Chapter Text
As Brienne opened the door, Tommen was the first one to enter the apartment, rushing past her to hug Lyanna and high-five her. Jaime came next, and Myrcella walked behind him, with a smile on her face, the girl soon greeted Brienne, giving her a hug.
“Thank you for saving us!” Myrcella stated.
Brienne looked at Jaime, trying to understand what the girl was talking about, but before she said anything, Tommen intercepted them. “Brienne, Uncle Jaime made the worst batch of cookies I’ve tasted in my life. I hope you’re planning to feed us.” The boy seemed to plead as he spoke. “I’m starving!” He confessed.
While Jaime stepped in front of her, she noticed the movement from the corner of her eyes, as both Tommen and Lyanna stood there, watching what Jaime and she would do next. Lyanna was grinning, and Tommen seemed to suppress a smile.
“Come on, you rascals, let them kiss.” Myrcella announced, while pulling both kids away towards the couch. Lyanna giggled, and Tommen shook his head.
Jaime chuckled and looked down at the floor, causing Brienne surprise as she noticed he was blushing. “Wow! It’s probably the first time I find you embarrassed.” She pointed out.
He looked up into her eyes while reaching out to touch her left arm. “I’m not embarrassed, I’m just nervous to be here.”
She grabbed his shirt and pulled him into a warm hug, then she gave him a light peck on the lips. “So that’s two of us.”
“Our first official date… as a couple.” He whispered, while cupping her face.
“A couple plus three.” Brienne jested, before smiling to him.
~.~
Jaime swirled the wine in his glass, while his eyes focused on the tiny snowflake charm on Brienne’s neck. “She’s distant.” He explained, defining how cold his relationship with his daughter had gotten ever since she’d found out Jaime is her father.
Brienne reached out and took his hand in hers. “She’ll come around. You gotta give her time to adjust.” She got closer to him and cupped his face. “You still have a ton of stuff to teach her, and she’s got some growing up to do. You’ll be there for her and you’ll bond.” She assured him, with a bright smile on her face. Jaime admired the way she seemed to bring light into the shadows, by trying to remind him of the silver linings.
He felt his heart aching, as he feared this could be taken away from him. “You’re incredible. Do you know that?”
Brienne gave him a shy smile, while her cheeks and neck became red. “And you’re a smooth talker, Jaime Lannister!”
He smirked. “This smooth talker didn’t get Genna’s approval on our latest foundation packages.”
She gave him an apologetic look. “She’s tough, you know. You better make sure she’s got what she wants.”
“Yeah. She’s decided to change the package of all the anti-aging products as well because ‘it should seem refreshed just like the new makeup line’.” Jaime said, his voice within a falsetto, as he seemed to be mocking his aunt. As he ran his fingers through his hair, he shook his head. “We’re doing our best to cut costs and keep quality so we can raise our numbers, but to her it sounds as if we were swimming on dough.” He complained.
Brienne placed her hand on his shoulder. “I hate to bring you the bad news, Jaime, but I believe she’s right. The Tyrells have changed the layout and design of their Ancient Rose line a gazillion times, and they never changed the formula, but somehow it increased their sales. People inevitably look at things through different perspective when they see something different with the product’s visual identity.” She nodded as she spoke.
Sighing and rolling his eyes, Jaime twitched his mouth. “Tell that to Tyrion, he’s the one trying to make everything fit in our budget.”
“I feel the winds will change once we release the new line. Numbers will go sky-high, you’ll see.” She stated.
“You still haven’t figured out the possible names for it. Oberyn told me he sent you a few suggestions that did well during market research.”
Brienne bit her lower lip as she looked away. “I’ve selected a few of them, but the one that pleases me would be a mix of different names.”
“And which are them?” Jaime asked, feeling genuinely curious about it. He recalled how Cersei always had the fanciest names on her head, things that referred to luxurious items and high-end products.
Brienne’s eyes flickered, as she seemed timid to mention the subject. “Well, two names that were highly mentioned during market research were ‘Real Beauty’ and ‘New Canvas’.”
“I like ‘New Canvas’ better. It sounds more down to earth.” Jaime considered.
Brienne licked her lips and tilted her head. “I think ‘Real Canvas’ is a perfect name.” She said, and then she looked into his eyes, as if waiting for his opinion on it.
Jaime narrowed his eyes at first, but a slow nod of his head showed his approval. “Real Canvas… I like it. I really do!” He stated, while glancing at her. Brienne felt her smile forming on her face, and she knew it meant they’d found the perfect name for the new makeup line.
“Now we need to work on a layout for the labels and package with Oberyn’s team.” Jaime said, as he tilted his head. “I bet we can develop textures for the packaging which feels like canvas material. It’ll surely work better with the targeted consumer age.” He announced, getting Brienne even more excited.
“Do you really think so?” She wanted him to make it sound even more real because she couldn’t believe everything was going according to her wishes.
“Of course! And I know Genna will love it as soon as you present the name.”
Brienne sighed and gave him an apologetic look. “Well, I was feeling unsure… I thought maybe she’d want something related to ‘lionesses’ or ‘gold’.” She shrugged, causing Jaime to chuckle.
“Not really. My sister was the one who always wanted to make an obvious statement about the brand. And I understand my mother started the company like that, but times have changed, so… it’s a good way to reshape what we’re doing.” Jaime pressed his hand onto her forearm as if to reinforce his words and what he meant by that. Reshape. The word reverberated in Brienne’s mind, as if her own life and premises were changing.
~.~
Brienne sighed as she watched Lyanna’s grandmother getting out of her car. Catelyn opened the passenger back door to let Lyanna out of the car. The girl looked excited as she carried lots of shopping bags with her.
“Mom! I got the perfect costume for King’s Landing Comic Con!” She said, raising her arms to show Brienne the amount of things she’d bought with her grandmother.
“That’s so awesome, sweetie! I’m sure you’ll be the best just like last year!” Brienne complimented the girl’s previous performance.
“Hello, Brienne! Thank you for letting me take her on such short notice.” Catelyn said while smiling and glancing at Lyanna.
Brienne nodded. “It’s okay. I know you’ve been busy lately, and since you never keep her past bedtime, I think it’s only fair that she gets some fun during week days.” Brienne glanced at Lyanna, “Right?”
“Yeah!” Lyanna celebrated. “Plus, we had pizza!” She winked at her mom.
Catelyn took a long deep breath, and Brienne read her gesture as an uncomfortable one. “Well, I better go now; I just wanted to check with you Lyanna’s choice for next year’s courses. She mentioned absurdities, so I figured I’d better get everything clear from you. She told me she’s considering leaving acting classes to take on fencing, that must be nonsense of hers, but I--”
“That’s precisely what she’s chosen.” Brienne confirmed, placing her arm around her daughter’s shoulders. “She wants to practice fencing, and I think it’s time for her to decide on what extra courses she’ll take. She’ll be twelve in a few months, after all.”
Catelyn seemed a bit shaken, but she kept her composure as she nodded slowly. “Well, I simply think it’s rather dangerous for her. Being so young and delicate, I’m sure there are other activities adequate for her age and body type.” Catelyn affirmed.
“I want to take fencing lessons so I can step up my performance at any events I participate such as Comic Con, and it’s also good exercise, so it’s healthy!” The kid seemed to be campaigning, but the foolish grin on her face and her next words gave her away, as she said, “And Tommen will take the same class so we can practice together!” Lyanna finished making her point, causing Catelyn to press her lips on a tight line.
Catelyn’s eyes carried their own message as she looked at Brienne with a mix of irritation and fear. Her discomfort was obvious.
“Then this is a wrong choice, young lady.” Catelyn said, as she lowered herself to speak directly to Lyanna. “One should never choose something in life simply based on emotional connections. That’s not how things work, Lyanna.”
Lyanna’s expression became unreadable, and Brienne worried Catelyn’s behavior would intimidate the girl, though her reply made it clear she’d set her mind on it.
“But, Grandma, wasn’t it an emotional connection what made you and Grandpa work together?” The girl asked, lifting one eyebrow while showing an arrogant look on her face which Brienne hadn’t witnessed before.
Catelyn tried to deny it. “Oh, but that’s different--”
“Wasn’t it an emotional connection what made you want my dad working at your company? Wasn’t it an emotional connection what made you sad because he chose not to?” Lyanna asked, this time with a frown on her face.
Catelyn was speechless after Lyanna had brought Robb into their conversation. Brienne’s motherly feelings made her feel sorry for Catelyn. So, to keep Lyanna from hurting her grandmother, Brienne told the kid to go upstairs, so she could put away her gifts. The girl said goodbye to her grandmother, and ran to the building door, entering it quickly while carrying her shopping bags.
“I’m sorry about that, Catelyn. I know it sounded harsh, but she was just trying to convince you.” Brienne defended Lyanna’s actions.
Catelyn shook her head. “She’s becoming insolent, and I bet it’s because of that boy’s influence. You’ll see the damage only when it’s too late, Brienne.” The older woman accused as she spoke almost within a whisper. “Those people are vicious. You don’t know the harm Tommen Baratheon could cause to Lyanna.”
“Catelyn, that’s enough! I won’t stand here while you say such nasty things about a boy who’s one of the kindest souls I know!” Brienne raised her voice. “Maybe we should end this conversation now, before it gets ugly.
“Oh, this is already as ugly as it can be, Brienne!” Catelyn said while pressing her hands together. “You’re too involved with that man, that’s why you don’t see it, but I won’t allow my grandchild to become one of them. I’ll fight you and whoever tries to compromise my son’s legacy.”
Brienne exhaled, as she tried not to lose her temper. “Don’t bring the dead to this conversation, Catelyn. I will always respect and cherish Robb’s memory, and Lyanna will never forget her father.”
Catelyn’s rapid movement startled Brienne. The older woman grabbed her forearm, looking into Brienne’s eyes. “Haven’t you asked yourself why those children have been given to Jaime Lannister instead of any Baratheon soul?” Catelyn added as if she was about to panic, “Brienne, haven’t you asked yourself why amongst all the Baratheons in Westeros, Cersei’s children are the only ones with blond hair? Don’t you see they’re bastards?”
Brienne jerked her arm away from Catelyn’s grasp. “No, I haven’t asked myself any of that. And it doesn’t matter if they’re bastards or not. I’m not the one who’s got a problem with people’s origins, Catelyn!” Brienne stated, mentioning how Catelyn despised Ned’s son, Jon. “Good night.” Brienne coldly said while turning around and walking back into her building. To her surprise and concern, Lyanna had been there at the hall waiting for Brienne, accidentally listening to Catelyn’s words.
The girl’s sad face was heartbreaking. “Tommen is my best friend, mom. Why does Grandma hate him?”
“She doesn’t.” Brienne shook her head while searching for the right words to say. Placing her arm around her daughter, she directed the girl towards the elevator. “Anna, some people despise what they don’t know.”
Lyanna looked up at her mother and took a deep breath, which seemed to build up her confidence, before she said, “I don’t care what she says. I really like him.” She stated, shrugging delicately, and then she smirked and whispered, “I like Jaime, too!”
Brienne felt her heart ache with tenderness at her daughter’s words.