[She must open her eyes, because while the touch and taste and warmth is all true enough, Brienne wants to behold Sansa here with her as she is. And she is still breathtakingly beautiful. Somehow she wills herself to take a few measured breaths and put the smallest bit of space between them to speak.]
I had hoped but....I never thought...
[Brienne cannot finish the words and lightly shakes her head.]
Not because of you nor anything you've done.
[The initial refusal of devoted, knightly services was turned away. Brienne of Tarth was accustomed to being brushed away like dirt on a hem. Her tenacity had rewarded her. Understanding what had befallen Sansa time and again before in the guise of alliance or friendship, there was no blame to be cast upon her.]
no subject
I had hoped but....I never thought...
[Brienne cannot finish the words and lightly shakes her head.]
Not because of you nor anything you've done.
[The initial refusal of devoted, knightly services was turned away. Brienne of Tarth was accustomed to being brushed away like dirt on a hem. Her tenacity had rewarded her. Understanding what had befallen Sansa time and again before in the guise of alliance or friendship, there was no blame to be cast upon her.]
I love you, Sansa.