Modern Love

Alicent can't believe it has already been three weeks since the frat party. She missed Rhaenyra so much, but she couldn't bring herself to talk to her. Rhaenyra has been so aloof and distant since that night, and Alicent can’t help but feel that it was because of what she had told her. She had been foolish to say that thing about her and Dany but now she was too embarrassed to say anything else on the subject.

As the days passed, Alicent grew increasingly anxious. Summer break is just around the corner, and she knows that if things don't change soon, they will be spending months apart. They live in the same town but Rhaenyra worked at her Uncle’s bar most nights so if Rhaenyra wanted to, she could ignore Alicent all summer. She cannot bear the thought of not seeing Rhaenyra for so long.

Meanwhile, Rhaenyra can’t shake the feeling that Alicent has been seeing Dany behind her back. She tried to ignore the jealous thoughts that nagged at her, but it’s difficult when she feels like Alicent was avoiding her.

Later in the day, the girls run into each other in the dining hall. There is a tense silence between them until Rhaenyra finally spoke up.

"Hey, Alicent," she says softly.

"Hey," Alicent replies, trying to keep her voice steady.

There is a long pause, and both girls look at each other with longing.

"I miss you," Rhaenyra finally admits.

Alicent's eyes soften. "I miss you too."

They exchange a small smile before going their separate ways, but it is a glimmer of hope that things might get better between them.

Later that day, Criston noticed the interaction between Alicent and Rhaenyra and approaches Alicent.

"Hey, have you guys talked yet?" he asks.

Alicent shrugged. "We talk a little bit in our dorm room and watch TV together at night, but things have been off. We don't even sleep in the same bed anymore."

Criston raises an eyebrow. "Well, are you still upset about Laena?"

Alicent sighs. "I can't help my jealousy," she admits. "And now I'm worried that Rhaenyra thinks I hooked up with Dany, and that's why things have been so weird between us."

Criston looks confused. "Wait, what? You didn't hook up with Dany, did you?"

Alicent shakes her head. "No, but I think Rhaenyra thinks I did."

Criston groans. "Ali, you're making things so complicated. You need to either move on or talk to her about it, because this is exhausting for all of us."

Alicent looks down at her feet, feeling ashamed. "I know," she whispered. "I just don't know what to do."

Criston shakes his head. "You know exactly what to do. You need to tell Rhaenyra the truth. It sucks that she slept with Laena, but if you don't own up to your feelings, you'll have to continue seeing her with others. And one day, she might fall in love with someone else for real if you don't act fast."

Alicent sighs. "But what if she doesn't feel the same way? I don't want to ruin our friendship."

Criston gives her a sympathetic look. "Look, I heard from Aegon that Rhaenyra cancelled her date with Margaery and never went out with her. She might be waiting for you to make a move."

Alicent's eyes widen in surprise. "Really? Do you think I still have a chance?"

Criston nods. "Yeah, but you have to be honest with her. Tell her how you feel and be prepared for whatever her response might be."

Alicent takes a deep breath. "Okay, I'll do it. I'll talk to her tonight."

///
Alicent is fidgeting nervously as she sets up the movie night. It has been months since they had a movie night together, just the two of them. She hopes that Rhaenyra would want to watch a movie with her, but she doesn't want to push her friend into doing something she doesn't want to do. She takes a deep breath and tries to steady her racing heart as Rhaenyra walks into the room, looking a little tipsy.

"Hey, Al," Rhaenyra says with a smile. "What's going on?"

Alicent smiles back, feeling her heart skip a beat at the sight of Rhaenyra's bright smile. "I was hoping we could have a movie night, just like the old days," Alicent says, gesturing to the TV. "But if you're busy, we don't have to-"

"No, no, I'm not busy," Rhaenyra interrupts, grinning. "I just came back from drinking with my Lit friends. We're celebrating being done with exams for the class."

Alicent nods, relieved that Rhaenyra seems happy to spend time with her. "Great," she says, pouring a glass of wine for Rhaenyra and herself. "I even got us some wine."

Rhaenyra takes a sip of her wine, her expression turning sour as she remembers Dany. "What about Dany?" she asks, bitterness creeping into her voice. "I figured you two would have plans tonight.”

Alicent feels a knot form in her stomach as she remembers the awkward conversation they had after the party. "I didn't hook up with Dany," she says quickly, hoping to ease Rhaenyra's jealousy.

Rhaenyra raises an eyebrow, looking confused. "But..I thought you’ve been seeing her?" she asks, sitting on Alicent’s bed.

Alicent takes a deep breath, trying to explain without revealing her true feelings. "No..I..why would you think that? We just talked at that party," she says, looking down at her hands. "It was nothing."

Rhaenyra studies her for a moment, her gaze intense. "Okay," she says finally, seeming to accept Alicent's explanation. She can’t believe she jumped to such dramatic conclusions, assuming Alicent was seeing Dany and sleeping with her the past few weeks. Rhaenyra shakes her head, feeling foolish but not wanting to make her feelings so obvious. "So, what movie are we watching?"

They spend the next few minutes discussing the movies, Rhaenyra teasing Alicent about her love for cheesy rom-coms. Alicent laughs, feeling more at ease with Rhaenyra's light-hearted teasing. As they settle in to watch the movie, Rhaenyra becomes a little more tipsy.

"You know, Al," she says, looking at Alicent with a glint in her eye. "You look really hot in those pajamas."

Alicent feels her cheeks heat up as she realizes how close Rhaenyra is sitting to her. "Stop it," she says, trying to hide her embarrassment. "You're drunk."

Rhaenyra grins, leaning even closer to Alicent. "But I'm not lying," she whispers, her breath hot on Alicent's neck. "You're always beautiful, Ali."

Alicent feels her heart race as Rhaenyra's words sink in. She's not sure how to respond, her mind racing with thoughts of how much she wishes she could tell Rhaenyra the truth about her feelings. But for now, she settles for watching the movie and enjoying Rhaenyra's company, hoping that someday she can find the courage to confess her feelings.

Alicent can feel her heart pounding in her chest as Rhaenyra's hand rests on her thigh. She swallows hard, feeling a lump form in her throat. Alicent's breath hitches at the touch, and she can feel her heart racing in her chest. She takes a deep breath to steady herself, feeling the warmth spreading through her body.

"You think so?" she manages to whisper, trying to keep her voice steady.

Rhaenyra nods, her eyes fixed on Alicent's. "I do," she says, her voice low and husky. "And not just tonight. Every night. You're always beautiful, Ali."

Alicent can feel her cheeks flush, and she glances away, suddenly feeling self-conscious. But then she meets Rhaenyra's gaze again, and she sees the desire burning in her eyes.

"You look pretty hot yourself," Alicent says, surprising herself with her boldness. She takes a sip of wine, trying to calm her nerves.

Rhaenyra grins, leaning even closer to Alicent. "Oh, I know I do," she says, her breath hot on Alicent's neck. "But you're the one who's making it hard to concentrate on the movie."

Alicent feels a jolt of electricity shoot through her at Rhaenyra's words. She can't believe this is happening. She's wanted Rhaenyra for so long, but she never thought it would actually happen.

She takes another sip of wine, feeling emboldened. "Maybe we should just turn the movie off then," she says, her voice barely above a whisper.

Rhaenyra's eyes widen, and Alicent can see the desire and surprise in her gaze. But then she nods, her lips curving into a seductive smile.

"I think that's a good idea," she says, her hand sliding further up Alicent's thigh.

Rhaenyra's hand continues to inch further up Alicent's thigh, and Alicent can barely contain the shivers that are running through her body. She tries to maintain her composure, not wanting to reveal just how inexperienced she really is.

"So, what do you want to do now?" Rhaenyra asks, her voice low and husky.

Alicent swallows hard, trying to focus on the conversation rather than the sensations that are coursing through her body. "Um..maybe we can talk more. I miss talking to you.” Alicent squeaks out nervously.

"I miss you too.” Rhaenyra says, her hand moving up a little higher on Alicent's thigh. "You know, I always thought you were kind of innocent, Ali. But maybe you're not as innocent as I thought."

Alicent's cheeks flush red as she realizes what Rhaenyra is insinuating. She tries to brush it off with a laugh. "I don't know about that."

Rhaenyra leans in even closer, her lips almost touching Alicent's ear. "I think you're just full of surprises, Ali," she whispers, sending shivers down Alicent's spine.

Alicent can't believe what's happening. She's never felt this way before, never been so turned on by someone's touch and their words. But at the same time, she's terrified. What if she messes this up? What if she's not good enough for Rhaenyra?

But she can't think about that now. All she can focus on is the way Rhaenyra is looking at her, the way her hand is still resting on her thigh, the way she's flirting with her so effortlessly.

"I-I think the wine's gone to my head," Alicent stammers, trying to steady her breathing.

Rhaenyra pulls away slightly, looking at her with concern. "Maybe we should get you some water and snacks."

Alicent nods, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. "Yeah, maybe that's a good idea."

They settle back into the pillows, talking about lighter topics. But even as the tension between them eases, Alicent can't shake the feeling that something has irrevocably changed between them. She just hopes that she's ready for whatever comes next.

///

Alicent wakes up, groggy from a deep sleep. She blinks a few times, trying to adjust to the brightness of the room. And then she remembers.

Rhaenyra.

They had fallen asleep together last night. In the same bed. Like they used to do in their younger days. Alicent takes a deep breath, feeling Rhaenyra's body still pressed against hers. It's warm and familiar, but there's something different about it this time. There's a tension that wasn't there before.

As she shifts her body slightly, Alicent realizes that Rhaenyra's arm is draped over her stomach, her hand resting on bare skin under her shirt. The touch sends shivers down her spine, and she feels her heart rate quicken.

Alicent's mind starts to race. She's always felt something for Rhaenyra, but last night and this morning feels so different, so much more intense. There's a part of her that wants to stay in this moment forever, but another part that's afraid of what might happen if they cross that line.

Rhaenyra is still asleep, and Alicent bites her lip as she feels Rhaenyra groan and wake up. She can feel the warmth of Rhaenyra's breath on her back as she sleepily kisses her skin. Alicent's wearing a silk tank top, and she can feel Rhaenyra's fingertips trailing lightly over the exposed skin of her stomach.

There's a heat building up inside her, and Alicent can't help but wonder if Rhaenyra feels it too. But she keeps her thoughts to herself, not wanting to ruin this moment by overthinking things. For now, she just wants to stay in this warm, safe cocoon with Rhaenyra and let the tension between them build.

Alicent lay frozen in place, feeling the heat of Rhaenyra's breath on the back of her neck. The room was quiet, save for the soft rustle of the sheets as Rhaenyra's hand moved beneath them, sliding slowly up Alicent's bare stomach. Alicent's skin prickled with anticipation, and she bit her lip to stifle a gasp as Rhaenyra's hand drifted higher, cupping the underside of her breast.

Alicent's mind raced with thoughts and emotions, her heart pounding in her chest. She had never been touched like this before, never experienced anything so intense and overwhelming. She was acutely aware of her own inexperience, the fact that she had no idea what she was doing or how to respond. All she knew was that she wanted more.

Rhaenyra's hand continued its slow, steady journey upward, and Alicent felt her breath catch in her throat as it finally came to rest on her collarbone, fingers splayed wide. Rhaenyra's touch was electric, sending shivers down Alicent's spine, and she arched her back slightly in response.

Still, neither of them spoke. The silence was almost unbearable, and Alicent wished desperately that Rhaenyra would say something, anything to break the tension. But Rhaenyra remained silent, content to simply explore Alicent's body with her hands.

Alicent was keenly aware of the feel of Rhaenyra's body pressed against her back, the soft warmth of her breath on her neck. She felt a sense of longing and desire rising within her, and she knew that she could no longer resist the pull of Rhaenyra's touch.

As if sensing her thoughts, Rhaenyra's hand began to wander even more, tracing delicate patterns on Alicent's skin. Alicent moaned softly, unable to contain her desire any longer.

Alicent's heart raced as Rhaenyra's fingers traced delicate patterns on her skin, sending shivers down her spine. She had always admired Rhaenyra's touch, but this was different. It was intimate, full of passion and desire.

Rhaenyra's hand wandered even further, moving up towards the curve of Alicent's breast, sending waves of electricity through her body. Alicent gasped at the sudden sensation, biting down on her bottom lip to suppress the moan that threatened to escape.

She could feel Rhaenyra's breath on her neck, warm and inviting. Alicent wanted to turn around and pull her in for a kiss, but she was too afraid of what might happen next. The tension between them was palpable, each touch and movement sending sparks flying.

Alicent's mind was a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts and emotions. She wanted to give in to the temptation and let Rhaenyra take her wherever she wanted, but she was afraid of what that might mean for their friendship. She couldn't bear the thought of losing Rhaenyra over a moment of passion.

But as Rhaenyra's fingers moved lower, towards the waistband of Alicent's shorts, Alicent's resolve began to crumble. She let out a soft moan, arching her back and pushing into Rhaenyra's touch. Rhaenyra's hand slipped beneath the waistband, fingers tracing the edge of Alicent's panties.

Alicent's breathing became ragged as Rhaenyra's fingers teased her, inching closer and closer to where she wanted them most. She turned her head slightly, seeking Rhaenyra's lips with her own, but Rhaenyra pulled back, teasing her with a playful smile.

Rhaenyra whispered, her voice low and husky. "I want to make you feel good."

Alicent nodded, unable to speak as the desire washed over her in waves. She wanted Rhaenyra, more than anything she had ever wanted before, but she was still afraid of what that might mean. All she could do was surrender to the pleasure and hope that their friendship would survive the aftermath.

As if on cue, there's a knock at the door. Rhaenyra groans in frustration and removes her hand from Alicent's bare skin, sitting up and pulling the sheets up to cover them both. Alicent quickly sits up, adjusting her silk tank top and smoothing out her hair.

"Who is it?" Rhaenyra calls out, sounding annoyed.

"It's Criston," comes the reply from the other side of the door.

Rhaenyra rolls her eyes and gets out of bed, grabbing her robe and wrapping it around her. Alicent quickly follows suit, grabbing her own robe and tying it tightly around her waist.

"Give us a minute," Rhaenyra calls out before turning to Alicent. "We should probably get dressed."

Alicent nods, feeling a mix of disappointment and relief. She quickly gets dressed in a simple dress and slips on some shoes, not wanting to keep Criston waiting. Rhaenyra, on the other hand, takes her time getting dressed, taking care to brush out her hair and apply some makeup.

Once they're both ready, they open the door to find Criston standing outside. He raises an eyebrow at their disheveled appearances, but doesn't comment on it.

"Good morning," he says, leading the way down to the dining hall.

As they walk, Alicent can't help but feel a pang of disappointment. She had been enjoying the closeness with Rhaenyra, the tension between them palpable. But now, with Criston there, the moment feels lost. She wonders if Rhaenyra feels the same way or if it's just her own insecurity talking.