As I am up to my head in files I vaguely notice my cellphone chiming but I am literally too busy to turn my head to the side, drop the pen out of my hand, lift it over to where my purse is and take it out. I'm equally busy to answer my landline not wanting to disturb the tons of files that are over my desk.
"Arya I was putting on my eyeliner when your boyfriend called my phone asking where you were"—Tyene says poking her pretty little head inside my office. Shit, ok. His calls I really didn't mean to miss. I look at the time and its 1.47, we were supposed to have lunch today.
"Gen I am sooooooo so so sorry, I lost track of time. Where are you? Give me just 15 minutes and I'll be there" I say finally picking up the phone.
"All work and no play make Arya a dull dull girl"—He chuckles and I instantly relax with his voice "its ok, I was calling because actually I can't make it over. There's a new contract I need to revise for a project that I really want to start as soon as possible"—
"Ugh really? I mean I'm busy as well but I wanted to see you"
"Same here Babe, why don't you let me take you out to dinner tonight?"—
"But I won't have time to go home and change"
"Arya I saw you putting on that little pant suit this morning. Trust me; you look good"—
"Really? So do you think I looked pretty?" I say in a sing song voice.
"My dick is touching my desk. That's enough for you?"—
"Ugh, Gendry can't you be cute and romantic for once? You can be so crass sometimes" This time I get his full on belly laugh.
"Arya Stark I want to spend the rest of my life with you, grow old with you. It doesn't get more romantic than that babe. I give you my life, it's yours to do as you please and I give you my heart for you to cherish as I will make it my life's mission to cherish yours… How am I doing?"—
"Better… keep on going" I smirk.
"Then let's continue this little poetry reading at dinner. I really have to work but I wanted to hear your voice first. You've been working hard this week, do I have to go over there and talk to Oberyn?"—
"No, it's nothing I can't handle" Shit, it's been two days since I talked with my bosses about specializing in criminal law, my new partner is supposed to be here on Friday and I haven't said anything to Gendry mostly because I'm still worried of how he's going to take the news of me spending more time at work especially now that we're supposed to be planning our wedding.
"Ok, I'll text you were to meet up for dinner. Call me if anything comes up"—
"Will do, have to good day Mr. Waters"
"Have a good day future Mrs. Waters"— The line goes dead.
Ugh… my head hurts.
"Well you look like shit!"—Nymeria says waltzing inside my office and sitting on the chair that's in front of my desk.
"I feel like shit. I finished a case yesterday but I still have two others that I have to close before Friday. Both are over child visitation rights, you know how tedious they can be"
"Tedious is watching how millenniums of slutness are condensed into one body as Arianne is out there putting the moves on your boy"—
"What boy? I just finished a call with Gendry, he's all the way across town"
"I meant your other boy; the other big, dark haired one"—
"Jon is here?"
"For fucks sake Arya; Smalls is outside looking for you. Go save him from my slutty cousin!"—
"Smalls is not my boy" I mutter but even so, I'm already out the door. It's as if she pounced at him before he got to my office; Arianne has Smalls cornered right in front of my door. The poor man whimpers trying to pry Arianne's bullet shaped nails off of his face which quite frankly are disgusting if you ask me.
"Oh Arya, hello there. I didn't see you as always. Major Umber and I were discussing lunch"—You know… I'm really on the fence about Arianne's mental capacities. She must have some kind of smarts to weasel her way into her family business and snag a partnership without having to actually work but then again; how can she be so oblivious to the shrinkage men get around her? She's hot, I give her that. Killer body and exotic face which are useless if men think she's quicker than a calculator and looser than a thrift store turtleneck. I know… I know… kettle, pot, black or some bullshit like that. I know I slept around in my teen years but I wasn't pretending something I'm not; I liked sex and wasn't looking for my soulmate. It's not my fault that I found him years later and that the sex is even better but Arianne is trying (and failing) to put out this holier that the Virgin Mary act when I saw her getting her freak on with 4 of the Frey boys at the Christmas party. It's safe to say that she is definitely not Smalls material.
"Well unless Major Umber has a sudden problem with sex workers then I think he doesn't need your help" I may have not so muttered under my breath enough for it not to be heard as I stand between them.
"Ohhhhh bye Felicia"—Tyene sneers from behind her reception desk.
"What did you just say to me?"—Arianne snaps right back itching for a fight. She and I don't like each other but we're not stupid either. I'm the future of her firm yet she's my boss. We can't throw a punch without putting our own selves as collateral damage.
"Actually that's a great idea Arianne."—Smalls says from behind me making her smirk as if she's won. Yeah right, I don't even sweat it. He may not be my guy anymore but Smalls will forever be part of the pack. Arianne's smile has a short lifespan "I'll have my office arrange a lunch meeting with the firm. I'd like to learn a few things about certain business contracts I'll be arranging in months to come so help from the best law firm wouldn't hurt. What is your specialty again?"—
"Cock"—Tyene buts in again this time with a poor excuse of a cough.
"Taking calls and scribbling down notes is too much of a burden for the runt of the family? Mind your own business Tyene!"—
As the cousins get into their usual shredding of each other Smalls quickly steers me towards the exit.
"Wait, I forgot my purse!"
"My treat, I'm good for it. I promise"—He said ushering me inside his town car and signaling his driver to start the car.
It really is kind of cool to see Smalls as Mayor because I get the best of both worlds. I get my friend; the lovable dork who likes to be cuddled and is obsessed with Peanuts and I get the politician whom which I am damn proud of. Arianne is only after the swag; the tittle, the exposure, the power but Small has proven himself one of the few who actually cares, elevating his father's work and taking care of the little people. Hell if he keeps the good work up (which I know he will) he can aim for the Presidency and the Red Keep.
"So… It looks like congratulations are in order"—Smalls says as we finally arrive at our chosen destination. Les Tablettes; my favorite restaurant and scene of the crime for my engagement or stabbing… you choose. But still no one says anything nor bats an eye cuz I'm with the Mayor so take that suckaaaahhssss.
"Champaign on a Wednesday? The press is going to eat this up" I say as a waiter fills our glasses. We immediately toast and drink up but remind myself that I need to keep this lowered to one glass. I really do have a shitload of work.
"As long as I do my work right I don't give a damn of what the press is saying these days. They see me alone? I'm gay. I go to a club or partake in any social outlet? I'm the king of depravity"—He shrugs "At least with you they tell the same old story of us getting back together which I don't mind. Better you than Arianne Martell" Smalls shivers making me laugh.
"Congratulation on the engagement Arry. About time Waters finally got to it"—He says taking my hand in his and giving it a gentle kiss.
"Thanks Smalls. It wasn't exactly a smooth proposal but hey, it's me! When have I gone for the easy route?"
"I know, you decided to dump me on our wedding day"—He quips winking at me
"You're never going to let me live that down aren't you? And besides, I believe that you dumped me. Not otherwise"
"Nah, I just knew what you wanted even before you did…"—He shrugs but quietly asks after a few seconds "do you ever wonder what it would be like?"—
"How what would it be like?" I ask as Smalls plays with my engagement ring. Our hands still connected.
"You know… If we actually had gotten married"—
"Of course I do, every single day"
"You do?"—He asks as if he didn't expect my answer.
"I mean, how could I not? I wouldn't be the person I am now plus the fact of two pretty stellar presences in my life; Gendry wouldn't be in it and my mother would certainly make herself be known. Why do you ask?"
"I don't know. I just sometimes wonder if…"—
"Are you reader to order Mayor Umber?"—The waiter interrupts our conversation and I feel weird. Smalls troubled expression as he gives my hand a firm grip before letting it go has me feeling something is up with me but he quickly changes the topic asking about Kat and Jeyne's pregnancy. Safe topics that I know he's choosing because he's avoiding something.
"So… I have to run something by you. I need your advice, I mean you're my best friend and I need your honest to God opinion" Smalls huffs as if I stated the obvious "Don't be so conceited, Hot Pie can easily fight you for that title"
"No he can't, he hasn't had sex with you. I will always know you a little, no; waaaaaaay more than he could"— Smalls seems to be more relaxed again but I'm still thrown a little off base when he sweeps over the table giving me a loud and sloppy kiss on the cheek, taking my hand in his again.
"Ooooooook. What's with the PDA Umber?"
"Nothing, I'd like to cop a feel again before Waters makes thing official"—
"Actually want I want to tell you is about him"
"He treating you right?"—Smalls says, his voice hardening in a second. I don't know what went down the day Gendry broke the news about us as a couple to Smalls; hell, I don't want to know. But they've always acted friendly around each other. What I do know is that Smalls wouldn't hesitate in beating the crap out of someone that was messing with me.
"Of course not. He's a big old softy bull. It's more about me actually. Our relationship…" And I go on telling him about my job offer and how it would mean more hours at the office and how it could affect my relationship with Gendry.
"You never were that girl who settles her life around a guy. You didn't marry me. I can't give you a better example than that" Ok, this has have to be the zillionth time he has brought up our failed engagement again but I keep my mouth shut.
"Take the job, I know you want to take the job, you know you want to take the job"—
"But what about Gendry?"
"What about Gendry? If he loves you; and I know he does, he'll be right next to you every step of the way. Criminal law is le Crème de la Crème Arya, it's what any good lawyer should aspire to if they have the balls which you have, in spades. Just talk to him and share your toughs. I don't think he's stupid enough to let you go over this"-
"Watch it there. That's my boyfriend you're talking about" I growl back and we both sit there looking at each other. I'm sure Smalls didn't make his last statement sound more of an insult than a friendly jab but I react never the less. His features soften and he shakes his head as if he just registered what he did.
"Fiancé… not boyfriend"—He says with a sad smile.
"Hey… talk to me. You're acting weird today Jon. What's going on?" I say patting his head. We must look ridiculous with how he has to slouch down so I can reach the top of his head.
"Nothing, everything… I don't know. Just weirded out maybe? Stress? You're my go-to girl Arry and you're finally moving on"
"I'm changing my relationship status, signing a legal document and exchanging vows in a religious ceremony which I'm not sure I want but I'm not moving on Small. I'll right here whenever you need me!"
"I know"—He says with a smile that convinces no one and stands up to leave as we already finished eating.
"Hey… are we good?" I ask disrupting the silence on the ride back to my office.
"Of course we are Arry. Let's do something with the family this weekend. A proper engagement celebration"—
"I'm not keen on celebrating but stop by the Manor on Sunday. Sansa is dying to start with the wedding preparations but you know us. I'm sure that Robb will call Jon, Ygritte will steal Jon's phone and call Theon and well; yeah. Ok, let's celebrate this weekend."
Smalls agrees and before you know it we're back at the firm and he's escorting me out of the car "Then it's a date then. And just ignore my weirdness back at the restaurant, I'm just tired from work that's all"—
"Ok" I say, which I'm totally not. He gives me one last kiss on my forehead and heads off.
…
My workday ended up being a long one. It's 9.45pm, I'm hungry, I have a headache and I feel frustrated. I'm frustrated because I'm good at my job but I'm also not Wonder Woman. Since Oberyn has me wrapping up my remaining cases before Friday I feel that although I'm going by the book that I'm not giving my all. Both cases are child custody battles after nasty divorces and this is where my headache comes because if you hire me to keep your kid? Be sure you'll have your baby under your roof. But if I discover that you're not fit as a parent? One anonymous tip to child's services under the probation period and you're done BUT criminal law is a whole different ballgame. I will be defending and fighting for the freedom of someone accused of taking a human life, regardless if he's guilty or not it will be my job to defend him. Can I do that? Because that is just wrong. I may be ruthless but I'm not heartless. Also my insecurities are creeping up. I've taken many cases, environmental law, real state, personal injury deals, business, civil rights; you name it I've done it but other people might see it as me not focusing in a specific area. Too many peas, too many freaking pods, not enough time to see them all grow. Maybe Oberyn is putting too much of his trust in me… My phones chimes, a text message.
It's late. Still in the mood for going out or wanna order take out and eat in bed? You: food. Me: You. GW*
I feel like shit. Need some fresh air. Wanna go to The Woods? AS*
Done. Are you too tired to drive? I can pick you up. GW*
Nah. Welcome distraction. See you soon AS*
I kick myself mentally because I really am too tired to drive. I suspect I'll have to tow my car back home after I put some food in my stomach which is auditioning for Cirque Du Solei. My lunch with Smalls put me off course and now I'm going to have to talk about Smalls with Gendry which I've always hated. Also Gendry's jealousy issues are off the chart. It's either sexy jealous Gendry or asshole jealous Gendry, I just hope that tonight it's the former rather than the later. But behind the battlefront that is my brain? As soon as I see the tall idiot standing in the freezing cold waiting for me in front of the restaurant I feel at peace. I love Gendry. Love him. I looooooove the guy. He's my living, breathing, walking home. I collapse in front of him but I know he'll catch me. It's not like he can't handle my weight.
"What's wrong Stark?"—He says sighing, breathing in my scent just as much I am his as I snuggle into his chest.
"Just… stuff. I'm hungry and tired. Can you just feed me and make me feel better?"
"Sure. You want me to call Smalls?"—He smirks and I freeze. Of course.
"How bad it is?" I ask not even lifting my head from his chest.
"Oh you two put on quite a show today."- Since there's humor in his tone I dare look up only to see Gendry laughing at me. He scrunches down giving me a quick but solid kiss on the lips and steers us inside the restaurant.
The Woods is a Japanese restaurant that I love but I'm not allowed to claim it as my favorite because Ygritte says it's hers. Whatever. It's an open space that falls over the woods, literally. The trees are adorned with lights and little ornaments giving it an ethereal vibe that goes perfect with the northern landscape. Its tables have heaters under the seats and I just think Gendry looks adorable sitting in the minimalistic décor. He's like freaking Gulliver eating among Lilliputians. He sits next to me so I guess I'm getting sexy jealous Gendry tonight.
I guess that by know I should tell you what Gendry meant when he said that "we put up a show". We really don't bother noticing because being (I hate the word) socialites, children from prominent and wealthy families we were always well known, a given when we were a couple but now that he's the Mayor every little thing Smalls does is documented so we end up with our faces splashed everywhere every time we go out.
While Gendry orders our dinner; or while he orders our dinner pretending not to care as I log on twitter, I wince. It's bad. It's bad and it's has me wondering with I'm not getting asshole jealous Gendry. It's me and Smalls and lunch together but the pictures? They're like this sideshow of star crossed lovers.
"What the fuck?" I mutter making Gendry snicker.
"That's what I said when Theon sent me the pictures"—Of course he did; I think as I roll my eyes. Nosy ass shit stirrer Greyjoy.
Smalls kissing my hand, touching my face, kissing me on the lips (the angle of the picture looks like he was), us laughing, deep in conversation, looking at each other's eyes ignoring the outside world. Second thoughts? Umbark part 2 on every headline.
"Gendry. I'm so sorry. You know this means nothing don't you?" I groan making him laugh. Yep, definitely sexy jealous Gendry has he grabs me by the hips and slides me next to him.
"Talk to me. I know the drill with Smalls and I know you would never cheat on me."—
"He picked me up at work for lunch and he was acting weird"
"Explain weird"—
"I don't know. He kept on bringing up when we were together and how we were supposed to get married and he kept on touching as if he wanted something else, something more"
"So? Did he tell you he's still in love with you?"—
"Gendry Smalls is not in love with me don't start"
"Of course he's in love with you Arya. Everybody knows that, I know that. I suffer the same illness"—
"We were together a long time ago, even back them it was more a brotherly thing than a romantic relationship." Gendry makes a face and I know I'm not going to like what will come out from his mouth "Just say what you want to say Gendry" I say looking to where the hell our waiter is. I need food. And some cool sake would be good.
"He fucked you" Gendry says like he told me his favorite color. Here comes Asshole Gendry. "He used to sleep with you. I get it. It's a natural instinct to react when he know you're going to be my wife and not his" For all our mental and physical peace I refrain to tell him the part when Smalls blatantly asked if I wondered if we had actually tied the knot.
"I'm not buying it. Something is up with him" I say trying to change the subject.
"Think whatever you want Arya. Like I said; I like the guy but I'm completely sure with our relationship. Do I wish that you guys weren't so open physically? Yes, but that just comes after years of knowing and living together. I get that. I also get that those pictures are total bullshit"—He says gesturing towards my phone "You don't look at Smalls the way you look at me. I'm the one you want, my ring is on your finger and your ass will be on my bed. Period"—
"Bossy, yet totally romantic. Have I told you I like you Waters?" I say putting my arms around his neck because wouldn't you? He looks so smug right now I want to kiss that grin off his face.
"Don't want to hear it. Tell me you love me"—
"I love you Waters"
"I know."—He smirks while I punch his arm.
"You're such a dick." I laugh but I'm cut off with his lips. Gendry grabs my face in between his massive hands caging me into his face and positively slaying me with his lips. Very openly and quickly fucking my mouth in front of everybody. Went the waiter returns clearing his throat I'm red as a tomato and my lips are swollen. The bastard takes one last very obscene lick at my lips making me shiver before he turns towards the food.
We have age tofu, sashimi salad, fried rice, seafood soup, edamame, pair with anything salmon for me and anything pork for Gendry. All fried of course. We joke, we laugh, and we simmer down from our workload as we both eat fried banana ice cream for dessert.
"I got a job offer"
"Really? Where?"—Gendry says lifting his eyebrows in a 'look at you going places' manner.
"With the Martell's, only a different field. They want me to specialize in criminal law"
He whistles in appreciation "Damn Stark. When aim, you aim high"—
"What do you think?"
"What do I think? I'll go with whatever you decide I'm just proud as fuck at my girl."—Gendry says giving a kiss followed by one of his massive hugs that I refuse to let go of. I was all worked up about telling him and he just smiles and shakes his pom poms at me. And I call him stupid…
"I just I don't know. I'm not sure about it"
"Do you think you can't make it?"—He asks with interests.
"Not that I can't make it. Just that it's going to be hell achieving it"
"Ok. We can work on that if that's what you really want. We survived law school. We can do this."
"Can we? Gendry we both hated spending time apart because of my studies. I would cry myself to sleep because I didn't see you enough if I'd wasn't so tired and already asleep dreaming I was crying. We have a wedding to plan, it's not exactly an ideal time for a larger workload"
"Ok. Wedding good point"—He says as an afterthought.
"Since not marrying me is not even up for discussion…"—
"Obviously" I agree eating the last of our ice cream.
"I think we'd be fooling ourselves and insulting Sansa if we didn't think she could plan our wedding from scratch"—True, I nod. She would still be on my back asking questions about fine china and wedding favors but yeah. Sansa could do it. "And going to criminal law is the natural next step in your career. I would never get in the way of your professional growth. Do I worry? its criminal law, you're going to be exposed to delinquents of every level but it will be under a controlled environment where you feel at ease. I'm not fit for academia life. I got my degree but that was it for me. Everything else I can learn; I will learn on the field but law is different, it's ever changing and you need to study for it. You like it, you thrive in it. Go for it"—
"Aren't you worried about the time apart?"
"Baby when you were asleep dreaming that you were crying because you missed me? I was right there beside you. Making all your dreams come true once you woke up"—
"You make it sound easy" I pout as Gendry stands up offering his hand which I immediately take.
"It will be easy Stark. We found each, we're together. We got this." He pays the bill and we're quickly outside idly standing in the middle of the parking lot.
"I don't want to drive" I whine
"Don't. I'll take you home."-
"And leave my baby all alone in the middle of nowhere? Never!" I say trying to hug as much as I can of my 1967 Camaro. It was Dad's car. I barely even take it out of the garage out of fear that a bird might poop it.
"Ok Princess then I'll leave mine. But I'm driving"—I grin because really; have I told you I love the man? I. Love. Him.
Late into the night. Finally sated from hunger and sex I'm carefully falling asleep when Gendry's deep voice whispers in my ear.
"Not that I want to talk about another man in my bed but I just need to say something about Smalls"—I try to turn around but he doesn't let me. My back to his front I'm left feeling the steady beat of his heart and starring into our darkened room.
"I like Small but I hate the fact the he had you. That he was there before me"—
"Well, not that I like to talk about other men in our bed but. It's not like we don't have a past Gendry. You knew mine was very much colorful while I don't think you lost your virginity and then found me"
"I know, I know…"—He says hugging me fiercely from behind. "It's not about the sex per se, it's the intimacy, the conversations, the memories made. You're my first real relationship and you have a whole chapter of your life written with Smalls. Basically want I'm saying is that although my first instinct will be to fucking smash his head in; that I understand Smalls. He cares for you, he will always do and I respect that as the man who step into his relationship with you."—
"Thank you…" I say because that will always be a little blimp in our history. We cheated on Smalls, there's no way to sugar coat it but we chose to handle it with maturity and practicality. "Thank you because Smalls is my friend, and I will have him in my life as long as he wants me in his as well"
"Noted."—Gendry says kissing my ear and snuggling closer. After a while I thought he was asleep but he speaks again.
"Arya?"—
"Uhm?..." I say already half asleep.
"Next time a picture of you two gets released all loved up and touchy feely I'm going to fuck you right in front of the mayor's office, video tape it and sent it to all the voters so they can know you're mine"—
"I don't know it's that's creepy or romantic. I'm too sleepy to tell the difference" I say making him laugh. "Goodnight Mr. Waters"
"Sweet dream future Mrs. Waters"
Hello FanFic friends.
Never post multiple stories at once.
That's all I'm saying.
PM me or review to let me know what you think.
XOXO