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“In Dorne,” Oberyn spoke up from behind you, the man’s voice carrying from where he laid on the couch. “In Dorne, my home was right against the water.” 

“I’ve read a lot about Sunspear.” You uncrossed your arms, using a fingertip to trace along the same path one of the raindrops took, following the movement with your eyes. “The pictures made it look beautiful, Oberyn.” 

“It was.” He paused. “It is.” You heard the couch springs creak gently as he moved, and then saw the faint outline of him in the glass as he stepped toward you. Oberyn stopped just behind where you stood, one of his arms winding around your waist, his other hand landing on your upper arm and squeezing. “Someday I will show it to you.” 

The possibility of that happening made your heart slam against your ribs, lips parting in shock. It meant that he was still banking on the plan working, that even though the Lannisters knew he’d survived the Mountain’s attack and the element of surprise was all but gone, Oberyn still believed that there would be an after for him. And for me. And for all of us. “I’d like to see it. I’ve heard the tour’s really good.” 

“It’s even better when I am the one leading it.” I don’t doubt that. He urged you to step back and lean into him, Oberyn supporting your weight against his broad chest. “They only know so much. And there are plenty of secrets hidden within the walls. The same is true for the Water Gardens.” 

You didn’t doubt it - and the idea of being shown around either place by Oberyn himself made you smile, both hands settling over his on your stomach. “What does that have to do with the rain, though?” 

“The Summer Sea is very warm and usually very calm.” He hummed, resting his chin against the side of your head. “But when it turned stormy?” Oberyn paused, his grip on you tightening. “The rain was mesmerizing. Doran and Elia and I used to watch it for hours as children, staying safe within the palace. We would get wet sometimes, of course, especially when the wind was strong, because the places with the best views had no glass in the windows.” 

“My apartment has …” Swallowing hard, you winced at the thought of your apartment, the rooms sitting dark and empty, all of your belongings inside. “The balcony. It’s not as big as this one, and I’m not as high up, but it’s covered. I sit out there and enjoy the storms, but like I said, it doesn’t happen much.” 

“Ellaria hates the rain.” He laughed quietly, pressing a kiss against your hair. “It is probably because of where and how she grew up, so I cannot blame her, but …” 

“So she’s probably miserable right now.” He agreed, but then went silent, giving both of you time to think. The woman, Tyene and Toban were out hunting, though they’d all left at different times to ensure that they weren’t putting themselves at risk. Oberyn, on the other hand, had decided not to leave the apartment, choosing to stay behind and ensure your safety - because you couldn’t leave, and with the exception of the balcony and rooftop, hadn’t stepped foot outside of the building since the week before. 

You didn’t mind staying in that day, the quiet of the penthouse and your first real time alone with the man in over a week a welcome change. Especially since we probably won’t get another chance like this until … after. That was something you didn’t want to dwell on, and when Oberyn said your name, the sound of his voice filled with concern, you shook your head to clear your thoughts, turning in his arms to face him. “You look worried.” 

“I’m not worried, Oberyn. I’m just …” Settling your hands on his waist, you bit your lip. “It’s nice to have the place to ourselves for a little while, but it’s weird, too, because -”

“Because we haven’t been alone in days.” He nodded, the man’s eyes glinting with amusement. “But you are worried. I can feel it. Ellaria’s blood is not as prevalent inside of me anymore, but I can still…” He ran his hands up and down your bare arms, briefly frowning. “I can sense it.” 

“The closer we get to the wedding, Oberyn, the more I wonder…” You leaned back, resting your head on the glass. “The more I wonder how many more minutes like this we’ll have. Even if… when our plan works, it’s all going to move so quickly. And then afterward, you’ll have so much to deal with, and you and Ellaria and Toban and Tyene will be -” 

You stopped speaking when Oberyn backed away from you, his hands sliding from your body and falling to his sides. I shouldn’t have said anything. I shouldn’t have … I ruined it. “Give me your hand.” The words were a gentle command, and you did as he asked, settling your palm against his. He curled his fingers around yours, pulling you away from the glass and to the right. What are we doing? Where is he - 

He unlocked the door and slid it open in one smooth movement, pulling you outside and into the rain without speaking again. “Oberyn, what are you -” 

He didn’t let go, though he put space between you, squeezing your hand as he tilted his head back, his lips curving up and into a smile while the water began to soak into his hair and clothing. Mine too. We’re going to be… fuck it. 

You laughed as you pulled your hand free from his and stepped to the edge of the balcony, gripping the railing and then leaning over, watching the cars inch their way through traffic 20 stories beneath you. It was a warm rain, and when you looked back at the man a few seconds later, you smiled at the sight. I’m never going to get tired of looking at him.

Oberyn’s face was still upturned, his hands on his hips and the material of his t-shirt molded to his body. He was grinning, the smile bright against the dark clouds behind him… and when he lowered his head to meet your eyes, it grew wider. “What?”

“When we were in the other apartment, and I took you outside to be in the sun, you looked …” Swiping a hand over your face to get the water out of your eyes, you shook your head. “The sunlight suits you, Oberyn. But somehow, so does this.” 

“I am very adaptable.” He sauntered toward you, hands still firmly in place. “The only thing I do not like is the cold. I tolerate it, but I prefer warmth, even if it means getting wet at the same time.” 

“A true viper.” He smirked at the words, lifting one hand and settling it against the side of your throat. You leaned into his touch, his thumb sliding slowly back and forth over the mark he’d put there. The familiar heat spread from the source, your feet shuffling a half step forward, but Oberyn never took his eyes off of your face, the man staring down at you wordlessly. 

You reached up then, pushing his hair back and away from his forehead, fingers curving as they raked through the hair behind his ear. He let you touch him, standing absolutely still while you traced the line of his jaw. Beads of water collected in his beard before they dripped down, splashing to the concrete beneath your feet. 

You searched his face, focusing on the details: the honey tones in his irises, the freckles that stood out against his golden skin, the slight furrow of his brow, even though his expression was otherwise relaxed. He was almost impossibly beautiful, the set of his lips and the curve of his neck the embodiment of every fantasy you’d ever conjured up - but he was solid beneath your touch, his presence undeniable - just like the look in his eyes as he stared right back at you. 

Standing with him in the rain, the man’s full attention on you, it was difficult to believe that you’d only known him for a short time - that Oberyn’s appearance in your life had signaled the type of change that meant you could never go back to what your life had been before. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything.  If someone had asked a few weeks earlier, you would have said there was no way someone like him could actually exist. But he’s real. And he’s here. And for right now, he’s … with me.

You wondered what you looked like - clothing stuck to your body, hair plastered against your skull, the mascara you’d applied that morning just for a little bit of normalcy likely running down your cheeks and leaving muddy streaks against your skin. What do you see, Oberyn? Whatever it was, he must have liked it, because he finally moved - keeping his hand in place and bringing the other one up to rest it against the center of your back, pulling you closer. 

“We should get back inside. Can’t risk you getting sick.” Of course. It was another reminder that you were human and he wasn’t - that something as simple as getting too cold or damp put your health at risk when it was something that he and Ellaria didn’t even have to consider. “But first …” 

The words trailed off as his eyes dropped to your lips and then rose. You knew what he intended to do, but you moved before he did, surging forward and closing the distance between you. The kiss was messy, water dripping from your lashes onto your cheeks when you closed your eyes, Oberyn’s lips wet as they met yours - but you didn’t care. And I don’t think he does, either. 

His grip tightened on your neck for a few seconds and then he let go, sliding his arm under yours and curling his fingers against your hip. You pulled on the ends of his hair, sighing when Oberyn licked into your mouth, the tip of his nose dragging along yours. 

He pulled away from you when you shivered - not from the cold, but from the way he was touching you  - and disappointment coursed through you. Inhaling through your nose at the suddenness of the broken kiss, you gaped at him, lips parted and still tingling from the intensity of his mouth against them. “Come inside. That shower is waiting.” 

“I can think of another way for you to warm me up.” It was bold and you knew it - but even though he grinned and you saw the want in his expression, Oberyn shook his head, hand sliding down to lace your fingers together. 

“We do not have time tonight. They’ll be back soon. Patience, remember?” Oh, I remember. Grumbling, you agreed, letting Oberyn lead you back into the apartment, the man closing the door - and locking it - behind you. “Put your arms around me.” 

“What?” Shivering - for real - at the feeling of the air conditioned interior of the apartment, you turned to face him. “Oberyn?”

“Ellaria is forgiving of many things. But if we drip all over the apartment, it will take more than me charming her to make it right.” He held out his arms. “Put your arms around my neck, and I’ll carry you.” 

You had no idea how it would help, but you weren’t about to say no to the opportunity of being held by him. Before you’d even had a chance to link your fingers together against his nape, Oberyn scooped you up and was moving toward the hallway - much faster than you’d anticipated. Oh. Right. Increased strength and speed. Of course. 

Too soon, he was setting you down on the tiled floor of the bathroom, the man opening the shower door and turning the water on before he even looked at you again. “Oberyn, that -” 

“That was nothing.” He looked up, winking. “And not at all what I usually enjoy using my strength for.” Oh, he means… shit. “Hand me a towel.” You did, staying silent. After he’d swiped it through his hair a few times, Oberyn peeled his shirt off, letting it drop to the floor, and then wrapped the towel around his shoulders. “Don’t give me that look. I’m not trying to tease you right now because that wouldn’t be fair to either of us.” No, you covering up isn’t fair. “Take your time. I’ll be waiting for you.” 

He turned toward the door but you moved to stop him, reaching for his elbow. The steam from the water was filling the small room, and when Oberyn turned to look at you over his shoulder, you saw confusion on his face for a split second. “Did you mean it when you said about showing me Sunspear?” 

“Of course I did.” He turned to face you again, nodding. “Say the words. We will go. Once this is done and we are free of the Lannisters, there will be nothing to stop us.” You wanted to believe him and so you chose to, leaning in to kiss him gently. 

“Sounds great.” Smiling, you kissed him again and then straightened up, pointing at the door. “Now get out, Oberyn. I know you’ve already seen just about everything, but since you just said ‘no not tonight’ and all… it’s time for you to let me shower.” 

He let out a laugh at your words, the sound loud and genuine - and it sent another shiver through you. I want to hear him sound like this all the time. He grinned at you one more time and then hummed, mumbling something that sounded strangely like a mixture of swearing in Valyrian and the common tongue. But he left the room, closing the door softly behind him - and leaving you alone with the swirling steam that filled the bathroom..