ARYA POV:
5 am alarm clock…
I'm on vacation, I should turn that off ; Arya thought as Fran Drescher's laugh refused to let her go back to sleep in favor of her usual morning jog.
Last night Arya finally came home, she didn't see anyone else other than Gendry so technically today was her first day in Winterfell. Ahh yes; Gendry. The guy she pinned for when she was a kid, damn he's hot. She normally woke up in a foul mood but who doesn't wake up with a smile on their face after dreaming with a pair of blue eyes and a whole lot of nakedness.
While at Braavos; Arya was accustomed to a daily 5 am morning run. Each day she would take a different route but on her way back she would always run through the market to eat breakfast. She was a healthy girl with a big appetite so after a run she would gorge herself with exotic foods and different spices.
Feeling well rested and not in the mood to stay in bed she decided to go on her run anyway, her luggage was still inside Gendry's truck so rumbling through her closet she found an old pair of running shorts matching them with a black sports bra so she was set for her run.
The house was silent with its occupants still asleep completely oblivious that she had arrived; only Gendry knew she was there so it didn't matter if it remained like that for a few more hours… She hesitated going to find Gendry; he did ask her to wake him up when she did but she decided against it opting to go on her walk and clear her mind.
Going outside the house and feeling the cold seep into her bones was magnificent, it seemed that home was feeling of comfort; one that Arya could only achieve between the hard winds of the North. In matters of seconds she was off in the direction of the far woods that led directly to the Godswoods where she felt truly free.
Let's talk about Gendry shall we?... You leave mostly because of him yet the second you see him again you take a train to Stupidville and dream of doing things with him that you should only be doing with your boyfriend? Get it together Stark; her brain chanted with every step she took. Arya chose to leave Winterfell! Some would say she ran defeated, yes; she did. But she came back stronger than ever! She was just a kid when she decided to leave for Braavos University driven by her social awkwardness, her family's preconception ideas of who she was and Gendry's constant rejection. The result? She was a young woman full of confidence with a mind of her own. Respected not by her name but her own self, with many friends she could trust her life with and with a boyfriend who adored her.
Yes Arya, remember that gorgeous guy you left slightly heartbroken back at Braavos. He loves you for your brilliant mind and spunky personality. Gendry is only a body; a spectacular mass of muscle and male beauty but still what's underneath? For all you know he's still the same ass that ignored you the second he found better company. Screw him! Purple is better than blue!
Six footsteps, coming in quick… She heard them before she could see them. Correction: Two footsteps, the others are paws.
"Not only could I hear you for miles but could smell you as well. Kissing one sibling while puffing away with the other?" Arya asked into the early morning still disguised in the woods.
"Good Morning Darling Sister…"- Bran beamed at her while Summer wagged his furry tail at her.
Home at last; Arya thought.
GENDRY POV:
I am a walking hard on… what am I, fifteen again?
I need to get back home. I refuse to masturbate under Eddard Stark's roof while thinking about his daughter but come ooooooon….
'One must not act stupid out of happiness' as of yesterday that was Gendry's motto.
He had spent quite a lot of time of his adolescent life lusting and pinning after a little girl that was too good for him. It made him feel miserable, unworthy and creepy; feelings he wasn't too keen on getting back inside his head.
Arya was back! That didn't give him an excuse to throw in the garbage everything he had worked for the past three years… He had worked and studied his ass off to have a great job, be respected by his coworkers and groomed to perfection under Eddard Stark himself. Personally? After Arya left he decided to clean up his act. No more random hookups, only Jeyne Heddle got close to him but not close enough. Arya left a void in his life only to be filed by her. Before; he let others speak for him, shutting his words for the mercy of others that quite frankly didn't deserve them. He wasn't stupid, he knew Arya felt something for him before she left but he wasn't ready, he took the quick way out. He finally planned to make his move but that was the summer she moved away. Today he was a new man, a better man but that didn't give him the right to even consider going after Arya in a romantic way. She had changed as well; she was even smarter, worldlier and was a beauty that made men go insane.
He remembered the day she left like it was yesterday. He learned to balance the positive with the negative that day. Eddard Stark showed him the way…
FLASHBACK THREE YEARS AGO:
"Sit down Son, I need you comfortable so we can discuss a few things."—Eddard gestured him to sit in front of him while he sat in his massive mahogany desk. Even his home study seemed like a den were Ned was the master of it all. It wasn't a comforting feeling to know that every time the Stark children entered this precise room they left with pretty heavy punishments. Well, not every Stark child. Arya could get away with anything… As Eddard poured two glasses of scotch and put one in front of him Gendry eyed him curiously.
"What?"— Eddard said sitting down and taking a sip of his own drink "I'm not oblivious enough to not know that you all drink. Might as well do it under my own roof were I can see you."—
"Uhm… I'm not used to drinking scotch sir"
"It's an acquired taste boy. You need to learn how to drink it. You don't down it. You sip it, savor it in your mouth, with your tongue. It goes down gently all by itself"—
"And if Mrs. Stark happens to come in right this second?"
"Everyone including my wife is fast asleep. Anyway, mouthwash and a good cuddle will get you places"—Eddard smirked while Gendry grimaced at the comment and his drink. "It's been a long day hasn't it? Quite memorable one, graduating from high school. Our girl leaving…"—
"Yes Sir, it has" Gendry mumbled. He wasn't about to show his feelings to the father of the girl he liked. An uncomfortable silence loomed the room as Eddard scrutinized him.
"Relax Gendry. You practically live in this house. I've known you for what? Five? Six years? I just wanted to have a talk with you. Discuss your future. What are your thoughts?"—Eddard asked.
"On what Sir?"
"On your future."—
Do I even have one?; Gendry pondered. He took another sip of his drink. "Dunno Sir. I guess I have time to think about it all summer"
"You're a bright boy Gendry. A young bright boy. So I've been doing a lot of thinking on my part, when you get my age you have the tendency to make contingency plans; backup plans. Catelyn frets on that I work too much but she'd be surprised of how much I cut back just by thinking ahead."—
"Ok…" Gendry said, not really knowing where this conversation was headed. Also, the scotch was strong as fuck!
"Now… I took the liberty of having a sit down with your guardian Mr. Mott and although he agreed on what I told him he felt it was best if I talked directly with you. Give you the last word."—
"On what exactly?"
"I want to take you under my wing Gendry. I want you to go and get your degree. Make sure you have a proper education so you can be a man of means. I'm prepared to bank it all. Housing, books, every student fee, done."—
Gendry's mouth dropped open mid drink. Half of it ended on his shirt and chin but that hardly was important as he was being offered a full ride to college. Eddard Stark was telling him he was going to pay for his education. Gendry didn't even imagine how much money it would cost since truthfully he really didn't think it was a reality for him. Community college at best.
"I'm sorry Sir but I can't accept it."—
"And why is that?"—Eddard said as if he just offered him to buy him dinner at Taco Bell.
"Because it's too much Sir. It's well… college. It's expensive and… " (I'm not your son) Gendry thought bitterly.
"Gendry I've never been one to flaunt my wealth but you are aware that we are a family of means don't you?"—
"That's exactly my point. You don't have to do this. You have six kids, SIX. All of them are going to college, you don't need another burden!"
"They are my children. Heirs to my name, they're not a burden"—
"Exactly my point! I don't have your name, I don't have anybody's name. I can't be your charity case" Gendry argued passionately but at his last words Eddard changed his whole body language. Not angry, let say… pissed off.
"Gendry if you feel anything else but my family it is your fault. I've opened the doors to my home to you, allowed my children to play with you, given you shelter and food"—
"That…" Gendry was about to respond to him but one ice cold stare from Eddard and he shut up. He continued talking.
"If you think for one second that I open my arms to anyone then Arya was really on to something when she called you stupid. If you were a burden I wouldn't be here offering what I am offering to you, if I didn't consider you my family you wouldn't be sitting right in front of me and if I didn't consider you anything less than my son you sure as hell wouldn't have come close to my daughter"-
Properly chastised Gendry remained silent, his head was spinning. He was both happy and pissed off with what he just heard. He guessed happiness won the battle. Eddard Stark considered him like a son. That alone made his chest tighten. Or maybe it was the scotch. Either way it was big news.
Eddard refiled their drinks again.
"Look Gendry…"—Eddard sighed running his hands through his hair. "Please, don't go and take this the wrong way. I want to do this. Catelyn and I have actually spoken about it even before you got your college acceptance letters. This is something that can benefit us both"—this was where Gendry's subconscious piped up.
Of course; he wants something from you; It said. It was too good to be true.
"What do you mean benefit us both?" He asked with a cool tone.
"I do it, I'll pay for anything but you'll work for me. Is mechanical engineering what you're still aiming for?"—
"Yes, Sir"
"I handle heavy machinery in all my gravesites. You could work on that department. In truth you'd be studying and working for me at the same time. I want you to apply to Storms End University. They have the best program in the country."—
"But how? I mean; how will I study in the Storm Lands and work here with you?" Gendry asked as his curiosity picked up completely shutting his subconscious.
"There is an out of state long distance program. I already check it out and it will be perfect so you can work for me but not really work for Stark Industries."—
"I'm sorry but I don't understand. You run Stark Industries. How can I work for you and not for the company?"
"There is this situation with Baratheon Corporations…"-
END OF FLASHBACK.
Gendry snapped out of his memories finally stumbling out of bed. He went to the kitchen to get his caffeine mix and found every male Stark minus Bran and Robb.
"Please tell me you left me some breakfast!"
"I'm growing and he needs protein to protect our nation!"—Said the youngest Stark with his mouth full.
"You slept in! Old Man dragging you to an early grave?"—Asked Jon patting Gendry in the back. It was obvious they didn't know about the latest arrival.
"Lost track of time, then after work I had a pleasant… distraction" Gendry muttered deciding not to blow Arya's cover.
"Somebody has to help me with the family business!"—Said Eddard, nodding towards Gendry and handing him his breakfast plate Catelyn dutifully had saved for him.
"Isn't that why I'm here?"-
They all turned around to see Arya casually leaning by the kitchen door looking glorious in a pair of little black running shorts with matching sport bra.
Thank God they all launched themselves hugging, kissing and tackling her (Rickon) so none of them could notice Gendry frozen cold at the sight of Arya. The image he had last night had nothing to do with the glorious woman in front of him. She had fair skin with a fine tanned layer thanks to her time in Braavos. Her muscled were toned; no secret there since Arya was an avid sport junky. Her hips were something sinful that made her tinny waist alluring. Her hair was tangled in a messy bun; she was sweaty from her run and was the most beautiful thing Gendry had seen in his entire life.
He didn't know a much time he spent there fantasizing but by the time he landed back on earth his coffee was cold and they were all huddled next to Arya bombarding her with questions. It was hilarious to see Sergeant Snow with his little sister on his lap dotting on her every word.
"Settle down boys. My turn now: Where's the happy couple? Aren't they supposed to be here already?"— Arya asked finally managing to get a question that wasn't about her life.
Today was kind of an engagement party for Roslyn and Robb; yes they were engaged since high school but they finally set a date so they were going to have a get together with close family to basically show that all was well and arraigned marriages do work. Total bullshit if you asked him.
"He called earlier. Said that they were running late. Let's not tell your mother that please."— Pleaded Eddard.
"Perfect. Mom's already out of the house getting ready with the other females of the house, Ar we have enough time before the party starts to show you some sweet moves I've been practicing for my next wresting match."—Grinned Rickon.
"You two; go get ready and help the catering company once they arrive. I'm going to wave my 'I'm the father card' and spend some time with my little girl before all the madness starts"—Eddard says; you do. Jon and Rickon sulked like 4 year olds.
"Gendry! Mind if you come into my office in a little while with the paperwork I asked you the other day?"—
"Of course. I'll be there in a bit…"
After Jon finally let go of Arya they all left to get ready for the engagement party. Gendry went back to the guest room that was now practically his since he spent more time at Stark Manor than his apartment to brush his teeth and get the paperwork Eddard had asked him to.
Excluding the Free Cities projects; over the years Gendry had access to every piece of paper containing information of Stark Industries and Baratheon Corps. But this time it was different; this was not some kind of promotion. There where talks of ownership and Gendry was way over his head.
Not having time to take a bath he just put on a clean shirt and headed back to Eddard office. Before he could knock he heard his favorite sound that was back into his life; Arya's giggle. He waited outside not daring to interrupt the father / daughter time but the door was slightly open so he could hear a bit of their conversation…
"He's a nice guy Dad, I actually keep him close. He knows a lot of people"—Arya said.
"Just keep an eye on that one. Loyalty is something I value a great deal"-
"Chill Dad, I've got it under control"-
"Speaking of things that are under your control…"—Eddard said with a knowing tone in his voice.
"Dad…"-
"Arya…"-
"We're not in the 50's Dad. Calling you was a pressure tactic and you know it!"-
"He's a nice young man that wants the best for you Arya. Him asking me permission speaks greatly of his feelings for you."-
"Well, I'm not ready. I told him. End of story"-
"I don't have to remind you that there is a lot more at stake here do I young lady?"-
"You just did Father"—Arya said with finality.
What the hell are they talking about? Who where they talking about? Ohh shit, someone's coming. Gendry stood outside as if he was just getting to the door when Arya opened it looking annoyed, she didn't even glanced at him and passed right through him.
"Forgive her Gendry. She's probably still tired from the trip"—Said Eddard completely oblivious of Gendry's eavesdropping.
"It's ok Mister S, I've missed being manhandled by your daughter" That sounded totally inappropriate and weird.
For a moment Eddard was lost at thought so he didn't hear Gendry's rambling.
"Gendry I'm afraid we won't be able to sit down and discuss this subject as it should be done ever so thoroughly. Why don't we leave this for Monday morning at the office?"—
"Of course! Arya's arrival, Robb's engagement party… I assumed you'd be busy Sir."
"Yes about that. I'm sorry Gendry but would you mind revising the blue prints for the job at Skagos. That is a headache I want to avoid"—
Eddar's request didn't surprise Gendry. Robb's engagement party meant family friends, family friends meant Baratheons, Baratheons meant no-no! He didn't question Eddard's intention of hiding Gendry from the Corporations top brass; he knew Eddard would tell him why when the time was right.
"Of course Sir, I was actually planning on heading out already." Half-truth – half life. He was going to leave but the possibility of seeing Arya in a dress? Hot damn!
The Angel over his shoulder won so he left the house after talking to Eddard of some minor company issues. He'd already fired up his truck when he remembered he still had Arya's luggage so he got out and grabbed the bags. He was going to leave them by the front door but the catering company had arrived and was all over the place, he wasn't going to be the one responsible for losing her stuff.
Since when Arya packed so much? These things are heavy; He thought. Gendry decided to put the bags in her room so he walked up the stairs right inside the bedroom since the door was open. He had just placed the bags beside the bed when the bathroom door opened revealing the most perfect image he had ever seen.
ARY A POV:
Ugh! I am going to kill that suicide blonde; Arya seethed but first thing first. She needed to settle her business in the North. First one on the list: Robb's engagement party.
What to wear? The rules were nothing white; too bridal, but everything else was game. It was the first time 'society' was going to see her in years so she was going to enjoy her little show and tell.
Arya was never interested in clothes and fashion but you'd be surprise what a little bit of inches in the right places and a good friend who wore nothing but dresses could do for a girl. The little Enma…
"Ohh.. Hello!"
"Hello" – Was all Gendry could say while staring at her! Oh, yes, did I mention she had just stepped out of the shower and only had her robe on?
Gendry was a blubbering mess and Arya loved it! She was sorry to reduce womanhood into looks but in the last couple of years God gave her a substantial boost in the cleavage department as well as some pretty defined curves that made men notice…a lot! She was well aware of what her body did to the opposite sex and she loved toying with them. Seeing the tables turned on Gendry made her feel pretty good. Yep, you could have had this suckah!
"My luggage! Thank God you brought it up, wouldn't want me to go around the house practically naked don't we?" She said batting her eyelashes at him.
"Nop, naked, no! No naked!"—His words sounded cut and his obvious tell was showing. Whenever Gendry was about to get in a fight, was uncomfortable or wasn't sure of what he was going to do next he would tuck his hands inside his pockets.
She could make him suffer but why bother? She didn't care for him; Gendry didn't even deserve her putting up a show to get him jealous. He wasn't worth it and she had bigger fish to fry that didn't go by the name Waters.
"Now run along Gendry. I need to get this robe off me and I won't be needing your help" Ok, maybe just rub it in a little.
Gendry didn't say anything, he just blinked and gawked like he physically needed to touch her but he spun around and left the room without a word…
The afternoon went fast. Before she knew it, it was already 5 pm so the guests were going to start arriving in less than an hour. After doing her own hair and makeup; nothing fancy with a low ponytail and she decided to put on her blue Emanuel Ungaro Minnie dress. Simple, appropriate cocktail / evening ware and she looked hot as hell in it, well; hot enough her mother wouldn't think she was an island hoochie and that her father wouldn't tell her to put on a coat.
Coming out of her bedroom she didn't need to look around to see that the evening was going to be a boring one because at the end of the stairwell was Theon Greyjoy.
"I woke up this morning knowing that I had to come dateless; it was because Cupid himself put you right in front of me. See? We even match!"—He said gesturing to his blue tie and wiggling up and down his eyebrows. Such a helpless flirt but in the end Theon was like a disabled puppy; you just couldn't say no!
"Hey Greyjoy… Came here to see your boyfriend with another woman? So, so sad!" She smirked.
"What can I say? You lose a Stark; you win a Stark!"—He said while giving her a very touchy feely hug just in time as the main door opened.
"Theon I thought you weren't coming! Where's Robb? He's not answering my phone calls! Ohh, I'm sorry! Who is your date?"—Catelyn asked coming back from an afternoon in the hair salon but before she could recognize her own daughter; Arya heard her name in a very high pitch squeal and before she knew it someone was hugging her tightly.
"Ohhh my goooooooooooooooood, you're here! I can't believe Jon didn't tell me! You look gorgeous! Ohh my god I love your hair! Your boobs look amazing! Are those Jimmy Cho shoes?..."—Margaery Tyrell had said more than one thousand words in less than one minute. How was that even possible?
Margaery was still bombarding Arya with questions when in came Sansa looking as beautiful as ever in a light pink dress with a shy expression on her face.
"Arya?"—Was all she could say, amazed as was everyone to see the new and improved Arya.
"Hey Sans! Looking good as always" Considering they've hadn't talked in three years flattery was a safe way to talk to Sansa. What she didn't expect was a big hug from her. Everyone stood back watching the sisters embrace even more surprised when Sansa started crying.
"I've missed you so much!"—She said only for Arya's hears while hugging her tightly.
The moment was interrupted by a loud whistle from Theon that surely made the wolves uneasy.
"I'm sorry Girls but the clock is ticking and there's a change in the program! EVERYBODY IN THE LIVING ROOM"—He yelled loud enough for everyone to hear.
Arya walked hand in hand with Sansa who refused to let her go. Her sister was even more beautiful than when she left but there was sadness to her beauty, a melancholy about it that no longer made Sansa bubbly and alive.
She was going to have plenty of time to reacquaint herself with her big sister but first she needed to find out what was going on. Her mother seemed to think the same.
"Theon what's going on? Where's Robb?"—Catelyn asked sounding alarmed. Theon just looked at her with his 'chillax' stare and waited for the rest of the family to walk in.
One by one all Stark men came inside the living room. Bran looking fresh after sleeping out his buzz all evening, followed by Rickon and Jon; who walked strait to where Margaery was standing and whispered something in her ear that made her blush.
"Ok Theon. What's going on? Where's my son?"—Asked Eddard. It was already six o clock, guests were literally in the driveway and the future bride and groom where nowhere to be seen.
Theon just held up his hand as to signal to give him a minute while he texted someone on his phone. Catelyn was about to go postal when the doors opened and in came Robb with a girl by his side that was not Roslyn…they were holding hands.
"Mother… Father…"—Said Robb looking very nervous. The girl beside him looked like she was going to faint!
"Robert…"—Was the only thing that Eddard could say. Something was up and it wasn't going to be pretty.
Robb looked like a deer in the headlights while Jon and Theon exchanged knowing looks.. The drama? This I didn't miss; Arya thought.
"Hello! My name is Margaery!. And you might be…?"—Asked Marg to the still unknown girl but Jon interrupted her squaring his shoulders.
"Uhmm Jeyne? This is my family. Guys?... This is Jeyne Westerling; my wife!"—
Tequila, a big round of tequila… this was not going to be a very serene night.
Hello Fanfic Friends. Do to horrible internet access I have to upload a day earlier. So spread the world.
This is what I pictured Arya's dress like: . /2009/03/10/emmy_rossom_s_short_tight_wrap_dress
Remember to REVIEW – REVIEW – REVIEW!
Have a great weekend!
Song: I predict a riot by Kaiser Chiefs
