It was strange yet delightful seeing all of his family together. Everyone, including his youngest brothers, was nicely dressed up, however, he could see on their faces they rather wear something more comfortable.
Since him and Jon moved out of the huge old mansion called Winterfell last year, they didn't spend as much time at home only few days in a month (and as for Jon, even less). But these days always made Robb happy and relieved. He knew he was lucky to have a home like this to return to.
As he looked at his calmly chatting family he instantly found serendipity - they seemed just the same as always. His parents were talking quietly and peacefully, one side of his mother's beautiful face was shrouded by her long auburn hair which was very similar to his as well as her blue eyes. People always used to say he was the male version of Catelyn. Jeyne was asking Sansa about her college plans and she was happy to share her doubts about the issue. She would graduate from high school in spring and after her last short but way too terrible summer relationship she buried herself into her studies and other duties. The dark circles under her bright blue eyes cleary proofed it. Arya was talking to Jon without even thinking of stopping. He smiled as his eyes met theirs, he knew they had always been the closest all of the siblings. Big, elegant yet cozy dining hall, familiar flavours of delicious dinner and beloved faces - all of them made Robb forget instalty about what would be happening paralelly in his apartment back in London.
Right before the starter Jon suddenly stood up, rooted through his messy dark curls and cleaned his throat. Robb and Ygritte gave him a heartening smile - both knew what he wanted to say.
"I'm glad we're all together because I have something important to tell you - he began. The room hushed. - I've never been good at speeches but I think it's worth a try… I remember when I first told you I want to do something with graphic design in the future. I was sixteen back then and I'm sure you thought I was insane since all you saw of my obsession were my always dirty hands covered with lead and coal and some drawings. And ultimately, getting into London Art&Design School is really hard. But you let me work on my dreams and even made sacrifies for me, which I couldn't be more grateful for since I'm not a true Stark - he said with hint of bitterness in his voice. - I got in on the third place, I nearly could believe it. But what happened to me a few weeks ago was even more unbelievable. During my summer internship my boss showed an editor from Vogue - one of the most sold magazines in the country - some of my illustrations. They weren't anything big or planned just skratches of some nicely dressed girls but she liked them and asked for my number. In September she called me and asked me for a job giving me the biggest opportunity of my life so far. I had to draw eight pages of Christmas - related fashion illustration to the December issue. I took the chance because it would have been madness letting it go and honestly for some reason I like drawing fashion-related stuff. I was working on this project in the last few weeks, it was tough and I had to keep it a secret but now I can proudly announce: it came out this week and according to the critics it turned out very well, actually - he sighed with big smile on his face, finally. - I have to thank all of you because without your support I don't think I could have got into my current school which lead me to Vogue. Thank you, again."
Long deep silence set in the room. Robb could feel the tension vibrating in the air. All the eyes were widened, no one said a word. Then Sansa's sudden scream broke the ice ("OH MY GOD, MY BROTHER IS IN VOGUE!" - It was her first time calling Jon her brother.) and everyone started congratulating him simultaneously.
As he looked at his mother Robb saw in Catelyn's eyes kindness and warmth - something which never had been seen before whenever she had interacted with Jon. Even she seemed very proud of him. Robb smiled even more widely and squeezed Jeyne's soft hand under the table. He thought the weekend getaway couldn't be ruined now. But he was wrong.
They already were eating the dessert when Catelyn dropped in the question that changed everything for Robb:
"It's almost December, Christmas is right around the corner so I would like to know when are you - she looked at him and Jon - going to come home for the holidays. I know you all have exam season and you might not know your schedules yet so you don't have to be super concrete just give me some strong point."
Robb was about the answer but Jon overtook him:
"Actually, we won't come home for Christmas as well as New Year's."
"What the hell are you talking about? - Ygritte asked with wide eyes. - Sorry, Mrs S."
"Shit, I wanted to tell you only on Wednesday! Sorry, Catelyn... Anyway, I had some savings, the money from Vogue and since we didn't go on an actual vacation because both of us were flogging ourselves to death all summer and our anniversary is on Wednesday… I booked two tickets and a flat for the holidays in Paris." - Jon said smiling modestly but his eyes were sparkling with happiness.
"Paris? Like Paris, France? You're saying you're taking me to PARIS? We're spending Christmas in PARIS?"
"Yes. Shall I repeat? Two weeks in Paris, including Christmas, New Year's and as many contemporary exhibitions as you would like to."
"Oh my freaking Goodness… Sorry Mrs S., but you have to understand me… My crazy artist boyfriend, who always forgets about paying rent and buying food and who draws fancy dresses in his free time, is taking me to PARIS… I need to compass it… " - she couldn't find words, but she wasn't alone. Nobody thought Jon would be this romantic type.
"It's such a cute gesture! - Jeyne whispered smiling. - We should go somewhere too, in the summer, don't you think?"
"Yeah, you're right…" - Robb said but he didn't look in her eyes.
He got very, very, very confused. The tables have turned and suddenly he was the one who got jealous of his half - brother. Rising carreer, loving girlfriend… And there he was with his average studies and average relationship which was like a 20-year-long marriage. No flames, no fire. And in the center of the whole mess there was a girl with wavy auburn hair, ice-blue eyes, the most seductive voice and the most rounded butt in the whole universe…
"Why, why, why did Thirrin Woodley have to become the actual part of my life in this way? - he asked himself. - Why with Theon? Why with my best friend?" - he kept asking himself while the dinner continued.
Later, when everyone was already sleeping, Robb sneaked out to the back terrace. He didn't put on any light, he used the screen of his phone as a flashlight. He was wearing his old grey high school hoodie as the night was quite chilly.
The hush of the outskirt was too deep for him after the rushing and vibrant city, he only heard his own breath. The sky was dark blue, almost black, full of tiny stars.
He sat on a stair and stared in the darkness, his head resting on his palms.
After some minutes he heard the door open. He turned around and he saw his half - brother appearing. In one hand he was holding his phone, in the other a packet of cigarette and a lighter.
"We heard you were leaving and Ygritte said I should check on you - Jon said and sat beside him. - Are you okay?"
"Honestly, I don't know. Could I have one?" - Robb asked.
"Then you're down. Here you are. Strong but tastes like cherry, I hope it's okay - he gave him a cigarette and handed him the lighter, then Jon got out another one for himself. - What's wrong, bro?" - he asked while blowing out the smoke.
"Please, don't take it personal. Like seriously - he sighed. - But at dinner, when Mom asked us about Christmas and you said you'll leave for the holidays Jeyne said we also should go to somewhere. To be honest I've never thought about taking her anywhere because we always have some school or work stuff and everything is messed up anyway… Oh Gods I don't even know why we are still together! Again, don't blame yourself, you perfectly deserve to be happy with the girl you love."
Jon looked into his eyes for some moments. Then he said in meaningful, slow voice:
"Robb, I hate to say it out loud, but I think you're still into Thirrin Woodley."
"What the hell are you talking about?"
"I know you liked her, like really. I also know that you screwed it up and it can't be easily helped. But the fact that she's with Theon Greyjoy now… It bothers you, it's written on your face every time you're forced to talk about it."
"No, I'm not into Thirrin Woodley - he said, maybe too soon. - Yes, I think she's amazing, but so does everyone else who once met her. She just stucks in your mind and won't leave it."
"I'm not convinced. Show me this girl, I want to see why she is so special."
"I'm sure you've seen her before but if you want to…" - Robb quickly looked for a picture of Thirrin and he ended up with her profile picture. He handed his phone to Jon who stared at the screen for some moments. Thirrin looked beautiful, of course, smiling, with her long wavy dark reddish brown hair put aside, wearing a nice navy blue sleeveless dress with a silver snowflake in her neck.
"You're right - Jon said. - She's beautiful. In a cold high-stepper way. I already can feel the power you were talking about."
"Cold… How good metaphor. She's high above everyone. And you can't be sure about her. She's open and mysterious, appealing and thrusting at the same time. You might think she's just a pretty high society rich girl, but she's so much more than this. She's a breathing and walking mystery." - Even Robb got surprised by himself and the way how he was talking about Thirrin. She was impressive for sure but seriously this much?
"I see." - Jon nodded. He was looking in the darkness, slowly smoking his cigarette.
"Hey, bro, I know what you're thinking of - Robb said. - I might be a little bit attracted to Thirrin, but I won't try again by her. Mostly because Theon is my best friend and although they're not together, like in a proper relationship, I still have diginity and honor towards him. No, it's not about them. Or at least in this sense. No, I think… - he sighed. - I just don't know whether I still love Jeyne or not."
"Oh… I'm sorry Robb, I truly am. What you wanna do now?"
"That's the problem. I don't know if I should break up with her. Maybe it can be fixed. She's pretty, nice and smart, Mom and Dad like her… I just don't feel the chemistry working between us, like between you and Ygritte or even between Theon and Thirrin. I can't tell you the last time we had sex, for God's sake!"
"Look, I'm not a girl expert but I may can tell you something useful. You've already promised Catelyn to take Jeyne home for Christmas, so if you want, you can try to fix things up. However, if you really don't love her, you two should break up before it becomes even more complicated. I'm sure you don't wanna cheat on her."
"Yes, I don't - Robb nodded. - I'll think about it. Thanks, Jon."
"No problem. But Robb… - he changed the subject with a little bit of insecurity in his voice.- There's something I have to tell you and I can't tell anyone else. Mostly because it isn't fixed yet, so please promise me you'll keep it as a secret."
"Sure, bro, what's up?"
"I… I want to propose her."
"You want what?"
"I love Ygritte more than anyone in this world, I want to be with her until the rest of the days. I know she feels the same. That's why I'm taking her to Paris. I'll propose her there. I don't want to be too cheesy, no Eiffel Tower or things like this. Random morning coffee or at the surrealistic department at the Louvre, so something which is more like… Her."
"Man, it's a very serious decision… But I know you guys are serious. Good luck, Jon!"
"Thank you. And Robb… Head up! I hope you'll get through this soon."
"Me too. And thanks for the smoke. I think we should go back to sleep."
Jon nodded and they went back to the house.
Robb's mind was full of thoughts and doubts. The latest news made him even more confused. He knew he had to share them with someone else, with a strawberry blonde womanizer who happened to be his rommate and who might be screwing right now the most admirable creature on Earth...