Song: Papercut by Linkin Park
ARYA POV:
The heat is overwhelming. It burns my skin, it melts the surface and no matter how much I scratch; the itch never goes away. His hands are the only thing that soothes me but they aren't fast enough so I throw myself at him willingly, looking to find some kind release.
The air is scarce, maybe it's the heat or that his kisses drain the oxygen out of me but I don't care, I would gladly die a thousand deaths if it meant spending one more second enjoying his taste…
He tastes like a salty warm apple pie if there ever was one, his touch is hard, his hands are callous but tender the moment they make contact with my skin. His muscles dominates his body showing that beneath the tender touch that he bestows upon me there's a force to be reckoned with, paired with a temper that quite frankly; I very much want to see.
The coups de grace are the gems that represent his eyes. Giant stones that shine all the shades of blue into one stare that entraps me, leaving me unable to move. I scream, yell, implore to him to go faster because I know our time is borrowed, he knows it as well but he is even more stubborn than me so he goes slow, nipping everything he can grab…
I have never felt like this in the arms of a man, wild but tamed at the same time… by now he has me pinned underneath him on the bed with his weight. I want him and he wants me so why deny each other? He rips the clothes off of me, I try to do the same but my hands are shaking too much with anticipation. He notices and manages to tell me with a sweet whisper to relax and give myself to him. I am more than willing to do so… His hands gripping my hips feel like putting two pieces of a puzzle together.
Suddenly the heat is no longer welcomed as it turns into an uncontrollable fire from a giant dragon of the golden ages. I panic, try to reach for him but we are parted by the flames. He ends up on the other side angry not at the flames, but angry at me… I wasn't consumed by it; I let it take my hand and flew away on the back of the fire wielding beast. I never looked back…
'Don't stand, don't stand so… don't stand so close to me!'
Today it was The Police who served as a wake-up call for Arya, not that she needed it, last night's weird dreams had prevented her from sleep so she had already ran a good mile when her alarm went off. At 4.30am Winter Town wasn't exactly busting with activity so with the cold winter wind and the solitude that echoed from the streets Arya's mind tried to unwind.
Last night, out of nowhere; Gendry had dislocated Robert Baratheon jaw, bruised a couple of his ribs and other assorted punches; mainly the one to his pride. Eddard was furious, Catelyn was appalled but even without knowing the facts; Arya was on Gendry's side. She had known him most of her life and the guy only had gone into fights when necessary. Bar brawls instigated by Theon and Robb or mostly random situations that involved her. It also helped that 'Uncle Robert' wasn't a Saint.
After Robb took Gendry to his apartment; Arya went back to her father's office were Catelyn was trying unsuccessfully to wipe blood off of Robert's face. Once he saw her, Robert went ballistic again and here's the kicker; told Arya he forbade her from seeing 'that bastard' ever again. He grabbed her by her shoulders and started shaking her, willing her to comply but before Eddard had a chance to intervene yet again; Arya punched Robert square in the eyes giving him another bruise to show off.
A shouting match ensued followed by a very ladylike 'fuck off' from Arya so today she had a lunch date that seemed more of a detention class with her father. She was prepared though; Arya wasn't going to back down till she found out what really was the problem between Gendry and Robert.
She ran, ran and continued to run until she noticed her feet brought her to Gendry's apartment building. The past days her body seemed to draw her near him and don't even get her started on her dreams. At night Arya was the definition of the term 'hot and bothered'. If Gendry made her feel like a walking frustrated tea pot with just one kiss what could that man do if… Wooooooah there Stark, you agreed to at least try and work things out last night. Dreaming with another guy is not a breakthrough!
It was almost six thirty so Gendry was bound to come out at some point. Various tenants heading to work had come out of the building and looked at her weirdly; she was standing at the far side of the street under some trees, very stalker-like. After finding it pointless to just stand there Arya started to stretch her muscles to continue her run when Gendry finally came out. His face showed a bad mood; his hair was all over the place and was sporting a black eye. He was heading for his truck but as always his eyes found her in a matter of seconds.
She crossed the street and stood in front of him noticing that he mustn't have had a good night sleep since apart from the black eye he had black bags that made him look tired and drained. Her body betrayed her making her hand touch his bruised eye very gently; to her surprise and excitement Gendry leaned into her touch.
"I really wished you'd dress more accordingly for your health and my peace of mind!"—Gendry smirked.
"What do you mean?" Arya was wearing her running gear. Sports bra, shorts and sneakers, all black, nothing else.
"It's not healthy to run around in the cold, you could get sick. And as for me, I'm sure I'd drive my truck into a wall if I saw you running around in that little number"—
Arya was never good with compliments let alone from Gendry so she could only blush and look at the floor but Gendry tucked at her chin and lifted her head up, immediately encasing her in his arms.
"Good Morning Beautiful"—Gendry said. She wanted to insult him for being so mushy but she loved it, she really did feel beautiful in Gendry's arms. They were in their own little bubble in the middle of the street when out of the corner of her eye she saw someone looking at them. Arya tumbled back and broke the moment. When she looked again the person was gone.
"Hi Gendry!" Was all she could say feeling shivers all over her spine not because of the early morning wind but of Gendry's touch. Thank God Gendry didn't pick up on that so he just took his jacket off and draped it around her shoulders.
"So…did you get my roses? Sorry I didn't give them to you personally but I got a little sidetracked"—He said sarcastically.
"They're a little worse for wear but hold a place of honor in my room… About that Gendry, what happened last night?"
He just shrugged and leaned against his truck.
"I actually came over to the Manor to ask you on a date. I was talking alone to your Dad and things just escalated from there. He wasn't happy about my intentions which of course made me mad as hell and then Robert came in. That I can't explain. He was drunk so maybe he mistook me for someone else"—
His stance and tone made Arya realize that Gendry wasn't going to say anything else on the matter. His voice had already changed and you didn't have to be a genius to know he wanted to hit something. She was only going to get answers from her father.
"C'mon, I'll give you a ride home. No more free views of that tight little body for the citizens of Winterfell"—He said tugging at his jacket that looked like a blanket on her body and opened the door of the passenger seat. Before she got in he turned her around and gave her the chaste kiss on her cheek but still managed to take her breath away.
"Can't start my day without my morning kiss can I?"—He said winking at her and closing the door.
Arya was so stunned and giddy that as they rode off she failed to notice the same person that she saw earlier was still looking at them. Taking pictures as they left to start off their day.
…
The morning went by fast and before Arya knew it was already lunch time
"Hey Broski! Can I get a ride? I'm having lunch today with Dad!"
"And you think dressing up like a girl will keep you safe from whatever Dad has to say to you? He isn't Gendry you know"— Jon said laughing. She opted to put on a green sweater dress; yes it was fitted; highlighting her figure and was a bit too high up her knees but it still did the job. She was going to wear a jacket anyway.
"I am a girl you dweeb! Are giving me lift or what?"
"Sure! But I'll have to borough one of Dad's cars. There is no way in hell I'm letting you ride in my bike with a dress on!"—
"Of course! Just hurry up, I don't want to be late!"
The ride to town was silent till she decided to ask something that was nagging on her mind.
"Jon?... what did you mean by Dad is not Gendry. You know; with me wearing a dress"
"I meant that Dad won't be sidelined if he sees you in a dress; if he's going to give you a piece of his mind for whatever happened yesterday it's going to happen regardless what your wearing. I only set Gendry as an example. None of us are used to seeing you all dolled up."— You know nothing Jon Snow. She wondered how Jon will react once he finds out Gendry wants to date her. "By the way, what happened last night? Rickon told me Gendry pummeled Robert and that even you took a swing at him!"—
"I honestly don't know but I guess I'm going to find out soon"
Eddard's car was already parked at the restaurant when she arrived. It was the little spot she went days ago with Gendry. Once inside she was immediately greeted by the waitress Nan.
"Arya! What a joy that you came back so soon! Is Gendry coming in today or is it just you and your father for lunch?"—Said the kind old woman. At Gendry's mention Eddard made a face, he clearly was still fuming because of the fight.
"No, just us Nan. And I'll take whatever my father ordered with a glass of white wine please"
"Of course Dear, coming right up. Make yourself comfortable"—Nan said while leaving them alone at the table.
"Wine?"—Eddard said raising his eyebrows. The question made Arya laugh.
"Gendry asked me the same thing… you guys really are alike you know? Which makes me wonder what the hell happened last night?"
Eddard ran his hands through his hair. Poor Ned looked tired and very much in age; he was in need a good dose of down time for himself.
"You look beautiful today!"—Eddard said looking at her lovingly.
"So I've been told…" she said blushing; remembering Gendry's words from earlier.
"Arya what is going on with Aegon?"—Her father asked her with an irritated tone. She was going to have to tread lightly.
"I broke up with him." She said deadpanned. It was the truth so why dance around it?!
"Does he know? Is it permanent? You are aware that every time you don't answer his phone calls he starts calling me like someone kidnapped you!"—
"Of course he knows Dad. We even talked last night about it. It got too serious too soon. I need some time to clear my head."
"And you think Gendry is going to clear your head for you?"—Eddard said in a judging tone that Arya did not appreciate.
"Dad I have never seen a father so open with his children. Over the years I have been honest with you in everything so I expect the same courtesy. Whatever you have to say; just say it! I think neither of us is comfortable talking about my love life over lunch."
"Arya I would never ask you to do something against your will but I don't have to remind you the ties that bind us to Aegon do I?"
"We know how to separate business from pleasure father. We're both professionals if that is what you're worried for" To Arya's response Eddard took another approach.
"What about Gendry? He is a good lad Arya. What are you planning to do with him? You can't be possible be thinking about staying in the North!"—Eddard said worried.
"Nothing is going on with Gendry! We're not getting married Dad, I told him I broke up with my boyfriend and he wants to spend time with me. What's wrong with that?" Well, Gendry did want to occupy the current vacant boyfriend spot but Arya didn't need to tell her father that. From his stare he wasn't buying anything. Time to change tactics.
"What about Robert? If anyone can have a say it's you being my father and all; but where does Robert Baratheon get the idea that he can say who I date or not?"
"I apologize in Robert's name Arya. He's had a hard time lately and last night things just got out of hand…"—
"Dad I know he's your best friend but he hit Gendry! You adore him, molded him into quite frankly the man that Robb should be. So what happened? Gendry is a good and decent guy!" She felt the need to defend Gendry; she felt an urge to keep him safe from everything.
A sad smile appeared in Eddard's face as he took Arya's palm and kissed it.
"It all really comes back to you Little Wolf"—He said while handing her his wallet.
Apart from some cash, credit cards and a few business cards there were three small pictures inside. One was with their Mother on their wedding day, another was the day Rickon was born; with all the children surrounding the baby and the third one was on old one. A beautiful young girl with a dashing young man smiling at each other on top of a motorcycle.
"Is that Uncle Brandon?" She asked, recognizing the bike that was now in possession of Jon.
"Yes… and the girl is your Aunt Lyanna!"—
Arya studied the picture carefully since it was very rare to see any proof of her aunt's existence other than hearsay. She died young in a car crash and after that it was as if a pact was made never to speak of her.
"She was beautiful…" Arya whispered. Lyanna was tall, slender with long dark hair, a tinny waist and skin like milk. Her face was perfect; the kind that made men write songs and poetry and her eyes were like silver stars.
"Arya you're her spitting image. Even more beautiful but still short some centimeters"—Said Eddard, chuckling at Arya's petite size.
"You could be Lya's daughter. Not only in similarities but in personality. Lyanna was wild. I can't count the times Father had to run around all the North to find out where she was. She was happy when she was alone with us being just one of the boys. She didn't care what people thought about her and that made her more alluring. Men fought for her attention on a daily basis, not that she cared for it…"—
"Where does Robert come in the picture?"
"Robert was in love with Lyanna. They were going to get married a month away before the accident… you coming back Arya, has thrown many of us down memory lane. Those who knew Lya can't help but be fascinated by you. It hits Robert the most since he really didn't get over her death. That was a hard time in all our lives; I guess we all copped any way we could find"—Needless to say this was the time Jon was conceived…
Arya could finally get some perspective into who Robert Baratheon really was… ever since she was little he was obsessed with Arya, calling her little Ly and giving her blue winter roses; which she now assumed were her aunt's favorites as well. He would always look at her strait into her eyes, before she thought he was just drunk but now she understood; he was trying to see if he could see his lost love again… It was sad really, considering that he went and married Cersei Lannister. If the love he bore for Lyanna was still strong till this day Cersei never had a chance. No wonder she's always so bitchy.
"Ok… Now Gendry. Why did Robert lash out at him? And don't tell me it was only because of me. You also have to tell me why Gendry works for him but they had never actually met!"—
"Nothing gets pass you doesn't it?"—Ned smirked.
"I try to be on my toes… now spill Dad!"
"First of all yes, I guess that from what I've just told you and your uncanny resemblance to Lyanna; he must feel overprotective towards you and about the job… well"—Eddard hesitated.
"Dad I don't need to remind you who I work with and date… I think I can keep a secret!"
"As I said Gendry is a good lad. When he graduated from high school I decided I'd take him under my wing. As I expected he did good on his studies so he was perfect for what I was looking for. Arya this cannot leave this table and go into other ears"—Said Eddard looking around the restaurant. "Baratheon Corps is in trouble, a lot of trouble. Money laundering, embezzlement, founds magically disappear, you name it!"—
"I knew it was bad but I just thought it was Robert being a drunk and not taking care of the business."
"Robert's drinking was the only positive outcome. After his drinking became worse I persuaded him into signing a contract with our company that basically gives me Robert's power over the company but I still couldn't figure out what was the source of the problem. That's were Gendry comes in… I got him a regular job, a small internship to see if he could snoop around, see or hear something. It turned into a blessing in disguise since the kid turned out to be a phenomenon in his job and has actually managed to give the company a new look and new found credibility."—
"Dad God knows I would never take anything from Gendry because I know him, he always puts 180 percent in anything he does but you know that in the end you basically made him a corporate snitch right?"
"Yes, that's why I kept him away not only from Robert but from Stannis and don't think it's been easy. As I said the kid is good at what he does so that draws attention. I gave him a solid working crew that used to work with Robert when he started the company and he only reports to me. Once I find out what is happening Gendry will still have his job, I even think I'll have to promote him once more before the year ends, that's how good he is!"—
"Good to hear it Dad. Gendry really is a hard worker and you can see that he enjoys his job."
"I agree. I have to apologize to him; I didn't handle things properly yesterday. Robert wasn't the only one that let his emotions get the best of him"—
"Yeah… I saw him this morning and he looked hurt. You should invite him home for dinner tonight."
"Arya I…"—
"Dad I think everything is out in the open. You can't control what happens between Aegon and me. Hell I can't even control it! Whatever I decide you just have to support me and please remember that Gendry is a nice guy that for better or worse has always been in my life. Ok?"
"I think I liked it better when you were a hot head!"— Eddard said laughing for the first time in days.
"Don't worry! I still have epic temper tantrums" She joked.
Besides the whole Aegon – Gendry and Robert topics; lunch was good. Arya was a true daddy's girl so any time she could spend with her father especially by herself was precious. They ordered dessert since Arya was suddenly craving apple pie, said goodbye to Old Nan and left hand in hand.
Arya's cell phone rang and she quickly searched for it hopping it would be Sansa since she never called back. It was an unknown caller.
"Hello?"— Her older brother's voice said trough the line. "Jon? What happened to your phone?"
"Ar please, it doesn't matter. I need you to get Dad for me. Tell him to find Luwin!"—
"Why? He's right here with me! What happened?" She said, suddenly alarmed. Why was Jon asking for the family lawyer? Also her phone sounded funny, like a faint beep on the line.
"Arya… I'm with Margaery… we're in jail!"—
GENDRY POV:
"Chief; the wheels broke and there's too much weight to carry it around!"—
"Replace the wheels then! It's hardly an impossible task." Gendry's patience by now was long gone.
"You are right Sir, it isn't; we've already sent someone for the replacement parts. They should arrive here within an hour or two."—
"An hour or two? You're saying that the whole site is going to stop its operations because of some fucking wheel barrels?!" He roared.
Filled with pure anger and frustration he walked to where the 2 broken wheel barrels lay and lifted them up with his arms. Pure muscle wheeling around more than 100 pounds of solid rock and stone. Not once but 2 times.
"Did that take up an hour or two?!" He seethed. The poor worker was about to roll into a bundle on the floor and cry.
Gendry was definitely not in a good mood… sadly his workers where the ones to pay. In a few hours he had successfully made 3 grown men cry (with a forth on the way), fired a man two times and done his best impersonation of a slave diver from Twelve Years of Slave.
A car honk was heard; Jory Cassel had arrived to the site.
"Ok Everybody! Time for lunch break!"—
Gendry was about to protest when he checked his watch and saw that it was in fact 2 in the afternoon; way past lunch time. None of the working crew had moved an inch fearful of what Gendry could do. Shame washed over him in a matter of seconds and he gave them all permission to leave. No one dared to look at him.
"Human resources is going to have a field day with you!"—Jory told him.
Gendry mumbled a faint 'I'm sorry' like a child would do after being punished. Ignoring the discomfort of one or two; ok, maybe three punches Robert Baratheon had managed to take at him the night before.
The day started good. Any day would if he got to see Arya. He found her outside of his apartment in the morning and drove her to her house. Everything was fine till it was time to say goodbye. He leaned in for a kiss but she shifted her face and afterward totally brushed him off saying a kick goodbye while her phone rang with the stupid 'blue' song. It has to be the ex-boyfriend from Braavos.
Gendry's mood was already sour when Eddard piled a ton of work on him via email not even willing to talk to him face to face, but the icing on the cake was Jon calling him to vent out about Arya, about how she had a boyfriend and apparently it was serious. After that Gendry went on a rage bender.
Jory just drew a sigh and Gendry knew he was in for a much needed scolding.
"This stays between us! It isn't every day that I go out and give advice of how to woo the Boss's daughter"— Well, that he didn't see coming. "Gendry half the company, hell; half of the entire northern region knows that you my friend are hopelessly in love with Arya Stark!"—
Was it that obvious? In truth Gendry couldn't protest because it was indeed a fact that he worshiped Arya. But over the years and because of the closeness with the Stark family he covered it up. Apparently he didn't do a good job.
"She's back, she's hot and you finally grew some backbone! But are you really gonna throw it all away? All you've worked hard for the past three years? Your entire future just because some girl?"—
"Arya is not just some girl!" He spat. Someone was still high on rage.
"First of all: Drop the tone! I already told you I'm here to help you with Arya… and secondly? Waters you need to go to Anger Management. You can't just go and treat your employees like crap because you got friendzoned. Did you actually throw a helmet at somebody today?"—
"Some random guy came by and started taking pictures. He said it was for the company's web site but he was following me around everywhere. He didn't even have any kind of I.D on him."
"Well, that's odd. I'll check on Dayne to see if he's changing the website but a helmet? Seriously Gendry? And what about the wheel barrels? I saw that and not only are you setting examples for really easy security and liabilities cases but you could get hurt. A hernia, bone damage, you were like The Hulk. This morning Eddard kind of told me what happened last night and although I don't support violence in any form; I totally understand your reaction. You get a hall pass at everything Stark but once you set your eyes on one of the crown jewels you get rejected. Just use your head Gendry. You're a smart kid! Picking up fights with the heads of both companies and bullying your employees is not going to give a good impression. Keep doing what you do best that is being a nice guy that cares for your workers and does a good job by setting an example. As for Eddard? It's his daughter! You'll understand better once you have kids but all he wants is the best for Arya even if he doesn't see it right in front of him."-
"I guess I'll have Hot Pie cater breakfast and lunch all week for everybody…"
"Damn strait you are, along with big apologies but don't worry; people like you. They see hope, a change in the company. Just don't let this anger fill you up. Transform it into good; channel it to get your girl."—
Good advice is always welcomed and Jory was right, today he was totally unprofessional letting his personal life get in the way. He had worked his ass off to be in the place he was today. Throwing it all through the window wasn't an option. He was going to suck it up and man up everything Arya. He knew it was going to be a tough ride but she was worth it!
"You're life really revolves around wolves doesn't it?"—Jory laughed gesturing to Gendry's cell phone as it rang. The name Bran Stark flashing on the ID caller.
"Hey Brando! What's up?"
"I'm in jail!"—
"I'm sorry; what?"
"Gendry I'm in jail and I need you to come pick me up"—
"I have really shitty signal over here. Can you repeat that one more time?" Just when I think I'm out, they pull me back in; Gendry thought.
"Listen very carefully. I am in jail; incarcerated, detained at the Police Station and you're my one phone call. It's just bail so I was sure as hell not going to call Dad. Robb has enough on his plate and Jon was going out with Margaery so his phone must be off!"—
"You have got to be kidding me Bran, what are you even in for?"
"Possession of illegal drugs…"—
"I am so going to fucking kick your ass Brandon! Pot? You got busted for pot?! Is Jojen with you?"
"He is but just get over here and you can kick my ass later. I'll owe you big time!"—
"Damn strait you will. Give me twenty minutes and I'll be there."
"Thanks Gendry and please, please, pleeeeease don't tell anyone"—
"Cut with the dramatics. I'm on my way."
Gendry ended the phone call and his anger was back. Bran was supposed to be the smart one of the family. Getting busted for possession was bad, getting busted for possession at a time your entire family was being scrutinized by the entire world was even worse.
"Looks like things are going to get a whole lot more interesting in here aren't they?"—Asked Jory, who had heard the phone conversation.
"Yeah… You think you can fill for me? I have to get going."
"Of course You needed it anyway. I'll tell everybody you were just cranky because it's been ages since you got laid and have the worst case of blue balls courtesy of the Boss's daughter"—
"Fuck off Cassel!"… Damn it, he's right.
….
Getting to the police station as fast as he could; Gendry entered the building and went straight to reception where a very rude secretary told him to wait for Bran's name to be called in order to sort out his case.
While waiting Gendry called Jon but as Bran predicted his phone was off. If Gendry could get Bran out with just paying bail there really wasn't a good reason to call Eddard. It was best to free the little guy and then face the music back home. He was about to call Arya when the receptionist called him.
'Stark; Brandon Stark!'-
Gendry got up from his seat and was near the front desk when he heard Eddard's voice.
"What do you mean Brandon Stark?"—
Low and behold; coming out of one of the offices was Ned Stark followed by Arya.
"Gendry? What are you doing here?"— Eddard asked.
"Your son is in trouble. He called me to get him out." Gendry's response was short, courteous but with an edge. Last night was still alive and on repeat on his mind.
"We know, he called me. But why did the receptionist call Brandon Stark?"—Asked Arya. She was wearing a very fitted green dress in the middle of a police station. Both officers and felons were looking at her like candy.
"I thought Bran only called me! That's why I came"
"Not Bran; Jon! Is Bran here?"— Said Arya. This was like an episode of The Three Stooges.
"I don't know anything about Jon! Bran called me and told me he was detained."
"Ahhh I see your boys have been busy Eddard!"—Said an elderly man who had joined the little party. He had that old and knowing look in his eyes, Gendry recognized him as the official lawyer of the Stark Family; Luwin something, he didn't remember his first name. Gendry only saw him a couple of times very briefly to sign insignificant paperwork.
"Let's get back to Mormont's office!"—Said Eddard. Jeor Mormont was the Chief Police of Winterfell, A cold ass SOB who ruled with an iron fist and was famous for bringing down his own son on corporate espionage charges.
"Paperwork's already being sorted out Ned. It was a first strike but it's still going on their record"—Said the gruff old man.
"Jeor another one of my boys is here; Brandon. You think you can help us find out what happened?"—Asked Eddard.
"What kind of children are you raising Stark?"— Mormont said in a judging tone while typing on his computer. "Yes, here he is. Brandon Stark; possession of illegal drugs"—
Eddard grimaced, Luwin said something under breath and Arya looked at Gendry and mouthed Jojen's name. Gendry nodded in confirmation which made her roll her eyes.
"Bail is set on 300 dollars and as well as your other boy and his sweet little girlfriend; yes, he will have a police record. Possession and indecent exposure although mild; are still crimes, so just pay both bails and leave"—
They were all practically dismissed from Mormont's office. Eddard and Luwin went over to sign paperwork and pay the bails while he took Arya outside. Some creep had said something to her; Gendry only heard 'sugar' but that was enough for him to push the man to the wall and storm out of the building. When they were finally outside Arya was laughing at him.
"You really need to work on your jealousy issues!"—
"Please, write it down in my to-do list next to anger management. What happened to Jon?"
"He was getting it on with Marg in his car and someone saw then"—
"WHAT?!"
"I know right? I know cars are hot and all but couldn't have they just waited a bit and get a hotel?"—
"Arya Stark are you trying to give me a heart attack?" She giggled and batted her long eyelashes at him. She knew exactly was she was doing.
"Chill Waters, I was just joking… although the people in Braavos are absolutely more laid back than here. You'd be surprised where you can just make out"—
"Enough!" He growled. The mere mention of Arya with another man made Gendry's blood boil. It was completely uncalled for since Arya was young and gorgeous. They didn't have a relationship and when she left they weren't even friends. He couldn't hold it against her but damn it; it hurt! He had a sense of want and entitlement with Arya that he'd never felt with anyone.
Suddenly the primal emotion of lust came over him and he pushed her to the far side of the wall wanting to kiss her till she couldn't remember anything else other than his lips on her body but as quickly as his libido took over his body; it went away. First because they were out in the public; Jon and Margaery had done enough exposure for today and second; he could have sworn he saw the same guy from earlier taking pictures but when he took a double take he saw no one.
"What do you think you're doing? Stupid!"—Arya said angrily pushing him and collecting herself. If he didn't know any better she was mad because he didn't kiss her. Damn it, I missed my chance.
Eddard walked out of the building followed by Jon, Margaery and Bran. All three of them walking in a row like little ducks behind Ned with their heads down. In all his CEO glory Eddard passed right by them, got into his car and rode away.
"That was it? I was expecting a little bit of yelling."—Said Arya.
"The Manor, fifteen minutes"—Muttered Jon, apparently Eddard had given them instructions.
"Ohhh… I… I… what will…? Oh Ar!"—Margaery was a crying mess clinging to Arya.
They all got inside Jon's car and were about to leave when Jon rolled down his window and yelled at Gendry who was ready to return to his place and called it a day.
"Waters? The Manor, fifteen minutes. Dad said that included you."—
Great, off to another showdown in Stark Manor. Hey, who said love was easy?
…..
Exactly fifteen minutes later they were all inside of the family room. Robb and his wife Jeyne. Jon and a still weeping Margaery, Bran, Rickon, Arya and himself. The only one missing was Sansa.
"Hey, did you hear from Sansa yet?" He decided to ask Arya who was acting annoyed with him after his little stunt outside the police station.
"Not yet. Have you Bran?"—She asked her little brother who shook his head in denial and said nothing. Eddard and Catelyn entered the room. They didn't sit; they just stood in front of all of them with angry and disappointed looks on their faces, never a good combination on your parents.
"This is what you will do…"—Said Eddard, the key words being 'you will do' as in there will be no negotiations.
"Your Mother has told me that in exactly one week she was planning on hosting the annual get together of Stark Industries and Baratheon Corps. It isn't exactly the ideal time but we cannot back down and go into the shades, we need to show our faces and pull the united front that we are."—Said Eddard with a firm voice. Nobody dared to lose eye contact with him.
"Robb!..."- And the reckoning begins.
"…at the get together we'll arrange something with PR and officially introduce you and Jeyne as a married couple. You will finish your studies at Kings Landing as you will get a job in the company and start with your responsibilities. You are a married man; act the part, do the works and if I ever see you with Theon within a 100 mile radius of a club I'll fire you and cut your funding. Are we clear?"—
"Yes Father!"—Robb answered solemnly. Jeyne stood by his side holding his hand.
"Jon I already know that in a week your leave permit is over so I expect the rest of your time here to be conducted in a respected manner that this family deserves. In the meantime Margaery will no longer be staying in the guesthouse with you but inside the Manor"—
"I cannot even begin to express how appalled I am at your behavior. What happened to your honor Jon Snow? And I've already talked to your Grandmother Young lady"—Of course Catelyn couldn't help to take a dig at Jon. Things had gotten better over the years but they were still edgy around each other.
"Of course Father"—Jon said deeply ashamed. Of all the kids; Jon was always the one that wanted to prove himself the most to Eddard. As for Margaery; it was the first time that she had stopped crying. At the mere mention of her grandmother; tears stopped and fear appeared.
"Brandon as of now you will not see The Reeds!"—Said Eddard.
"But Dad I…'—
"You are 17 years old and you have a police record for possession of an illegal substance. How do you think that is going to look on your college applications?"—
"Dad I understand the enormity of the situation but Meera is my girlfriend and…"—
"Do you? Do you really realize what you have done?"—Eddard's voice was as cold as ice. Gendry thought of himself as a real fool in attempting to go one on one with Eddard last night although he did think he did pretty well against him.
"I honestly don't know when I lost control over this family but this has to stop! Each and every one of you has let your mother and I down as parents and shown nothing but disrespect to us after the lives of privilege we have given you. You will do as I say since you have shown yourselves incapable of any sort of guidance in your own lives and we'll see where that will lead us. Are we clear?"—
"Yes Father…"—they all said in unison.
"Gendry I called you to this family meeting so I could apologize to you in front of everyone. You are a good man, with a good head over your shoulders and I am happy that you form a part of this family. Please accept my apologies."—
If anyone was to apologize Gendry thought it was going to be him. Never in a million years he thought Ned; The 'Eddard Stark' was going to be the one apologizing to him. He looked up to the man more than he ever had before.
"Of course, I apologize as well and thank you for letting me be a part of your family" He said it from the bottom of his heart and as he did he looked straight over to Arya. Eddard noticed and although he didn't judge him, his stance changed and quickly addressed his daughter.
"Arya after the get - together I've already arraigned a flight for you to Braavos. I need you to get back to the Free Cities division and Connington has already told me he needs you back at work effective immediately. Also your guidance counselor Izembaro said that you needed a quick start on your thesis project"—
Arya froze for a second but nodded at her father in agreement, she didn't even fight back. She wanted to leave! In a week, in just a week Arya was going to be out of Gendry's life yet again…
Fuck! I need to do something ASAP!
Hello FanFicfriends.
As always; thank you for reading my story. Please remember to follow / favorite and review!
Have a fantastic weekend.
XOXO
Next chapter song: What Would Happen? By Meredith Brooks. (I'll be leaving the title song for the next chapter to give you a fill of what's to come)