Aerion Targaryen. 4

Aeron returned after more than a year in the East.

And at first you thought he was just tired.

That he needed time.

That he would eventually become himself again.

But the days turned into weeks.

And nothing changed.

Because the Aerion that had returned was different.

Colder.

More distant.

More difficult to achieve.

The first time he ignored you was during a dinner.

You smiled at him when you saw him come in.

He barely nodded his head before continuing to walk.

As if you were anyone else.

As if I hadn't spent entire nights talking to you years ago.

You told yourself it didn't matter.

He was probably distracted.

But then it happened again.

And again.

And another one.

Until it started to hurt.

—What's wrong with him?

You asked one afternoon.

-Whom.

—To Aerion.

Nobody had any answers.

And that was the worst part.

Because before you always knew what I was thinking.

Not anymore.

One night you found him alone in a gallery of the castle.

The rain was hitting the windows.

And for a moment you doubted.

But you came closer anyway.

—Can I ask you something?

Aerion did not respond immediately.

-Do it.

Did I do something?

His gaze finally met yours.

-That?

—Because I feel like you're avoiding me.

Silence.

A silence so long you wished you hadn't asked.

—I don't avoid you.

Lie.

You knew it.

Him too.

—Aerion…

-I'm tired.

—It's not just that.

His jaw tightened.

As if he were annoyed.

Not with you.

With himself.

—Leave it.

-No.

Because you were tired of pretending it didn't hurt.

—You used to be my best friend.

The phrase hung between you.

And for a second you saw something break in her expression.

Just one second.

—Things change.

He finally said.

Your eyes filled with tears.

Because that wasn't the answer you wanted.

Not even the one you needed.

And Aerion noticed it.

He noticed everything.

The way you looked down.

The way you tried to smile.

The way you turned around to leave.

But it didn't stop you.

And so