Modern Aemond X Reader - Tumblr Posts

Snowfall Serenade [ONESHOT]

SUMMARY: Everyday, he steps into the little cafe for her easy smiles and free laughter - but he can never quite manage to gather the courage to ask her out. Soon enough, a dentist appointment gone wrong and a bit of the festive spirit finally pushes him to finally make a move.

PAIRING: Dentist!Aemond Targaryen x Cafe Owner!Reader [Modern AU]

WARNINGS: None! Tooth rotting fluff, Aemond being a nervous wreck is all I have lmao.

NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR: What's this? A Christmas story from someone who has never celebrated Christmas or seen snow in her entire life? Ah well. This story is wacky and definitely miles different from the intense and sad stuff I'm inclined towards, and it is all thanks to this ask by @coffeeobsessedtrencher. The request was spun for my writing comfort.

I struggle with writing fluff so hard, but there's no better time to attempt a happy story than Christmas I suppose! Also - if I've gotten any of the holiday details wrong, please don't come at me, thanks! That being said, thanks to @sapphire-writes and @oneeyedvisenya for giving me the rundown on all things Christmas! Helped immensely to get me into the vibe.

Thanks to @targaryenrealnessdarling for the photo of Aemond in the moodboard - I looked about for a while but couldn't find anything that fit, so ended up blindly throwing hers in and it worked perfectly.

Also, Aemond drinks espresso because @ewanmitchellcrumbs and I have talked about it so much that it has now found a permanent place in my brain.

Lastly, to @humanpurposes my love, my everything, for giving the last lightest push to complete this by telling me that this is somewhat halfway decent. ily <3

Anyway, Merry Christmas to all of you who celebrate! Here's a little something to make you laugh, I hope!

No beta. This is a first draft. We die like men. GOODBYE.

WORD COUNT: 6.1k

TEXT DIVIDER by @saradika

“SORRY, WE’RE CLOSED!”

He opens the door to the cafe, completely disregarding the little signboard that marks the premises closed. The door is always open for him, he knows - and is eternally thankful for the same. The quaint cafe, just a stone's throw from his dental practice, has slowly grown to become his place of comfort. Now, he cannot go a day without spending time there.

“Even for me?” He murmurs, his voice carrying a playful, questioning manner that is too light for him, yet somehow his own.

The mingling scents of coffee, sweet cinnamon, chocolate and the savory notes of roasted vegetables and baked goods permeate the air as he opens the door. The cafe is adorned with twinkling fairy lights, wreaths, and tinsel, casting a soft and festive glow throughout the space. Tables are topped with red and green checkered cloth, and there's a cozy fireplace adorned with stockings and plush cushions. Winter is Coming to Town, the latest Christmas hit by teen sensation Sara Snow - a guilty pleasure of his - plays in the background, adding to the ambience.

Aemond steps in and takes off his gloves - he drops them into his coat pockets and keeps his hands there for warmth.  She’s cleaning up the counters and has her back to him, and when she turns, she smiles.

“Well, perhaps I can take one more order for my favorite customer.” Her smile is sly and welcoming, and Aemond blushes at her tilted head - he blames it on the cold outside. “Hello doctor! Long day?”

“Festive season means more patients. Usually cousins with broken teeth from scuffles or just… freak accidents.” She lets her hands rest on the counter on either side of her, one of the hands clutching a crumpled cleaning rag. The first thing he picks up about her appearance are the stray hairs falling out of the printed mistletoe scrunchie she wears, and Aemond resists the urge to push them behind her ear. 

She scrunches her face at the thought of children with bloody teeth and wipes off the last of the crumbs. “That sounds nasty.”

“It is.” He clasps his hands together as he waits for her to finish up, keeping himself from fiddling with his nails. He has his mother to thank for the habit. With a hand on her hip, she leans on the counter and asks, “Are you going to give any of my Christmas specials a chance tonight, or will it be the usual?”

He chuckles at her attempt to get him to buy into the spirit of the holiday. Aemond is tempted - his functional eye roves over the little black board that has the season’s specials written in red, white and green chalk, with little Christmas trinkets drawn around. Peppermint Mocha, Gingerbread Latte, Toasty Chestnut Caramel Cappuccino, Spiced Apple Tea -

“Spiced apple tea?”

“You told me about your mum’s spiced apple cake a while ago, so I experimented. I hope you don’t mind. It’s quite nice actually! Will you have a taste? I’ll make it extra special for you!” He lightly smiles, just at the corner of his lip, appreciating how she remembered the details. Then, he chuckles at the speed of her speech and the excitement in her words, leaving her slightly breathless.

“I’ll have the usual, please.” She groans dramatically, whipping her head back and letting hands flay around as she walks over to the espresso machine. He can’t help but laugh ever so slightly at the theatrics as he follows her movements. 

“Triple espresso with seven sugars, coming right up! And may I just say, it is very peculiar that you’re asking your patients to not have much sugar for their teeth while pulling off this seven sugar stunt here with me.”

“I’m allowed my indulgences.” 

“Are they indulgences if you have them everyday?” 

He moves to get up. “Do I have to be harassed each time I want coffee? I hear there’s a new Starbucks nearby…” His words may seem curt and sound low, but his voice carries a playfulness that she recognizes well now.

“Oh sit down,” she playfully waves her hand at him, and he smiles - it’s all he’s capable of doing around her. He doesn’t say much - he never does - so she takes it upon herself to continue. The whirr of the machine is faint as she walks over to the display cases, catching his eye. “Anything to eat?” He does not miss how she’s pointedly looking at her Christmas specials, wiggling her eyebrows. He reads the names of the items off the little nameboards kept right next to them, matching the theme of the specials board.

Snowball almond cookies, Christmas tree brownies, red velvet cupcakes, fruit tart, Christmas quiche, holiday stuffed mushrooms -

“Chicken sandwich, please.” He grunts, but is very aware of the joke that it would become.

She slams her palm into her face at his blatant refusal to get into the spirit, and laughs. “If I didn’t know you better, I’d say you were being disrespectful, Aemond.”

“I’m a man of habit, love.” He winks, and she is quick to turn away and blush as she assembles his sandwich. 

You’re being so silly, it’s cute that you have a crush, Helaena had said once. That was months ago.

I do not, he had said. Clipped and curt, hoping his sister would stop squealing. He didn’t want to risk drawing her attention from where she stood, smiling at one of her customers.

Not one to let the momentum of the banter be lost, she takes it upon herself to continue the conversation. “Christmas is only a little more than a week away. I thought you’d have gone home by now, Aemond.” He steps closer to the counter and takes his usual seat at the corner, smiling at her. He keeps his lips tightly pursed, trying not to get his excitement at her saying his name seem obvious. “Got a flight for Christmas morning, very early. It’s not a long trip, I’ll be at Oldtown in a few hours.”

“Ugh, Christmas morning flights are stuffy and so chaotic, why would you put yourself through that? Were there no other tickets available for earlier flights?” She huffs a breath as she slices into a loaf of sourdough, the sounds of her knife grating at his ears, making him wince ever so slightly.

Somehow, telling her that there is no chaos or noise on the private family-owned jet that his mother is sending for him seems snobby.

“It’ll be alright. I could ask you the same. You’re still here?”

“Oh, uhm. My parents are coming to visit here, actually! Besides, Christmas is good business, and I’d like to be able to keep the cafe open for the day at least. Close up early and take them out to see the lighting of the tree at the Square. They’ve been wanting to visit King’s Landing for a long time.”

The smell of his obnoxiously sweet and strong coffee hits him as she brings it over along with his plate of food. She slides the mug and ceramic plate across to him, and then goes back to bring her own mug and settle in next to him. Eager to distract himself from the peculiar tingling in his stomach whenever she comes close, he bites into his sandwich.

“It’s good.” The subtly spiced filling is just the way he likes it, and he takes a second bite.

“It has to be if you keep coming back for it,” she says and winks. He freezes for just a moment, debating for a moment as to whether or not he should tell her that it’s her that he keeps coming back for.

Her face flushes red as the heat from her espresso warms her tongue. They drink in silence as he recalls the day he’d first stepped in here, when his assistant had taken the day off and he’d been so angry that he’d chosen to take a walk and get his hot drink on his own. 

It was an instant crush. She’d smiled at him, and he’d felt his tongue failing him as he stumbled through getting the words out for his order. She’d guided him through the menu with the patience of a saint, and by the time he’d left, he was determined to get his own coffee from then on. More than a year later, he’d become good friends with her and spent at least an hour a day with her, making himself at home in what they have now come to recognize as his chair.

In the past year, he’s had the words at the tip of his tongue many times. Can I take you out? It should be easy, so very easy. And yet, somehow, he never manages to say them out loud for her to hear. He’s watched her go on dates and come back not wanting to meet any of them a second time, and each time he breathes a sigh of relief. He couldn't stand the overwhelming jealousy he felt whenever she talked about a planned date. On the flip side, there was a sense of calm when he learned that things hadn't worked out. But how long before she meets someone that she likes?

He wants to. He really wants to, but he simply can’t. Funny how that works.

He swallows and licks his lips to rid himself off the sticky residue and looks at her. Desperate for a distraction from his own flustered thoughts, he sighs. She brings a hand up mid-air, remembering something as she nods and sets her mug on the counter. “Hey! By the way, the appointment with you that I had scheduled for after the holidays…” He sips his coffee and holds onto the mug for warmth before she goes on. “Apparently, one of your patients postponed their appointment so your receptionist asked if I could prepone mine.”

“Did she now?” He’d always been the one coming to her, and the thought of her coming to him has had him flustered ever since she made an appointment with him. Now, the possibility of it being closer than ever dawns on him, and he resists the urge to blush. Using his best unbothered tone, Aemond mutters, “When is it?”

“Day after tomorrow.”

He does not miss the nervous way in which her tongue pokes at the inside of her cheek. “Alright?”

“Yeah, just…” She chuckles, looking away from him. “Don’t laugh at me, but I’ve… I’ve always been scared of going to the doctor. Even if it’s just a consultation.” She giggles in embarrassment and then continues, running a hand over her mouth. “I know this is an elective procedure, so I’m literally asking for it even though there’s no need… but it’s still daunting to think of.”

“Hm… It’s not so bad. You’ll be fine,” he says. His free hand closes around hers in reassurance, and it amazes him how it fits right in his. He catches her eye and she smiles at him, the warmth of her going straight to his heart. “Well, if it’s the best dentist in the city, I suppose I’m in good hands.”

With their proximity, and the way she’s looking at him - all smiles and genuine adoration - it is very easy for him to believe that they’re together. But the truth is that he’s not even bold enough to take her out to dinner, and reality crashes onto him quickly when she stares at their conjoined hands with a red face. He lets go of her hand and clears his throat, suddenly feeling the weight of the moment. She looks down, and he catches her continuing to blush by the corner of his good eye. At a loss for words, Aemond clears his throat once more and gets up to leave, settling his bill. 

There is a moment when he catches her eye as she fetches his change, where he seriously considers blurting out his invitation to take her out. 

It would be simple, so simple. 

Her fingertips graze at his palm as she gives him the money and they stand, completely at a loss as to what to do. If he were a less careful man, he’d have chased after her touch. It’s embarrassing how quickly he melts, worse how despite the freezing temperatures outside, it is the absence of contact that actually makes him feel cold. “So, I… suppose I’ll see you at your appointment then,” he says. His hands clench mid-air before he pushes them into his coat pockets, and then he makes a move.

“Yes, you will!” She smiles just as brightly and widely as she always does, and the yearning in his chest only increases tenfold before it beats itself into oblivion again. She looks at him expectantly, almost as though she’s waiting for him to say something more, but a silent good night is all he can manage as he all but runs out.

THE DAY ARRIVES FASTER THAN AEMOND ANTICIPATES.

As he stands in his pristine dental office, clad in his customary white coat, he can't shake off the unusual nervousness that has gripped him. He glances at the clock, realizing that she should be arriving any moment now. He adjusts his glasses and takes a deep breath, trying to calm the fluttering in his stomach as he taps his foot on the leg rest of his desk, incessantly.

The slow opening of the door announces her entrance, and Aemond looks up to see her step in. She wears a faint smile, but there's a tension in her shoulders that doesn't go unnoticed by him - he’s never seen her look so on edge. He greets her with what he hopes is a warm smile, motioning for her to take a seat in the dental chair.

"Good afternoon. How are you feeling today?" he asks, his usual calm demeanor somewhat shaken by his own nerves. She hesitates for a moment before answering, "A bit nervous, I guess. I've never been a fan of visiting the doctor. Not even if it’s you," she says, the last sentence more playful than the rest.

Aemond nods understandingly, making a mental note to tread carefully. "No need to worry. I assure you it's quick and painless."

She nods, but the tension lingers. Aemond, sensing her discomfort, decides to explain the procedure in more detail, hoping it will ease her nerves. However, as he delves into the technicalities, he notices her fidgeting, her eyes darting around the room.

Realization hits him, and he stops mid-sentence. "You seem a bit more on edge than usual. Is everything okay?" he inquires gently.

She sighs, running a hand through her hair. "I don't know. I guess I just can't shake off the nerves. I hate the thought of someone poking around in my mouth."

Aemond nods sympathetically. "I understand. It's perfectly normal to feel that way. Tell you what, to make this a more comfortable experience for you, how about we use some nitrous oxide? It's commonly known as laughing gas. It'll help you relax during the procedure, and you might even find it a bit amusing."

Her eyes light up with a mix of curiosity and relief. "Really? That sounds... actually, that sounds like it might help."

Aemond prepares the nitrous oxide mask, explaining the process as he goes. As he gently places it over her nose, he can't help but notice her tension fading away, replaced by a subtle tranquility. The corners of her lips twitch into a small smile, and Aemond realizes that maybe this wasn't such a bad idea after all.

"Alright, just take deep breaths through your nose," he instructs as he starts the procedure. As the nitrous oxide takes effect, she begins to giggle softly. Aemond can't help but smile a little, relieved to see her at ease. 

As he works through her teeth, he takes one moment to look into her eye, only to catch her staring at him already. She’s chuckling now, but he knows very well that she’d have turned away in all her bashfulness if she was a bit more aware of what she’s doing. The laughing gas seems to have left her feeling uninhibited, but he’s not complaining. He quite likes it when she’s carefree and laughing, a stark contrast to the tensed girl that walked into the room moments ago.

She continues to stare before sighing after a loud laugh and saying, “You have a really pretty face, Aemond.” Aemond's cheeks flare up in a deep shade of crimson as he processes her unexpected compliment. The dental instruments in his hand momentarily forgotten, he glances down at the floor, unable to meet her gaze. The air in the room is filled with the hum of the equipment and the occasional soft laughter escaping her lips.

She notices his sudden shyness and teases, "Aw, Aemond, don't tell me you're blushing! Do you not get told you’re pretty often? It’s a crime, you should be! I mean, look at you!" Her laughter continues, the effects of the laughing gas making her more candid with each passing moment.

Aemond tries to regain his composure, but her unfiltered praise catches him off guard. "Well, I... I appreciate the compliment. It's just, uh, not something I hear often," he admits, his voice slightly awkward.

It’s a lie. He's well aware of what the magazines and Page Six articles suggest. "Targaryen heir lives a private life away from the boardroom, and he's a sight for sore eyes," one wrote. Despite maintaining a comfortable distance from such papers, he never anticipated being confronted by them today, especially not from her. The fact that she's sharing it with her guard down only amplifies the impact, as it suggests she has likely pondered over it for a while.

She thinks he’s handsome. It makes him blush more than it should.

She grins mischievously, "Well, you should! You're like a real-life prince charming!” Aemond nervously continues with the task at hand, his blush refusing to fade. "I'm just a dentist, really. Nothing special."

She shakes her head, her eyes sparkling with sincerity - he holds her still by the side of her neck to continue the procedure. "No, seriously. You have this whole mysterious thing going on.” She looks at him like he holds up the sun, and Aemond finds that he wants for her to admire him, to think of him as handsome, to like him. He does not want to egg her on, but he certainly is intrigued about seeing himself through her eyes.

She does not disappoint.

As Aemond resumes, he can't shake off the lingering warmth from her earlier compliment. Her giggles persist, and she takes another moment to admire his work, her eyes studying his features. The effects of the laughing gas seem to have turned her into an open book, and she doesn't hold back in expressing her thoughts.

"Your nose is so cute, Aemond. I mean, really. It's like perfectly sculpted or something. Like you were made by a plastic surgeon, rather than God…" she says with a dreamy smile, her fingers reaching up to lightly tap the tip of his nose. Aemond, already blushing from her previous praise, simply nods in resigned acceptance - he’ll never admit to enjoying this.

She giggles, her laughter contagious and beautiful as he struggles to keep his feet on the ground. "It's one of those noses you'd see in those fancy magazines. I bet it makes all the other noses out there so jealous." His cheeks flush deeper, and he focuses on his work, trying to maintain a semblance of professionalism. However, she's not done yet.

"And those cheekbones! Seriously, how do you get them so defined? Do you do facial exercises or something?" she asks, her eyes wide with wonder.

Aemond, flustered by the unexpected attention to his facial structure, manages a modest response, "I... I guess they're just natural."

Her laughter rings out again. "Lucky bastard! You've got the kind of cheekbones people would kill for. I know I would."

As he continues, she shifts her attention to his jawline, her gaze lingering appreciatively. "And your jawline, Aemond, it's like it was chiseled by the gods. Seriously, do you moonlight as a model?"

He chuckles nervously, "No."

Her compliments keep flowing, each one causing Aemond's blush to deepen. "And your teeth! I mean, of course, they're perfect, you're a dentist. But seriously, Aemond, you've got a killer smile, in the rare times that you do smile. It's dazzling. I always think you’re very pretty when you smile."

Aemond, now practically squirming from where he stands, mumbles a shy acknowledgment. "Thanks, I do try to take care of my teeth." She leans back, her eyes flickering mischievously. "And those lips! Ever consider a career in lip modeling? They're so... plump. In a good way, I swear. And soft too!"

Aemond, completely caught off guard, stammers, "I, uh, never thought about it.”

She laughs, "Well, consider it. Your lips deserve a spotlight. Made to be kissed, really. You should kiss me!" The words hit him like a freight train as he struggles to hold onto his professionalism.

She wanted him to kiss her. She wanted him to kiss her. She wanted him to-

“And those eyes…” She trails off, her gaze focusing on his eyes. He shifts uncomfortably, his insecurity about his mismatched pair of prosthetic and natural eyes resurfacing. However, before he can voice any self-doubts, she surprises him. "Your eyes are the prettiest thing about you, Aemond. I mean it. I could look at them all day. Blue and violet… they're like different galaxies or something," she gushes, her words carrying a genuine admiration that resonates with him.

For years, he’s been terribly insecure about his eyes. He wore a patch for a long time until he got his prosthetic eye, and even then, the mismatched pair always reminded him of the bitter night when he lost his eye in a freak scuffle with his nephew. It’s always been a sore subject - until now.

He never quite considered that anyone would think his eyes to be beautiful.

Aemond, taken aback by her heartfelt words, finally meets her gaze. Her eyes, dilated from the laughing gas, hold a warmth that reaches beyond anything he had ever thought capable. 

"Thank you," he whispers, his voice touched with a mix of gratitude and newfound confidence. The fluttering in his stomach grows with each moment as he finds his footing. She grins widely, oblivious to the impact of her words on him. "No need to thank me. Just stating the truth. You should really hear these things more often, Aemond. You're amazing…. Amazingly attractive. Hot, really. Very hot. You must have girls throwing themselves over you… is that why you never ask me out?"

He doesn’t respond at all, the conversation veering from what he deemed appropriate for his workplace. But the wheels in his head turned, turned and turned.

Did she want to go out with him? Was she only waiting for him to make the first move? Had he wasted all this time being held back when he could have been dating her?

The remainder of the dental procedure unfolds with a surreal mix of professional precision and underlying tension. Aemond, still grappling with the revelation that she might have been waiting for him to make a move all along, navigates the delicate balance between his role as her dentist and the unexpected yet definitely welcome personal turn their interaction has taken. As he completes the procedure with expert finesse, the air in the room has undoubtedly shifted. Her laughter rings out and he helps her rise from the dental chair, offering a few reassuring words about aftercare and the success of the procedure.

Still under the influence of laughing gas, she leans into him, a mischievous glint in her eyes as she suggests, "You should kiss me."

Aemond's heart skips a beat in response to her words, his own desire mirroring her invitation. However, the ethical dilemma weighs on his mind. Despite the tempting suggestion, he's aware that she's not sober. While she might desire this moment enough to ask for it while uninhibited, the likelihood of her remembering it later is uncertain.

Just as the moment teeters on the edge of a decision, the opening door heralds the arrival of an unexpected interruption. A familiar waitress from her cafe steps in, her presence accompanied by a burst of laughter and vibrant energy. She rushes over to the girl, sharing a conspiratorial glance with Aemond.

"Hey there! Ready to go?" the waitress chirps, linking arms with her.

Aemond, caught in the whirlwind of conflicting emotions, nods with a polite smile. "Yes, she's all set. Just follow the post-procedure instructions, and if you have any concerns, don't hesitate to call."

The girl, still giggling, nods in agreement. "Absolutely, Doctor… Aemond! Thanks for taking care of me!"

As they exit the dental practice together, the door closes behind them, muffling the sound of her laughter. Aemond rubs a hand over his mouth and jaw, feeling the lingering warmth that she leaves in her wake. The possibilities hang in the air, leaving Aemond with a mix of satisfaction and longing, knowing that the next move rests in his hands.

THE NEXT FEW DAYS ARE A BLUR.

In the days that follow, Aemond finds himself on edge, eagerly anticipating her return to her cafe, yearning for another chance encounter. However, it seems that the universe is completely against him. Each time he goes to get his coffee, she is nowhere to be seen. The staff, usually chatty and eager to talk, evade his questions with vague responses.

His impatience grows with each passing day, and the absence of her presence becomes increasingly unsettling. Aemond's thoughts oscillate between the lingering memory of her asking to kiss him and the frustration of not being able to find her again.

He hears snippets of conversations about her, catching glimpses of her through the cafe window or on the street, but every time he tries to approach, she slips away like a fleeting dream. Aemond begins to question whether their shared moment under the influence of laughing gas was merely a product of her altered state of mind or his hallucinations. With how she’s avoiding him, he is quite open to thinking that he imagined it all.

As he considers the possibility of rejection, self-doubt gnaws at him. The more he reflects on their interaction, the more he convinces himself that she never meant any of those words. Was it all just the effect of the laughing gas, a whimsical fantasy that had no basis in reality?

Aemond's pining intensifies as he misses their conversations, the easy banter that once flowed effortlessly between them. He replays their time together in the dental chair, the compliments that seemed too good to be true. It leaves him wondering if he had missed a window of opportunity - if he had hesitated for too long.

One day, he spots her walking down the street from a distance. Heart pounding, he quickens his pace to catch up. Just as he's about to call out her name, however, she turns a corner and disappears from sight. Aemond is left standing on the bustling sidewalk, a mix of frustration and longing etched on his face.

The next day, he decides to take matters into his own hands. As he enters the cafe, he spots her sitting alone at a table, lost in thought. The place is empty save for them both, and he is thankful for the space they’ll have. Determination replaces his hesitation as he approaches her, ready to face the music.

"Hey," he says, a mixture of nerves and hope in his voice.

She looks up, surprised and something else flickering in her eyes. Aemond takes a deep breath, pushing aside his doubts. It's time to find out if she really liked him after all.

“Haven’t seen you around lately,” he says. He doesn’t want to say too much and scare her, so he takes it light and easy, just as they’ve always been. She looks flustered in his presence, and he wonders for a moment if he is genuinely welcome. But then, she pushes her hair aside from her face and tucks it behind her ear before she offers him a nervous smile, and he knows. She may be hesitant, but she’s certainly open to talk.

"Yeah, I've been busy," she responds, her voice slightly shaky. "We’re nearing Christmas so… bigger crowds. They want to try the specials, unlike someone." Aemond chuckles and then nods, a sympathetic smile on his face. "I get it, but I’ve missed you. You always… brighten up my day."

Her cheeks flush at his words, and she glances away momentarily. Aemond notices the subtle shift in her demeanor, and a quiet confidence begins to grow within him. Maybe, just maybe, she missed their interactions as much as he did. Maybe he wasn’t wrong to assume that she liked him back after all.

“Come sit.”

She gestures to the chair opposite hers, an invitation he gladly accepts. Aemond settles into the seat, their eyes locking for a moment before she breaks the gaze, a hint of vulnerability showing through. They sit in a brief, somewhat awkward silence, both seemingly hesitant to dive into the unspoken tension that hangs in the air. Aemond decides to break the ice, "So, about the other day at the clinic..."

Her eyes widen a fraction, a mix of embarrassment and curiosity flashing across her face. "Oh, that. I'm so sorry. I can't believe I said that. It was the laughing gas, you know? I didn’t mean to put you on the spot or anything." Aemond leans forward, his tone gentle and reassuring, "No need to apologize. No harm done."

She looks down, her fingers playing with the rim of her coffee mug. "I made a complete fool of myself. I must have embarrassed you."

Aemond reaches across the table, placing a comforting hand over hers. "No, not at all. I promise. I'm a dentist; I've seen this many times before. You didn’t embarrass me. In fact, I was more concerned about how you were feeling afterward." She meets his gaze, and a flicker of gratitude crosses her eyes. "You're too kind, Aemond. I should have been more careful."

His thumb gently rubs circles on the back of her hand. "You have nothing to worry about. Besides, it's a funny story. We can laugh about it now, right?"

She manages a small smile, a warmth spreading through the air as their hands rest together on the table. Aemond finds himself caught in the moment, feeling victorious at having made a breakthrough after days of radio silence.

He’s missed her smile, and it warms him up entirely now that it’s back. "Thank you for being so understanding," she says, her eyes meeting his gaze once more. "I thought you wouldn’t want to see me after all I said.” Aemond smirks, “Seven Hells! If anything, I’ve been looking for you everywhere. I missed you."

A genuine smile graces her lips. "Really? I thought you'd find me ridiculous."

He squeezes her hand lightly, "Not in the slightest.” She glances at their entwined hands, a softness in her gaze. "I've been avoiding you, haven't I? I’m sorry about that. I just didn't have it in me to face you just yet."

Aemond chuckles, "Well, things got a bit weird, but not in a bad way. I promise. And if I may be honest, I've been going crazy trying to find you. I was worried you might be upset about what happened."

She bites her lip, "I was upset, but not at you. Just at myself. I let things get out of hand."

“Well. Suppose we’re good now?”

“I’d like that very much.” Her gaze softens, and she finally exhales, as if releasing a weight she'd been carrying. Aemond can't help but feel a surge of contentment. As they continue to talk and laugh, the world around them fades into the background. Despite the initial awkwardness, they are rediscovering the easy bond they share, and they are both grateful. And yet, the persistent question of their feelings for each other continues to rack his brain.

She offers to make him his ridiculously sweet coffee, and everything falls back into place as he shifts to his chair by the counter. She’s humming along the tunes as he watches her, calm and in her element as she reaches for the mug that he likes. She’s never looked prettier to him than when she’s comfortable and doing what she loves.

He could ask her out now, he knows. She made her feelings clear that day at the clinic, even though they never addressed it now. He knows now in his heart that if he were to ask, she’d say yes.

She brings him his coffee, and the chill of the snow makes him drink it as fast as he can, mug warming his hands comfortably. She joins him with her own mug, and when they’re both done with their hot drinks, they sit in a comfortable silence.

The tempo slows, mirroring the gentle descent of snowflakes outside, and he extends his hand towards her. He’s not so good with his words, but the sincerity in his gaze conveys a silent invitation that he hopes she would accept. She meets his touch, a subtle flush warming her cheeks, and with a questioning lift of her eyebrow, she accepts his offered hand, intrigued.

They sway to the slow rhythm of Snowfall Serenade, yet another Sara Snow Christmas hit - the world outside fading into the background as they create their own little world. The cafe's ambient lights cast a soft glow, and the music brings warmth and comfort to the pair that’s been a long time coming. He leads their slow dance with a touch of uncertainty, but with every step, they grow in confidence.

With their bodies so close that neither knows where one ends and the other begins, he finds that he quite likes having her with him, like this. With simply each other and no one else. It’s taken them so many shy encounters and quiet smiles to get here, but neither of them would do it any differently. She takes his breath away as her hands lock around his neck, coming into contact with his spun silver hair. The gooseflesh that arises in the wake of her touch only empower him further, but before he can let the words tumble out of his mouth, she beats him to it.

“I meant every word, you know.” she says, the words confusing Aemond and breaking his reverie. He raises his eyebrows wordlessly as she smiles, before letting her face fall in embarrassment. He is quick to lift her face up by her jaw as they continue to carelessly move around, making her face him.

“About you. Your eyes, your nose …” Now it’s his turn to bashfully turn away, but she holds him in place. She looks at his lips eagerly and smiles softly. The next words are a murmur, holding the weight of the time and effort it took to get them here, finally.

“You should kiss me.” The same words she’d uttered the other day - only this time, they’re both very much in the moment, and light from the happiness of it all.

His hands move to untie her hair and he smiles in amusement as she leans in. He catches her lips in his as his hands curl into her hair at the back of her head, and neither of them have ever been happier.

When they part, she rests her head under his jaw and into his neck as she leans on him, and Aemond continues to move them around. He looks around the place as he registers the holiday decor and the snow outside. Happy couples, families, and friends are milling about outside as they prepare for Christmas, and the song continues as he holds her and moves - utterly precious, and his.

He bends down for a fraction of a second, and the scrunchie that he’d taken off her hair comes into view in his hold. He notices the little mistletoes printed on it, and he smirks.

He's never been much of a holiday man. But perhaps a bit of the holiday cheer is all the push they needed to finally make this happen.

MASTERLIST

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