The moment you and your sisters, Sansa and Arya, had been shipped to the capital, you had been under the watchful eye of the Hound.

After your father's execution, he still lingered. After Arya went missing, after the people rioted in the streets and nearly attacked Sansa, he was still there.

Feelings in your chest bloomed for him. A constant savior, a constant protector. But nothing ever came of it. It wasn't appropriate.

When the night of the Blackwater came, he pleaded with you and your sister to flee the city with him. But you wouldn't leave Sansa, for her sake more than yours.

That night you had to part with him hurt you more than you thought. So, you had went to your dressing table, found something sharp and cut a small part of your hair off. Tying it with a ribbon, putting it into a bag, you gave it to him.

It wasn't until later, during his travels with Arya, did he realize why you did that. What it meant.

Gifting someone who would be a lover a lock of hair was a sign of love, a sign of devotion. Maybe even hope for him to come back. To return and save you.

But you didn't see him again. Not until the battle of the Long Night was over. So many souls lost, but with the Night King defeated Winterfell felt like itself again.

Though you saw him before he saw you. And when he realized, his heart ached. How you had changed after all this time.

"Sandor," You started, nervously biting your lip as you approached the table he sat at. "I want to thank you. For everything. Everything you did tonight, and for guarding Arya... you are possibly the reason she is still with us."

He was quiet. His gaze fixed on you, on your face, on your hair. Tentatively, he threaded his fingers through some of the locks.

"I never got rid of it, you know. Even when your bloody little sister left me to die. Kept your 'gift'." Sandor's eyes bore into yours like he was trying to pierce your soul. And it made your cheeks feel warm.

"Well, I am glad you returned." You whispered, fidgeting with your sleeves.

You knew he knew your feelings. Returned them. And now, you were finally safe for Gods know how long.

The Hound clearly had a fondness for the 'wolf pups' he met along the way. But you were the one he was waiting for the most.