Cregan X Jace - Tumblr Posts

A Passion of Ice and Fire

Pairing: Jacaerys Velaryon/Cregan Stark

Chapter 1: Jace returns home after his visit to the Vale and Winterfell. He has discovered he has feelings for men, and he doesn't know how to tell is family. I'm terrible at summarizing.

(cw: talks of sex (more in later chapters), internalized homophobia, period-typical homophobia)

Notes: Luke is still alive because I love his dynamic with Jace. Aemond still attacked Luke and injured Arrax, but neither of them died. However, because of this attack and the death of Visenya, the Dance of the Dragons is still going to happen. The buildup to the war is going to be slower, and Blood and Cheese won't happen now. This story focuses mostly on Jace/Cregan.

As Prince Jacaerys flew back to Dragonstone, anxiety brewed in his chest. His visit had gone well, too well in fact. He had fallen deeply in love with the Wolf of the North, Lord Cregan Stark. That would have been horrid enough, but the most awful thing was, Cregan had fallen for him as well. They had shared their love under the stars in the Glass Garden, then once again in the young Lord’s chambers. Jace longed to tell his mother and brothers about the passion and warmth between himself and the Lord (leaving out major details when discussing it with his mother), however it wasn’t that simple. Intimacy between two men was seen as one of the highest crimes in the realm. Many whispered that his father Laenor had such affection for a multitude of men. Those rumors never ceased after his death. If anything, they had doubled in the years following and were just now starting to fizzle out almost a decade later. As he grew older, Jace realized there was a great deal of truth in such tales. And while his mother always spoke so kindly about Laenor, his mind still played tricks on him. 

What if she only spoke kindly about him because she didn’t want her children to think badly about their late father, true father or not? 

What if she only tolerated him because she needed the allegiance of the Velaryons?

Then he turned his thoughts to his own fate. 

What if she finds out what I am and hates me? 

What if she takes my title away? 

What if she kills me? 

What if….What if she doesn’t want to be my mother anymore. 

Jacaerys didn’t realize he was crying until he felt coldness on his cheeks with the cool air above the clouds. Vermax could sense the tension in his rider’s frame. Each twist and turn were more erratic than normal, and the usually levelheaded dragon became easily spooked by each bird and insect that came in close proximity to them. Jace took a deep breath and tried to calm himself down before his emotions caused Vermax to have an accident. The last thing his family needed was for him to crash because he was too busy being upset about his would-be relationship with a political ally. 

The ride became much smoother while he made the rest of his journey back to Dragonstone. As he descended into the mainland, Lucerys and Baela were there to greet him. As he jumped off his dragon, that terrible feeling came flooding back to him. How could he do this to Baela? A mere few weeks after they are betrothed, he lay in bed with Lord Stark. Had they not been betrothed, she and Lucerys would have been the first people he'd tell, now he can never tell her. He hugged Baela first then immediately turned to face his brother. Luke noticed something wasn’t right, but he continued with his usual greeting whenever his brother returned from a long flight. 

“How was it?” Luke asked

“How was what?” Jace asked, slightly flustered. 

Luke was certain now that something had happened while his brother was away. He answered back slowly. 

“Your flight.... Jace, is everything alright?” 

“He’s right cousin, you’re sweating, are you ill?” Baela asked, concerned. 

Jace flinched subtly as she touched his forehead. “I'm fine. It must be from the cloak they gave me at the Wall.” 

Baela nodded. Luke quickly grabbed his brother's arm and began to pull him inside. “Well, you must want to change your clothes before you give your report to the Queen.” 

A Passion of Ice and Fire

Pairing: Jacaerys Velaryon/Cregan Stark

Chapter 2: Luke confronts his brother about his strange behavior and learns something about him in the prosses. Can the brothers make it through this?

(cw: internalized homophobia, period-typical homophobia)

When they made their way through the doorway of Luke’s bedroom, Luke quickly closed his door and locked it so that no one could catch him trying to figure out what was making Jace so nervous. 

“So, what actually happened on your visit?” Luke inquired. 

“I don’t know what you’re-"

“Don’t give me that Jace, I know you better than that.”

“I’m simply tired from flying so far.” Jace attempted in his defense. 

 “I’ve greeted you from flights just as long if not longer, you have never acted this way before.” Luke countered. 

“Fine,” Jace relented, “sit down.” 

Luke took a seat next to him on the bed. “What happened?” Luke asked, starting to worry. 

“Do you remember the things people used to say about Sir Leanor?”

“Of course I do, but what does that have to do with your trip to Vale and….” the dots began to connect in Luke’s head “... Winterfell?” “Jace? You’re…. You…. With who?!” Luke yelled, before remembering that people could hear them. “With who Jace?” 

Jace laid still for a moment, “Lord Cregan Stark” he muttered so softly it took Luke a moment to register who it was. Luke’s silence was only furthered by this revelation. Jace felt his lower lip start to quiver while his brother stared at him blankly. He leaned back against the headboard as tears brimmed his eyes. 

“Oh Jace,” Luke said, finally catching up with the situation. “I... I’m sure it will be okay. You know this changes nothing between us, you are still my brother, my closest friend. And you will remain so until I breathe my last breath.” Luke said as he placed a hand on Jace’s shoulder. Jace could not hold back his emotions any longer. He began to sob softly, letting the tears flow down his cheeks and on to Luke’s tunic. Luke had pulled his brother into a tight hold. He understood the fear and the pain Jace was feeling. He was not entirely sure how he was going to help, but for now all Jace needed was love and support. After a few minutes Jace’s sobs let up and he lifted his head looking at his brother. 

“I’m sorry….I’m just not sure what I’m going to do. Who can I tell?” Jace questioned, he could not speak about this to just anyone. 

“You can speak to mother about this.”

“You do not think she will be angry.”

“How could she be angry?” Luke answered. “Sir Laenor was attracted to other men, she has said many times that she loved him.”

“But that was different. Sir Laenor was her husband, not her son.” Jace protested.

“How is that any different” 

“She has to say she loved him for our sake and for political reasons. What if she lied and she secretly hated him for being that way?” Jace said, more tears coming to his eyes. 

“Mother wouldn’t do something like that, and you know it. She loved him and she loves you. This won’t change anything.” Luke reassured Jace. 

“I just don’t want her to hate me.” Jace whispered and began to cry again. 

“She could never hate you, Jace.” 

“Are you sure?”

“Why would I lie about such things?” 

“That is true.” Jace resigned. 

A long pause dwelled in conversation. Luke took this as an opportunity to lighten the mood and gain more information. “So how is Lord Stark?” 

A Passion of Ice and Fire

Pairing: Jacaerys Velaryon/Cregan Stark

Chapter 3: Shorter chapter. Jace talks about his relationship with Lord Cregan.

“So how is Lord Stark? What’s he like? Is he handsome at least?” Luke interrogated. 

That was the first time Luke saw his brother smile since before their grandfather passed away. When Jace spoke about Cregan, his face lit up. 

“He’s gorgeous. He’s so tall and his voice is intimidating, but when we’re alone together….I’ve never met someone so loving and gentle.” 

“Really? I never would have thought from the Wolf of the North.” Luke said. 

“I know. He’s so different around his men. Around everyone else.” 

“How did you two even get together?” 

“On the second night I was staying in Winterfell, I could not find sleep, so I decided to take a walk along the grounds, until I stumbled across the Glass Garden. They have the loveliest flowers there. It just so happens that Lord Cregan enjoys the garden as well; he had come to inspect it that night. When he walked in on me, he smiled, and I felt like my heart was in flames. We talked for hours and then he slowly snuck an arm around my waist. He pulled me close to him. He asked me if I liked what he was doing, and I said yes. He tucked a piece of my hair behind my ear, while he kissed my cheek.” Jace recalled, touching the spot where Cregan had kissed him so softly that night. 

“He sounds like a good man.” Luke commented. 

“Oh, he is. Every time he touched me or tried something different, he asked if I liked it. He told me I was allowed to not like his actions and that if I was uncomfortable, he would stop. I believed him, but.... I didn’t want him to stop, ever. I never wanted to leave his arms. Everyone sees him as this harsh, rigid, stoic man, but underneath all that he’s this soft, kind, passionate person. I’ve never felt this way for someone before. Luke, I…... I think I love him.” Jace confessed as a maid knocked on the door. 

Luke walked quickly up to the door. “Yes? What is it?” Luke asked through the door. 

“The Queen wishes to speak with Prince Jacaerys.” 

A Passion of Ice and Fire

Pairing: Jacaerys Velaryon/Cregan Stark

Chapter 4: Jace gives the report of his visits to the Vale and Winterfell. He struggles to tell his mother about his love affair with Lord Cregan. He still worries she will disapprove of him.

(cw: internalized homophobia, period-typical homophobia)

“The Queen wishes to speak with Prince Jacaerys, Your Highness.” Elinda, Queen Rhaenyra’s lady-in-waiting, said softly. 

“Please inform the Queen he will be there in just a moment.” Luke answered back. 

“What do I say to her?” Jace panicked, practically flying off of Luke’s bed. 

“For now, give her your report and we will figure out how to explain the rest later.” 

“You're right.” Jace went to leave. “Dammit, I was supposed to change before I saw her.” He remembered.

Luke grabbed a tunic from his closet and tossed it to Jace. “Here, this one should fit.”

“Thank you. Wait, this is mine. I thought I had lost it!” Jace accused.

Luke shrugged in response. “You’re running out of time, you don’t want to keep mother waiting any longer.” 

Jace threw on his tunic and made his way down to the drawing room, finding his mother sitting alone looking into the fire. He slowly walked up to her. He felt as if he were a child again, coming to tell her about an old vase he had broken while running down the hall. He tries his best to keep his voice and face clear as he gives the report of his visits.    

“Your Grace.” Jace started.

From the moment he entered the room, Rhaenyra knew her son was hiding something. He had inherited his true father, Sir Harwin’s inability to mask strong emotions.

“Lady Jeyne Arryn has pledged her support, in exchange for a dragon to guard the Vale.” He pushed on. “And…... Lord Cregan Stark,” Jace’s voice cracked. He cleared his throat before continuing. “Lord Cregan Stark has promised 2,000 men to aid us in our army.”

“Thank you Prince Jacaerys,” Rhaenyra began, “and was that the whole of your trip?”

“Excuse me, Your Grace?” 

“Well, I’m only wondering because you were gone for many weeks. I understand negotiations can be tedious and the distance is far, but I had hoped you would have some sort of leave during your stay, did you not?” 

“I did Your Grace.” Jace answered, not giving any more information. Rhaenyra sighed.

“Please sit down, Jace.” Rhaenyra offered the seat next to her. Jace took it cautiously. 

“I’m not asking this as your Queen, I am asking as a mother who wishes to know what her son has been up to. You are not in trouble nor am I ordering you to tell me what happened. But I assure you there is nothing you could have done that I did not do at least once in my youth.” Rhaenyra joked.

“I am not so sure mother.” Jace whispered, looking down at his hands. 

“Jacaerys, please, I do not wish for you to keep secrets from me. I know a great deal has changed over these past few moons, but I never desire for you to feel as if you cannot speak to me freely. I am still your mother and I want to converse with you the way we always have. You are growing into such a remarkable young man, and I wish to hear about it from your own admission, not in letters or accounts given by my court.” Rhaenyra pleaded. 

“I’m only afraid my actions will make you ashamed of me. And that you will no longer…. see yourself as my mother.” Jace confessed, looking up with glassy eyes. 

Rhaenyra was completely blindsided by this statement. “Jacaerys, son, look at me.” she said. “There are so few things that could ever make me ashamed of you, and even fewer that would make me not wish to be your mother anymore. Please, tell me what happened. I’m sure it is not so horrible, and we will both feel much better when it’s done. Please Jace, you’re frightening me.” 

“I…...broke my commitment to Baela,” Jace started. 

“I see. Well, this is not uncommon with royal betrothals. You are not yet married, and I believe you two can work through this.” Rhaenyra assured. 

“I broke my commitment to her…...with another man.” Jace revealed. Rhaenyra once again found herself astonished by her eldest child. “Oh.” was the only word she could find in response. She did not think of herself as an intolerant person, but she was truly at a loss for how to resolve this situation at the moment. She knew she had to say something though. She could see her son’s anguish growing with her silence. “Jace.” She began, “you have no reason to think I would ever be ashamed of you for this,” she said, grabbing Jace’s hand. “I suppose you don’t remember your father Laenor so well,” she said, but Jace interrupted. 

“I do, mother. I…I just…. I thought…” Jace struggled to find the words. But his mother understood. 

“You thought it would be different because you are my son?” 

Jace could only nod, due to the pressure growing in his throat. 

Rhaenyra fully embraced her son now. “I loved your father, as I love you. He was my family and a dear friend. We respected each other enough to serve our roles and allow each other to find romantic love in other people.” She explained, running a hand through her boy’s soft curls. “I do not care which sex piques your interests, you will always be my little boy. I only care that you are kind, just, and intelligent." She held her son the way she did when he was small. "Might I ask what this boy’s name is?” 

Jace picked his head up, wiping the tears from his face. “Lord Cregan Stark.” He told her. Rhaenyra could not help her amusement. 

“I must admit, you have good taste my boy.” She said with a giggle. 

“What do you mean?” Jace asked. 

“I mean you have picked a lord who comes from a powerful house with a good family, who just so happens to be a decent looking young man.” Rhaenyra explained. 

“Have you met him before?” 

“Once, when he was very young. But I remember telling his mother, Lady Gilliane, at the time that I believed he would grow into a very handsome young man. Was I correct in my assumption?” Rhaenrya pondered, smirking at her son. 

“You were mother.” Jace said, blushing fiercely.

"Would you tell me about him?"

“He’s very tall and at first I was intimidated by him but once we got to know each other, he showed me such a gentle, kindhearted side of himself.”

Rhaenyra felt a tinge of sadness in her heart, “He reminds me of Sir Harwin.” She remarked.

"Really?" Jace asked, grasping at the few memories he still had of his true father.

"Yes, very much."

Rhaenyra listened to her son go on and on about the young Lord Stark. How beautiful and affectionate the so-called Warden of the North was, on the inside as well as on the outside. She then realized she had yet to have this conversation with her son. He had never discussed feeling such an intense attraction to anyone else. He had referred to Baela, Rhaena, and Helaena as pretty, however, it came off as more of an observation than a genuine feeling he had for them. Then, as if on cue, Jace admitted.

“Oh mother, I don’t think I’ve felt this way about anyone before. He makes my heart race faster than riding Vermax through the hills.” 

“You seem very taken with him.” 

“I am. And he’s just as taken with me. I think. He gave me this.” Jace said as he reached in his shirt pulling out a long steel necklace, carrying a dark stone. In this stone was a carving of the direwolf, a sigil of House Stark. “It belonged to a close relative of his. He wanted me to have it so that I would remember him all these miles away.” Jace elaborated, lovesickness thick in his voice. 

“And did you give him something in return?” Rhaenyra inquired, having become very invested in this story now. 

“I gave him the pin Lord Corlys gave to me on thirteenth nameday, the silver one with the blue jewel in the center.” 

“I remember it.” His mother recalled. 

“And when he took it from me, he pinned it to the inside of his coat.” Jace smiled, “He pinned it to the part that fell over his heart. He said as long as he wears that pin, he will think of me.” Jace felt feverish with how hard he was blushing. 

“Aww,” Rhaenyra cooed at her son’s anecdote. “I wish my early love affairs could have been as charming as yours.” She feigned envy. 

Jace laughed, then frowned, “Mother, what am I going to do about Baela? I don't want to hurt her.” He sighed. 

“The best thing for both of you is to be honest with each other. If she is anything like her mother, she will be supportive. But, if the pair of you cannot strike an accord, bring her to me and I will see what can be done here.” Rhaenyra insisted. 

“All right then, thank you mother.” Jace said, hugging his mother tightly before making his way to Baela’s chambers. 

Luke:Hey, are you free on Friday? Like around 8 p.m? Jace: Yes? Luke:What about you? Cregan: Yes, I am. Luke:Great! Because I'm not. You two go on without me. Enjoy your date! *Walks away* Jace: Did Luke just-?

Modern au: When the Storm Breaks

Pairings: Jacaerys Targaryen/Cregan Stark, Rhaenyra Targaryen/Harwin Strong, Rhaenys Targaryen/Corlys Velaryon

Cregan and Jace have been married for a couple years when tragedy strikes. Jace's brother, Luke, is killed in a car accident. From the moment they got the news, Jace barely cries. He buries himself into being strong for his family and planning Luke's funeral. Cregan stays by his side the whole time, trying his best to help. Everyone is worried Jace is carrying too much on his shoulders and that he's going to explode soon. Their fears become reality when Jace has a full-blown mental breakdown at the funeral. Jace's family and his husband rally around him. Afterwards he apologizes for making a scene. Everyone tells him that he has every right to upset and that he doesn't have to be strong all the time.

(cw: character death, graphic language, grief, unhealthy coping mechanisms)

Notes: This takes place in modern day New York. Rhaenyra and Harwin are married. Aegon III and Viserys II are Harwin's sons, but they get their looks from Rhaenyra. All the age gaps are closed in this story. Cregan and Jace are the same age, Rhaenyra and Harwin are only like 3 or 4 years apart. Laena is Rhaenyra's best friend here not Alicent, because I didn't want to touch that situation. Helaena is the only green that makes an appearance because I love her. Laenor and Daemon also aren't mentioned in this story. Do with that what you will.

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Jacaerys Targaryen and Cregan Stark had built a life together that was rooted in love, trust, and mutual support. They met in college, when Jace was getting his MBA and Cregan was getting a bachelor’s degree in architecture. Until then, neither of them had believed in love at first sight, but in that moment, love was the only thing that came to mind. They dated all throughout college, receiving their respective degrees with honors. Jace’s parents, Rhaenyra and Harwin, threw a grand graduation party at their home. However, Jace was the only one unaware that this party was also an engagement party. Once everyone important to them had arrived, Cregan got down on one knee and asked Jace to make him the happiest man in the world. Jace accepted with tears in his eyes. Their wedding was a sight to behold, a perfect blend of extravagance and sentiment. They vowed to be there for each other for every moment of their lives, no matter how painful. After four years of marriage, they had faced their share of challenges, but none had been as shattering as the phone call that came one quiet evening.

Jace was in the kitchen, preparing dinner, while Cregan relaxed on the couch, engrossed in a book. The shrill ring of Jace's phone broke the silence. It was from Baela, Jace's favorite cousin. Jace and Baela were very close, but they hadn’t spoken in a while, feeling they didn’t have much to share with each other. When she called out of nowhere, Jace thought she had something exciting to tell him. 

“Hey Baela, how are you?” He answered cheerfully. 

“Hi Jace.” Baela said, her voice shaking, barely above whisper.

“Is everything okay?” There was silence on the other end. 

Cregan could sense the tension and looked from his book. “Who’s that baby?”

Jace moved the food off the stove and walked over. “It’s Baela,” he whispered. 

“Is that Cregan?” She asked in an abrupt manner.

“Yeah.” Jace said.

“Can you put the phone on speaker, you both need to hear this.”

Jace did as he was asked, placing his phone on the coffee table, “Okay, Baela what going on, you’re kind of scaring me now.” 

Baela took a deep breath before continuing, "Jace, it's about Luke.” 

“What about Luke?” Jace asked, fear washing over him. 

They could hear Baela start to cry on the other end, “There…There’s been….. an accident. I’m so sorry Jace. He's... he's gone."

Jace’s breath hitched. He and his husband sat there frozen, Baela’s soft cries coming from below them. 

“What? What happened?” Jace questioned. The room seemed to close in around them as the reality of the situation sunk in.

“He… he was driving home for a visit when .... a truck sideswiped him. He hit a wall and…. first responders couldn’t get to him in time.” 

Jace could hear Baela talking to them. He could feel his husband grab his hand. But all of that seemed to fade away with the thoughts whirling through his mind. 

"I'm so sorry, Jace," Cregan whispered, his heart aching for his husband.

Jace sat frozen once again, his eyes were unfocused. He didn't cry, didn't scream. He just nodded and took a deep breath. 

"What about my parents? Do they know yet?"

“We’re at their house right now. My mom was with yours when she got the call. They didn’t know how to tell you so I offered to do it. They’re…. heartbroken, but we’re here to help them.”

“Thank you.” Jace muttered.

“That goes for you too, if you need anything, please come to us Jace.”

“Okay. Goodbye Baela.”

“Bye.” 

Crega pulled Jace into a tight hold. “I’m so sorry baby.” He offered. But Jace shifted in his arms, pulling back. He looked as if he were in some sort of trance. 

“I need to get home.” He announced. “My family needs me.” 

The days that followed were a blur of grief and responsibility. From the moment they got the news, Jace seemed to switch into autopilot. He threw himself into planning Luke's funeral, his focus solely on being the pillar of strength his family needed. He promised his parents that they didn’t have to worry about anything while he was there. He coordinated with funeral directors, arranged flowers, and meticulously chose every detail, ensuring that his brother would be honored in the best way possible.

Cregan watched his husband with growing concern. Jace was handling everything with a stoic determination that bordered on obsessiveness. He knew Jace was hurting, but he seemed unwilling or unable to express his grief. Every time Cregan tried to talk to him about it, Jace would deflect, insisting that there was too much to do.

"Jace, honey, you need to slow down and let yourself grieve, let yourself feel something," Cregan urged one evening, gently touching his arm. "It's okay to cry, to be upset."

Jace shook his head, his expression resolute. "I don't have time for that, Cregan. My family needs me." That phrase had become Jace’s mantra over the last week. At night, he would lie awake, staring at the ceiling, while Cregan held him, hoping that the physical closeness would provide some sort of comfort.

Jace's family was just as worried. At first, Rhaenyra was eternally grateful for her son's strength at this terrible time. But she quickly realized what was happening to her son, her whole body flooded with guilt. She and Harwin both expressed their concerns to Cregan privately. "He's carrying too much," Rhaenyra said one evening, her voice thick with worry. "I'm afraid he's going to break."

The day of the funeral arrived, a gray, overcast morning that seemed to mirror the heavy hearts of all who gathered. Jace was impeccably dressed in a black suit, his expression set in a mask of calm control. Cregan stood by his side, offering silent support.

The service was beautiful and heart-wrenching. Friends and family spoke of Luke's kindness, his bright smile, and the joy he brought to their lives. Jace delivered the eulogy with a steady voice, recounting fond memories and expressing the depth of his love for his younger brother. When he finished, sobs and sniffles could be heard throughout the whole church, but Jace’s face still didn’t falter. 

As the service drew to a close, Jace stood by the casket, greeting mourners and accepting their condolences. He was the picture of strength and composure, but Cregan could see the cracks beneath the surface. Each handshake, each hug seemed to chip away at the veneer of control Jace had built around himself.

When everyone proceeded to the burial site, Luke's body was placed over the area where it would be buried and lay forever. As the priest gave final blessing, Jace’s frame stiffened, his breaths shallowed slightly. Cregan was at his side, sensing the shift. He grabbed his husband's hand and started rubbing small circles on his back. He had seen this coming from the beginning. He only hoped now that he could soften the blow, if only a little bit. 

It was during the final moments of the burial, as the casket was lowered into the ground, that the storm finally broke. Jace stared at the graveside, the finality of it all crashing down on him. His breathing quickened even more, and he felt a tightness in his chest that made it hard to breathe.

“No.” Jace shook his head, pleading with every higher power he could think of. “Please, no!” he whimpered, not caring about what people thought about him. The pressure inside him had built up to an unbearable level. "I can't... I can't do this," he gasped, his voice breaking. "He's gone, Cregan! No....please! He can’t be gone!"

The tears finally came then, a torrent of grief and anguish that he had held back for far too long. He lurched forward, falling to the ground, sobs wracking his body. Cregan knelt beside him, wrapping his arms around Jace, holding him as he wailed. 

The mourners looked on with a mix of sympathy and understanding. Rhaenys and Corlys took it upon themselves to start herding the funeral guests toward the reception, knowing the best thing for the family was to be alone with each other right now. Rhaenyra and Harwin rushed to Jace's side, their own tears falling freely as they tried to comfort their son. For the first time since the accident, Jace allowed himself to truly feel the depth of his loss. Jace clung to Cregan, his cries growing softer, his screams turning into broken whispers, “Come back…. Luke I’m sorry…. Please come back.” 

The four of them sat like that for a while. Everyone else had gone, Laena had taken Jace’s other brothers to the reception, giving them time to just worry about Jace. Thirty minutes felt like a lifetime. Jace felt like he had cried away all the tears he had left, a terrible headache was brewing in the back of his skull. He picked up his head and looked around, realizing they were alone. “We should go to the reception now. They’re probably waiting for us.” He groaned, rubbing his burning eyes. 

Rhaenyra cupped her son's face gently, "Jace, you don't have to go. Everyone will understand."

Harwin nodded in agreement, "We're all hurting, son. And you’ve already done so much. If you just want to go home, it’s alright.” 

Jace looked to his husband for the answer. Cregan looked at him lovingly, saying, “I’ll do whatever you want, baby.” 

Jace thought for a moment, “I think we should go.” He decided.

“Are you sure?” Cregan asked.

“Yeah, I’m sure.” 

The reception was a blur for Jace. He felt exhausted, both physically and emotionally. Many people came to him again, offering even more condolences and asking if he was alright. He assured everyone that he was feeling much better now, but the ache in his heart and the pounding in his head were creeping up on him again. He wondered why he even bothered coming. Just then Helaena came up to him with a gentle smile.  

“Hi Jace.” She spoke softly

“Hi Helaena.” 

She looked at him as if she was trying to speak a language she didn’t know. She quickly gave up on words and held her arms out to him. He took them gratefully. After a full day of words and tears, her silent comfort somehow surpassed it all. Helaena often struggled with words, but in her touch was a power no one else in that room possessed. In that moment, Jace felt all of his pain melt away. For a split second, he felt whole again. He felt the one thing that had been missing since Baela called him that night, hope. They stayed like that for a little while. Jace breathed in her soothing herbal scent, finally feeling a sense of healing take fold. 

“Thank you so much Helaena.”

“For what”

“For being exactly what I need right now.”

Helaena smiled kindly and then left. Eventually everyone cleared out, leaving just the family. As they sat on the couch together, Jace struggled to come to terms with his outburst at the funeral. In hindsight, he felt embarrassed and ashamed for breaking down in front of everyone. "I'm sorry," he whispered, his voice filled with regret. "I didn't mean to make a scene."

Rhaenyra held him in her arms, her eyes filled with compassion. "Jace, you have nothing to apologize for. You lost your brother, not even a month ago. You have every right to grieve. If anyone should be sorry, it’s me. I never should have let you take on all that by yourself."

Harwin nodded in agreement. "Neither of us should have, Jace. We're a family, and we should support each other. You don't always have to be strong for everyone."

Cregan held his hand, his voice gentle but firm. "You've been carrying so much, sweetheart. It's time to let others carry some of that weight with you. We're all here for you now." He pressed a feather-light kiss to Jace’s temple. 

Jace looked around at his family, seeing the love and support in their eyes. He realized then that he didn't have to bear his grief alone. He didn't have to be the pillar of strength all the time. It was okay to lean on those who loved him. He felt tears come to his eyes again, but this time he let them flow freely. He grabbed on to his mother’s waist and cried slow, soft tears. Rhaenyra did the same until they both fell asleep in that position, their pain and exhaustion finally ceasing for the time being. 

Harwin and Cregan shared a knowing look before carefully unraveling the two and picking them up bridal style. Harwin couldn’t help but smile as he remembered the last time he held his wife this way. She had gotten too tipsy at a party and passed out in the car on the ride home. They were so young then, before the children, before their lives had truly begun. 

Cregan thought about the last time he held his husband this way. They had just gotten married. Jace was about to open the door to their apartment, when Cregan scooped him up and carried him across the threshold. It was a silly moment filled with laughter and so much love. They were still young, but Cregan knew from the moment they met, that he was going to spend the rest of his time on Earth and then some with the man sleeping in his arms. 

They carried their spouses up the stairs and laid them down on their respective beds. With the softest touch they remove as much of their uncomfortable funeral attire as they could before laying down next to them. They knew in the morning the pain would hit all over again, but for now they enjoyed this moment of peace in the eye of the storm. 

Cregan: I'm kind of crushing on someone but I'm worried about telling you who it is because I don't think you'll like it... Luke: Just rip the bandage off. Cregan: It's Jace. Luke: Put the bandage back on.

A Passion of Ice and Fire

Pairing: Jacaerys Velaryon/Cregan Stark

Chapter 5: Jace speaks to Baela about his time in Winterfell and what he discovered there. Their betrothal hangs in the balance.

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Jacaerys made the short trip to his cousin’s chambers. When he arrived, he found the door slightly ajar, with only a handmaiden inside. 

“Excuse me, have you seen the Lady Baela?” He asked her.

“She said she was going for a walk, Your Highness.” She responded sweetly.

“Thank you.” He said, leaving the room. He knew her normal route well. They had often walked it together. It was one the few times they could be fully open with each other. He walked until he found her sitting on a flat rock, looking out onto the sea. She reminded Jace of his mother so much in that moment, he knew she would make an amazing queen one day. That is if she still wished to marry him after hearing what he had to say. 

He approached her. “May I sit here?” He asked bashfully, Baela looked up at him and nodded, sliding over a little so they could share the most even part of the stone.

Jace took a deep breath, trying to find the words. “I’m sorry,” he began. 

“What for?” Baela countered. 

“For my callousness earlier today. I didn’t mean to be that way; I just didn’t know how to face you after what has happened.” 

“What do you mean Jace?” 

“While I was in Winterfell… I…. discovered something…. about myself.”

“Discovered something?"

"Yes. Something that will make see me...... differently."

"Jace, I don’t understand. Just speak plainly.” 

“I slept with another man.” Jace blurted out, shutting his eyes and feeling his cheeks flush from admitting his actions so bluntly. 

“What?” Baela questioned, in shock. 

Jace rushed to defend himself. “I did not do this to hurt you. It just…. happened. I don’t know how to explain it. I understand if you’re angry.” 

“I’m not angry. I am a bit stunned though.” she said, laughing a little. 

Jace visibly relaxed at her words. “I can understand that. I just hope this doesn’t change our friendship.” 

“Oh no, of course it doesn’t. You and I have been close friends for over a decade now. It will take much more than this to break us.” She said with confidence. 

“That’s good to hear.” Jace paused before continuing. “And what about our betrothal?”

“What of it?”

“Do you still wish to go through with it?” 

“Are my wishes anyone's concern? Do they even matter?” 

“They matter to me, Baela. My mother said she would speak with you if you were unhappy. She, of all people, understands our situation.” 

“Thank you Jace, that means a lot to me, but I think this betrothal is the best thing for everyone. And besides, our choice of spouse was never truly ours to begin with. Now our families and our legacy will be secured. We’d be far from the first royal spouses that didn’t love each other romantically. And at least we are fond of one another. I would much rather be married to a friend than any of the other possible suitors. Nothing but spoiled children fresh off of their wet nurses and fat grouses old enough to be my grandsire.” Baela relented. They shared a laugh together. Jace felt his body completely relax. Despite his worries, he had expected this kind of response from her. They both knew the importance of duty and the sad fact that marrying for true love was a privilege, not the custom. 

“You’re right. And I still wish to marry you as well. I think you will make an incredible queen one day. But I still wish for your happiness. You would be allowed to find your real love with whomever you wish." Jace said, gently taking her hand. “I only ask that you are careful who you lay with, if only for your own safety.” 

“You as well." Baela said, a touch of fear lacing her voice. "Especially after what happened to your father. Both of them.” 

“I know.” He acknowledged. They both knew the grave danger of such things. Jace sighed and rested his head on Baela’s shoulder. They sat in a comfortable silence for a while, the only sounds being the crashing of the waves against the beach. 

“Does this other man have a name?” Baela asked, breaking the silence. 

“Lord Cregan Stark.” Jace whispered, not lifting his head from her shoulder. He could feel Baela turn her head, her gaze burning right through him. 

“Lord Cregan Stark?” Baela asked, astonished. This story was getting crazier with every word. Jace picked his head up, hardly suppressing his smile after seeing Baela’s stunned expression. 

Quickly, her gaping turned into a mischievous grin. “Tell me everything!”

A Passion of Ice and Fire

Pairing: Jacaerys Velaryon/Cregan Stark

Chapter 6: Jace tells Baela all about his love affair with Lord Cregan Stark.

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“Tell me everything!” Beala commanded. 

“Well,” Jace started, “I arrived in Winterfell early in the evening. The cold in the North is unlike anything we have here. I thought Vermax might retreat back to the Vale as soon as he felt snowfall, but we pushed on. When we arrived, I was met with Lord Cregan Stark himself.” Jace could feel a sparkle low in his stomach remembering the first time he met Cregan. “When I met him, he was so different from what I had expected. He was young, but his eyes looked so aged and hardened that I felt out of my depth asking him to swear loyalty to our cause. He must have seen my nervousness, because he greeted me swiftly before showing me to my quarters and making arrangements for Vermax. When he excused himself there was something softer, almost sweet, in his expression.” Jace recounted knowing his cheeks were betraying his attempts to hide his affection. 

“How did you realize he shared your fancy?” Baela interrogated. 

“On my second night’s stay, I couldn’t find sleep, so I decided to take a walk along the grounds. I walked until I came across the Glass Garden. They grow some of the most beautiful Winter Roses there. I decided to stay there and take a look at them. It just so happens that Lord Stark also wanted to inspect the garden that night. He found me there and he looked at me with such a kind, genuine look on his face that I thought I might burst into flames right then and there.” Baela couldn’t contain her giggles as she listened to Jace’s dramatics. “Would you like me to finish the story, or should I leave you to your ocean?” Jace threatened, lifting himself off the rock slightly to prove his point. 

“No!” Baela cried, still laughing. “I’ll stop, I promise.” She said, having no intention of stopping.

“As I was saying,” Jace continued, “We sat and talked for hours. I was so lost in the conversation; I didn’t even notice him inching closer to me. After a while, he snuck an arm around my waist. He looked at me like he was asking for permission. I gave him a smile and he pulled me close to him. He asked me if I enjoyed what he was doing, and I said yes. He brushed a piece of my hair behind my ear and kissed my cheek.” Jace paused, not sure how to continue from there. 

“And? What happened after that?” Baela eagerly questioned. 

“Well… after that we… we…. we began to… make love.” Jace stammered, his excitement replaced with a deep sense of awkwardness. 

“Oh.” Baela said, grinning widely. “Jacaerys Velaryon, you saucy minx.” She teased, leaning in closer as Jace turned to hide his burning face. 

“We need to head back, or we’re going to be late for supper.” Jace said, already getting up. As he pushed himself up, the light caught Cregan’s necklace, which caught Baela’s attention. 

“What’s this?” Baela asked, reaching out to touch the pendant. “Did he give this to you?” 

“Yes, he did. He gave it to me as a way to remember him. Remember what we shared. What we still share.” 

“You really do love him.” 

“Yes.” Jace stated without a second of hesitation. 

“I’m glad for you Jace." Baela grew serious, taking Jace's hands, "I hope you can hang on to this happiness.” 

A Passion of Ice and Fire

Pairing: Jacaerys Velaryon/Cregan Stark

Chapter 7: Jace reunites with his little brothers Joffrey and Aegon. Joffrey has a lot of questions and opinions for his big brother.

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As Jace and Baela made their way back to the castle, the sound of children’s feet on the dirt trail grew louder and louder. 

“Jace! You’re home!” Joffrey exclaimed, running down the hill, followed by a toddling Aegon. Jace knelt down to embrace his little brothers. Their reunion was briefly interrupted by a tutor, her voice panicked as called after the boys. 

“Oh, there you are! I’m sorry to bother you, my prince, my lady.” She apologized. 

“That’s alright.” Jace assured, placing Aegon on his hip. “Come now,” he said to both children, “we need to freshen up before supper.” They started up the hill again. 

“Jace?”

“Yes Joff?”

“When will I get to eat with you and mummy again?” Joffrey asked. Rhaenyra had begun to let Joffrey dine with everyone else for unimportant dinners, but since the war started, every dinner was an important dinner. 

Jace chose his words carefully, knowing this would be one of many delicate questions his brothers would have. “I’m not sure Joffrey, only time will tell. But I can assure you, it’s much less fun without you there. Nothing but tedious politics and strategy.” 

“Why did our uncles make mummy so angry?” Joffrey asked, he had heard his mother and members of her council talking loudly about his uncles during his lessons, their voices dripping with disdain. Jace and Baela shared a worried look, searching for the right answers. Jace took a deep breath before answering. 

“Well…. Aegon stole something that belonged to mother, and Aemond took his side. It would be as if little Aegon stole your room when you weren’t home, and Viserys said he was right in doing so.” 

“That would make me angry.”

“Exactly. But Aegon stole something even more important than that, he stole her throne. Grandsire said that mother would rule the realm when he passed. But now, Aegon and Queen Alicent claim he changed his mind, and Aegon is the rightful king now.”

“But why?”

“Because the Greens think mother is not strong or smart enough to rule.” 

“But mummy is strong! And she’s smarter than any of those idiot Greens!” Joffrey exclaimed, his steps growing into angry stomps. 

“Yes, she is. And that is why we are going to fight for her and get her throne back.” 

“I can fight too! I’ll defend mummy, just like you!” 

“There will come a time for that, Joffrey. But right now, mother needs you to be good and brave. She needs you to listen and try hard in your studies and training. And when your time comes, you will be as fierce and noble as any of us.” Jace assured his brother, hoping it would calm his eagerness for the time being. As they came closer to the castle, Aegon, who had been sitting quietly, grabbed onto Jace’s necklace, grasping the pendant with surprising gentleness. 

“Pretty.” He said, staring at it, fascinated. 

Jace let out a soft chuckle, “It is pretty, isn’t it.”

“Where did you get it?” Joffrey asked.

“My….. friend from the north gave it to me, as a gift.”

“What’s her name?”

“My friend is a boy, Joffrey. His name is Cregan.”

“But he gave you a necklace. I thought that was something only boys and girls do.”

“Well, my friend is a boy and he gave me a necklace. It was a kind gesture.”

“Does that mean he loves you?”

That question made Jace stop dead in his tracks. Baela looked at Joffrey with a mix of shock, fear, and amusement.

“Where did you learn that?” She asked him gently. 

“In my book, the princess gives the gardener her favorite necklace. She says it so he can have a piece of her, because their love is forbidden.” The four of them stood in silence for several seconds. At that moment, the tutor, who had been trailing behind them, completely forgotten, spoke up. Her shrill voice felt like a shockwave, shooting down Jace’s spine. 

“I think I’ll take the young prince to clean up now. I shall return for Prince Joffrey when he’s finished.” She announced, realizing the princes’ need for privacy at the moment. 

“Thank you.” Jace whispered, handing Aegon back to her. After they left, Jace turned back to Joffrey. He and Baela took a seat on the rocks, with Joffrey nestled between them, his eyes bright with curiosity and confusion. 

“Does your friend Cregan love you, Jace?” 

Jace took a moment before answering, “Yes, Joffrey. He does love me.”

“Do you love him?”

“Yes”

“And is it forbidden? Like the princess and the gardener?”

Jace felt a lump in his throat as he said, “Yes, Joff. It’s forbidden.”

“Why?” 

“Because….” Jace struggled to find the words and keep his composure. 

“Because,” Baela intervened, “people don’t understand it. They don’t understand why two men would love each other instead of a woman, much like they don’t understand why your mother is meant to rule the realm. And when people don’t understand something, they get angry, make rules that were never needed so they can feel more in control. But you can’t control love, Joffrey. It happens when it wants, where it wants, no matter how many laws and dangers there are against it, it’s still there.” 

“So, what will you do now?” Joffrey asked Jace.

“Our love will have to be a secret for now. Baela and I will marry, our friendship will bind us. Cregan will take a wife soon, and I hope she is kind to him, understands him the way Baela understands me. We will find moments to hold each other close, before returning to what is expected of us.” 

“That sounds sad. I don’t want you to be sad for the rest of your life!” Joffrey exclaimed, his voice thick with emotion, his eyes filling with tears. Jace smiled sadly at his brother’s concern, gathering him into his lap.

“I won’t be sad forever, Joff. It’s not like the storybooks. It will be hard and sad at times, but I still have plenty to make me happy. You make me happy. Baela makes me happy. My family makes me happy. Vermax makes me happy. And Cregan and I still have our love for each other. We will find a way, even in the shadows.” 

“It’s not fair.” 

“No, it’s not. But such is the way of the world. It will do you no good to be sad for me.” He said, gently wiping Joffrey’s tears away. “Know that I’m alright, and I have all the love I could ask for.”

Jace: Just GO TO THE MAESTER - Cregan: Oh, I'm sorry, is this OUR stab wound?? No? Then stay out of it.

they definitely explored each other’s bodies

“cregan and jacaerys took a liking to each other. they drank together, hunted together, trained together, and swore an oath of brotherhood, sealed in blood.”

I love them, and i don't even read the books yet

Love these. 🤣🤣🤣