and gave Sansa a smile over Theon's shoulder, "I got news, but looks like yours are more important."
"Mine?" he asked, finally letting go of the hug.
"Please, don't act dumb. I know soul mates when I see them."
Theon rolled his eyes and changed the subject.
"What's your news?"
"I'm moving the old man to a retirement home down south."
"Oh."
Sansa was surprised to find out that Theon didn't really have the reaction she expected him to. The bit of shock quickly wore off and behind it was relief. His dad was a subject he didn't want to think about, but so often had to. It was a lot of pent up negative emotion and bad memories that only clouded his mind, and by proxy hers. It was one of those things that Theon asked her to help distract him from.
"You were right when you told me he was going to drink himself to death," Yara stated, "he's doing exactly that. You've been picking up after him, but in fact, neither of us should deal with it. So he's basically getting the boot."
"How much does that cost?"
"That's none of your concern."
"Yara," her name came out of his lips sounding like a plea.
"The only reason I'm here is cause I thought you should know, not because I need something from you," she told him, "Just pour me a drink," she then added, "I'll handle the rest."
"Thanks. Coming right up."
Do you want to talk about it?
Haven't we talked about it enough? I'm actually kind of sick of talking about my dad.
So what do you need? I'm here to help.
You by my side. That's all I need.
That was not going to be an issue.
"So how long have you two been connected?"
"Three months now."
"Wow. Three months of hearing my brother's thoughts. You must be going crazy."
"It's not that bad so far."
"I'm glad you won't have to search for your soul mate. And Theon might not be the best person in Westeros, but he's surprisingly reliable."
"He is."
It was true. But even if he wasn't it wouldn't have mattered. He was Sansa's either way.
twenty five
As the hours passed, Theon was more and more relieved about Yara's news. He was distracting himself a bit with Sansa's textbooks, but he was overall feeling like a weight was now off his shoulders. He could breathe more easily and so could Sansa, her chest felt lighter because his did.
There was no longer going to be a need for Theon to make a weekly visit to clean up some of the mess his dad had made, a visit that always resulted in him feeling like shit about himself and made Sansa angry because he deserved better than that. The responsibility that required his time, effort, money and added to his stress was now resolved. It wasn't like he didn't care at all, he did, he worried too. He was just coming to terms with not having to anymore, not to the extent he previously did.
He felt freer, and Sansa couldn't help but allow that feeling take over her too.
twenty six
Four months into the connection things started to feel different. Sansa's was now used to talking to the whisper that never left her alone. She was starting to feel close to him and it was starting to feel like it was by choice.
She was in love with Theon Greyjoy.
Seventeen year old Sansa would have an aneurysm just thinking about it.
twenty seven
What if I move in with you? Your apartment is nice. I can go to class, get a part time job and help with rent. You can help me with studying. We can start a life together.
As much as I would love that, I'm not sure it's the best idea.
Theon.
Let me finish my thought. Not in my place. We should get our own. Fresh start. Closer to the university so you wouldn't have to waste time commuting. Plus, the bar is closer to the university than to where I live now anyway.
Oh.
If you want to. We don't have to. We'll do whatever you want to.
I want to. I'll talk to my parents, tell them I've decided.
Do you want some back up for it?
Of course. There's no getting off this boat now, Greyjoy.
Princess, I'll row it if I have to.
twenty eight - epilogue
"I want grandchildren," her mom stated.
Seriously?
They were getting the last of the boxes from Sansa's room to take to their new place. Of course her mom was gonna say something like that. She should've known. She couldn't believe it, but she should've known.
Four years of this before you joined, you are aware of that, right.
You're a superhero.
"Mother, you need to slow down. We just got engaged. And I'm starting university tomorrow."
"I just want you to know, that's all." Sansa watched her mom play innocent as they carried a box each and walked towards Theon's car.
"Thank you for letting me know, then."
"I'm serious Sansa. I'll babysit for you."
"We both want kids. It's gonna happen. Just not while we're in school."
Sansa had finally managed to talk Theon into going to university too, getting a degree he could use to become a teacher. It was her proudest moment, she wanted to see him succeed.
"That's all I wanted to hear."
I'll have to start apologizing about my family to you.
Not at all. I've been through so much with you Starks, I've seen it all.
"Let me take that, Mrs. Stark," Theon said and rushed to get the box from Catelyn.
"Thank you Theon," her mom smiled. After she said that she waited for him to walk back to the truck of the car. She then turned to Sansa and asked in an unnecessary whisper, "You're not gonna take his last name, right?"
She's gonna drive me crazy by the end of this visit and we're literally next to the car.
You don't have to you know.
I don't have to?
I don't care what your last name is, you're still only mine.
Asshole. Sansa thought, teasing with the tone of her thought. She looked at him and smiled. She couldn't believe her luck.
Sorry to burst your bubble, princess, but you know it's true.
"I am taking his last name," Sansa told her mom, prepared to defend her choice from whatever her mom was going to come up with as a counterargument.
You're sure?
I want everyone to know that you're only mine too.
If you think I'm not telling everyone already, you're mistaken.
Good.
Sansa Greyjoy will sound so odd.
Sansa Stark Greyjoy. Just at first. You'll get used to it.
I love you so much.