Ages:

- Robb, Jon, Gendry, Meera – 21; Sansa, Joffrey – 20; Arya – 18; Bran, Jojen, Myrcella – 17; Rickon, Shireen, Tommen – 13

BRAN

Bran shouldered his backpack as he walked down the steps of King's Landing Academy.

Junior year was starting to get stressful. He had finally gotten out of the Math Society's club meeting room, as they've been preparing for the upcoming Math and Science Scholastic Decathlon next month. But he's had enough of integers and imaginary numbers for the day. He just wanted to go home and have whatever his Mom's cooking for dinner.

As for his bestfriends, Jojen was probably still in one of the Science Labs, also preparing for the scholastic decathlon. But he could already see the Reeds' mini-van parked across the street, with Alyn Bogs, the Reed family chauffer, reading a newspaper, The King's Landing Times on the driver's seat; Myrcella however, was already on the sidewalk. She was in her cheerleading uniform and her blond hair tied in a ponytail. She had her backpack shouldered, and she was tapping her foot impatiently.

He made it down the last step just in time for the President's Van to pull over to pick up Myrcella, Tommen and Shireen Baratheon.

The Baratheon kids were always picked up by the White Cloaks.

One of the White Cloaks opened the car door. "Good afternoon, Ms. Baratheon." He greeted as Myrcella approached the van.

Myrcella merely gave the White Cloak a nod before going inside.

His younger brother, Rickon was with his bestfriends, Tommen and Shireen. Robin had probably already been picked up. Their Aunt Lysa had always made sure that the Arryn family chauffer was parked out front the moment Robin steps out of the school building, and be on their way back to the Eyrie.

Rickon seemed to be in their usual conversation, laughing and teasing each other. But there was something else. He noticed how Rickon had his attention on Shireen the whole time he and his friends were talking, and he had a hint of dreamy smile on his face.

He had noticed that earlier that morning too. Bran had to accompany Jojen, or more like forced to accompany him, to one of the science labs in the middle school building since the Middle school science lab lack liquid Boron.

Bran happened to glance by one of the science labs Rickon was in. Everyone was in their lab coats and protective goggles.

Rickon's lab partner was their cousin Robin. And beside their table were Shireen and Tommen. Shireen looked really serious holding a test tube over a bunsen burner, while Tommen was taking down notes. Rickon during that time, had his chin on the palm of his hand. And he had the same dreamy smile he had now.

"Come on, you guys!" Myrcella yelled as she poked her head out the car door. "We have to go before we'll be stuck in rush hour traffic." She said.

Tommen turned to his sister. "Okay, sis," He said. "Sheesh, there's no need to yell." He turned back to Rickon. "We gotta go, Dude. Before Myrcella turns into Mom."

"Hey, I heard that, Tommen!" Myrcella yelled. "I'm not deaf."

Shireen nudged Tommen. "Let's just go." She said. "Bye, Rickon." She then turned to him as he approached them. "Bran. See you on Monday, Starks." She waved as she headed towards the car.

Bran nodded. "You too, Baratheons." He said, then glanced at his brother from the corner of his eye, and the whole time Tommen and Shireen walked towards the van, Rickon had kept his eyes on Shireen.

He had to smile at that. Bran had always known Rickon liked Shireen, but the way he looked at her today, it was different. And Bran admired the fact that Rickon was able to look past the permanent scar on Shireen's left cheek after a car accident she and her Mom, Selyse had endured when she was eight.

According to Myrcella, Shireen's parents, her Uncle Stannis and Aunt Selyse had a huge fight one night. Selyse decided to move out and take Shireen with her. They drove to Brightwater Keep in the Reach, but just as they reached Highgarden, they met an accident. Shireen's Mom, Selyse had to be taken into a rehab facility for three months because she was almost driven half mad. Shireen was fine, but it left a scar on her left cheek.

As the president's van took off with all the White Cloaks, Bran smirked at his brother.

"What?" Rickon asked.

"Oh, nothing." He said sarcastically.

Rickon rolled his eyes and sat on the bottom step of KLA's main entrance. His thirteen-year-old younger brother took out a pen from his pocket and started doodling on the back page of his binder, a thing he does when he's either bored and just passing the time or something's bothering him. At the moment, Bran wasn't sure yet.

Now, it's as if he took over what Myrcella did earlier, impatiently standing in front of the school waiting for Hullen, their chauffer, to pick him, Arya and Rickon up in their family SUV.

Looking at Rickon now, he knew he can't talk about it now. Not here. So he decided to worry about other things, like Arya's whereabouts.

"Rickon," Bran called. "Where's Arya?" He asked. "She should already be here."

Rickon looked up from doodling and shrugged.

"Hullen's gonna be here any minute." He said. "Where in seven hells is she?"

"I'm in seventh grade, Bran." Rickon replied. "How should I know? You're both in high school and in the same building the entire day and you're asking me?"

"Whoa." Bran held his hands up in surrender. Something's bothering him, He confirmed. "Had a rough day?" He asked.

Rickon sighed and continued doodling. "Don't even go there." He said.

"Has it something to do with Shireen?" Bran asked, before he could stop himself.

Rickon never looked up and he also never answered.

Suddenly, Arya went out the doors. "Bran," She called as she ran down the steps towards him, clutching her fencing sword bag. She nearly fell on the last step, hitting Rickon square on his left shoulder.

"Hey!" Rickon complained.

"Oh, sorry, baby brother." Arya apologized.

Rickon gave her a sneer and went back to doodling. Normally, he would start an argument with Arya at that point, that she should watch where she's going or something, but he didn't.

Arya raised an eyebrow and turned to him for an explanation. Apparently, she also noticed that Rickon's strange behavior.

Bran shrugged. He didn't know what's wrong with Rickon, but something's definitely bothering him. And I'm going to find out later, he thought.

"Is everything alright, baby brother?" Arya asked.

"I'm fine." Rickon answered without looking up at them. He didn't even correct Arya from calling him baby brother. And Rickon hated being called baby brother.

Bran and Arya exchanged confused glances.

Their family SUV arrived and pulled up in front of the school building.

Hullen got out of the car. "Apologies for the delay, little sirs and miss," He said. "There was a collision on the road to Maidenpool and it affected the traffic flow on the Kingsroad."

"It's fine, Hullen." Bran assured, then turned to Arya. "Let's talk about his problem—" He motioned his head towards Rickon. "—in the car." He said.

"You can get a head start, Bran." Arya said. "Because I'm not joining you in the car."

"What?" Bran exclaimed. "You're not coming with us?" He asked. "Where are you going?"

"I'm going downtown." Arya said. "I'm gonna pick up some art supplies."

Typical, he thought. If Arya's not on fencing practice, she's painting. She had basically turned her room into a studio. And she'd paint her own room if their parents would allow it.

"What do you think will Mom say if sees that the number of Starks in the car is missing one?" Bran asked. "And just how are you gonna get home?"

"I'll take the train North bound for White Harbor," Arya explained. "It leaves around five in the afternoon or six in the evening. It's making a stop at Moat Cailin and I'll hop off there, then I'll take a bus to Winterfell."

Bran raised an eyebrow at his sister, still unconvinced. "Why you don't just catch the train bound for Winterfell?" He asked.

"The train to Winterfell leaves at seven in the evening, Bran." Arya explained. "I can't wait that long." She sighed. "And try to relax, little brother, I'm just gonna pick up art supplies and then head home. I won't be taking detours." She assured. "Another thing, please take these," She took off her backpack and her fencing sword bag and handed it to him. "And put it in my room."

Bran reluctantly took his sister's backpack and fencing sword from her. "Fine." He said.

"Oh, by the way," Arya scooted closer. "Try to squeeze out information from Rickon about his problem," She said. "Whatever it is."

"I'll start on the car ride home." Bran promised.

Bran ran to the shotgun door, partly to test Rickon if he'd argue with him or shove him over for taking the shotgun seat.

But he didn't. Rickon just picked up his backpack and went for the middle row seats. He opened the door, but Arya pushed it close. She crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes on their younger brother.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Arya asked. "Because you don't look okay."

"I'm fine," Rickon said, gritting his teeth. "Now, leave me alone."

"Don't lie to me, Rickon." Arya scowl deepened. "I know something's up, and you're not telling us."

Rickon just glared at her, and opened the car door.

"Something's definitely bothering him." Arya confirmed. "You need to tell me everything when I get home. Oh, and also tell Mom and Dad that I have great news."

"News about what?" He asked.

Arya grinned. "You'll find out later, little brother." She said.

The whole ride home, Rickon was silent. Which wasn't like him. Rickon usually tell Bran and Arya about the things that happened in school. But today, he just stared out through the car window watching cars pass by.

Bran decided to break the silence as soon as they reached the Riverlands. "Rickon, what's wrong?" He asked his brother. "You're way too quiet. And you're never quiet."

"It's nothing." Rickon answered absent-mindedly.

"You know you can tell me anything." He stated.

"I said I'm fine, Bran." Rickon insisted. "It's just…there's something I need to ask Robb about."

"Robb's in Dragonstone." Bran reminded him. "And so is Sansa. Arya's not gonna be home until tonight. So, you've got me for now."

"I'll call him later, then." Rickon said.

As usual, when they arrived home, their pet huskies were in the foyer waiting for them. Rickon wasn't in the mood at all. He was usually playful with his husky, Shaggy. But now, all he did was pat Shaggy's head. Summer was trying to stand on two paws, trying to reach his knees.

Bran crouched. "Hey, buddy." He greeted, patting his head.

Their parents usually arrive home an hour before they do. Their Dad was still in his business suit being the CEO of Stark Industries. He was drinking a cup of coffee from the Northerners' Brew in the living room while watching the 5pm news. Their Mom's white lab coat hung on the couch's armrest. A few seconds later, she emerged from the kitchen with a plate of cookies in her hands.

"Oh, boys are home." Catelyn said as soon as she saw them. She each gave them a peck on their cheeks, then frowned. "Where's Arya?" She asked.

"She went downtown to pick up art supplies." Bran explained. "She'll be home by six, I think."

"Well, go to your rooms and change," Catelyn ordered. "We'll have dinner when your sister gets home." She called out to the living room. "Ned, honey, that goes for you to."

By six in the evening, it started raining hard. And when it rains in the North, it's usually colder than it is than the towns and cities south of Greywater Watch, which made their Dad light up the fireplace in the living room.

Rickon was not being himself. He was sitting by the fire with three huskies namely: Shaggy, Lady and Nymeria by his feet.

Bran wanted to ask Rickon about his problem or why he's acting weird so he sat beside him with Summer and Grey Wind at his heels.

"Hey, now would mind telling me about your problem?" Bran persuaded.

Rickon glared at him. "Seriously, Bran?"

"I'm your brother," Bran reminded him. "You can tell me anything. And I'll do anything to help you with whatever this problem of yours is." He assured.

"Even if I tell you, you wouldn't understand." Rickon answered, stroking Shaggy's hide. "Because you hadn't been in this situation, and neither has Arya. Only Robb and Sansa had been."

"Yeah, but they aren't here." He said. "Come on—"

"Boys," Their Mom interrupted, walking in with a phone in her hand. "Have you tried calling Arya?" She asked. "I can't reach her. And it's already past six."

"Well, it's either her phone's dead," Bran said. "Or there's too much static from the storm."

"Ned," Catelyn said. "I have a bad feeling about this."

MEERA

Meera was having dinner with Robb and Sansa at a Brynden's Burgers branch in Driftmark.

Ever since Sansa broke up with Joffrey, she started hanging out with them in her spare time, which they considered as a good thing. Since Joffrey's pulling her into a me and you against the world kind of relationship, plus he's physically abusing her. In which Robb was in rage about.

A few months after dating Joffrey, Sansa began dating Lothor Brune from Brownhollow in the Crownlands; then after that, there was Harrold Hardyng from Ironoaks in the Vale. Now, Sansa's current boyfriend was Willas Tyrell. Her roommate/bestfriend Margaery's older brother. Willas was three years older than Sansa was and Robb didn't approve at first. But Meera was able to talk him through it, telling him that he was better than Joffrey at least and that he knew Willas since they were in the ATU football team together.

Gendry was supposed to be joining them, but apparently he probably got stuck in the rush hour traffic and the thunderstorm. He drove to King's Landing earlier that afternoon to look for some mechanical parts for a midterm project.

Robb ordered their meals and Meera was left with Sansa on their table.

"So, where's Tyrek?" Sansa started. "Is he busy helping out for a frat party again?" She asked.

"No," She replied. "He went home to Casterly Rock for the weekend. He says his Mom's coming for a visit and his Dad persuaded him to go."

Tyrek's parents are divorced. Like Arianne, he doesn't want to talk about it. It was sort of a sore spot for him. Meera had met Tyrek's parents once. Well, at least his Dad, Tygett Lannister, during the annual freshmen parents' weekend when Tyrek was a freshman and she was a sophomore. He had pulled her over as she and Arianne walked by the street and introduced her to his Dad. There was something in his Dad's reaction that bothered her though. The man looked completely ashen like she the ghost of Christmas past. So you're Howland's daughter, He had said. That man has the greenest pair of eyes I have ever seen, and darling, you have that. And you look just like your mother.

"Speaking of boyfriends," Meera countered. "Where's Willas? And if you're gonna say he's on football practice, then why in seven hells is your brother here with us?"

"Oh, he also went home with his siblings to Highgarden." Sansa explained. "Margaery says it's their grandmother Olenna's eightieth birthday tomorrow."

"Why didn't you go with them?" She asked. "I'm pretty sure they invited you. Since you're Willas' girlfriend and Margaery's bestfriend."

"They did, actually." Sansa explained. "But I sort of, declined their offer."

"Sansa, you've been in the Red Keep in King's Landing a hundred times when you were dating Joffrey." Meera pointed out. "How are you scared of going to Highgarden to meet Willas' family?"

"That's different, okay?" Sansa said. "The Baratheons and the Starks have known each other since forever. Robert and my Dad were the best of friends. And that friendship even went further to their children. The Tyrells are different. And I have, in fact met their grandmother when I went with Margaery to Highgarden once."

"And?"

"She's very intimidating." Sansa admitted. "Far more intimidating than Cersei Baratheon. And trust me, I've interacted with Cersei a lot more than any of my siblings."

Gendry's mom, Cersei loathed the Starks. She remembered staying in the Red Keep for one night during a weekend when she, Robb, Jon and Gendry had to finish a school project when they were in high school. Cersei had given them her famous Lannister stern stare, particularly at Robb and Jon.

They found out why over dinner with the Starks. Ned Stark had told them the whole story when Robb made his Dad tell them, and she finally understood why there was always tension whenever their families got together in either dinners or school events.

Suddenly, her phone rang. Meera had expected it to be a call from either her Dad or Jojen. But looking at her phone, it was an unregistered number.

"Aren't you going to get that?" Sansa asked when she noticed her just staring at her phone.

Who could this be? Meera thought. She placed her phone close to her ear. "Hello," She answered.

"Meera, dear," A familiar female voice replied on other line. "It's Catelyn Stark."

"Oh, hey, Mrs. Stark," Meera greeted. "This is a surprise. How can I help you?" She asked.

When Sansa heard her greeting, she frowned. Like, why would her Mom call Meera?

"Sorry to interrupt you right now." Catelyn apologized. "But I was wondering if you happened to see Robb or Sansa today because I couldn't reach either of them."

"They're with me now, actually." Meera said. "Sansa's here. Would you like to speak with her?" She asked.

"Please," Catelyn pleaded.

"Sansa," Meera called, then handed her the phone. "It's your Mom." She said. "She'd like a word."

Sansa knitted her eyebrows and took the phone from Meera. She placed it near her ear. "Hi, Mom." She said, then paused, listening to whatever her mother was saying. "Well, I left my phone at the chapter house, and Robb's phone is dead so—what?!" She cried. "What do you mean she's missing?" She shrieked.

Robb came back with a tray with their meals on it. Apparently, he noticed Sansa's panicked expression while placing the tray on the table.

He pointed at the phone on Sansa's hand. "Who's calling?" He asked.

"Your Mom." Meera said. "She called me because she couldn't reach you or Sansa."

"Okay, okay," Sansa said. "Here's Robb." She handed the phone to her brother, who took it eagerly.

"Hey, Mom." Robb greeted. "How's everyone?" Suddenly, his expression turned into a mix of anger and worry. "What?" He exclaimed. "You can't be serious, can you?" He raked his fingers through his hair. "Well, what can we do to help?" He asked.

Meera turned to Sansa. "What is it?" She asked. "What's wrong?"

"It's Arya." Sansa said. "They couldn't contact her. And they have no idea where she is."

"What?" Meera's eyes widened. "You have got to be kidding me."

"Godsdammit!" Robb cursed. "My phone's dead. How can I contact the KLPD without a phone?" He turned to her. "Meera, can I use your phone?" He asked.

ARYA

Arya was starting to regret why she gave her school backpack and fencing bag to Bran. Everything was in there, even an umbrella that suddenly became really handy at the moment.

The heavy pouring rain was really unexpected, and the poor drainage in downtown King's Landing was not helping. About fifteen minutes after it started raining, the streets had started to flood. And the murky flood waters is already half a foot above the ankles.

Obviously, she had already missed the 5pm and 6pm train to bound for White Harbor. Arya decided that all she had to do was get to the King's Landing Central Station, and hopefully she'll be able to catch the 7pm train headed to Winterfell.

But before she could do anything, a pick-up truck pulled over in front of her and the shotgun window slid down.

A dark-haired guy with blue eyes peeped out his head. "Hey, Stark," He called. "Need a lift?" He asked.

"Gendry?" Arya frowned. "What are you doing here?" She asked.

Gendry opened the door of the shotgun. "Just hop in, come on!" He said.

Arya didn't hesitate. She got into the car and closed the door after.

"You alright?" Gendry asked.

"Yeah," Arya said, taking off her crimson blazer, which was wet from the rain.. "I might have to explain to Mom and Dad why I'm soaked though."

Gendry took a backpack from the backseat. He opened the bag and pulled out a wool sweater. "Here." He offered it to her. "Use it to dry yourself. Oh, and don't worry, it's clean." He assured. "I just picked that up from the dry cleaners before I drove into the city, and I haven't used it yet."

Arya hesitated. "Why are you helping me?" She asked.

Gendry shrugged like it was no big deal. "You're my best friend's sister." He said. "Robb would've done the same to my younger siblings."

Arya took the sweater from him and wiped her face. "To Myrcella and Tommen, I have no doubt." She assured. "I don't know about Joffrey though, after what he did to Sansa." She shook her head. "No offense."

"None taken." He said as he started the engine. "He's a prick, I know." He pulled out his phone and handed it to her. "Here, call back your dad."

"What?" Arya asked as if he'd misheard, taking the cellphone from him. "My dad called you?"

"He called me because he couldn't reach Robb or Sansa," Gendry explained as he drove. "And your dad thought I was with Robb. He said it's almost seven in the evening and they couldn't reach you."

"My phone's dead." Arya said.

"Well, I'm glad I found you." He said. "Your parents are worried sick. And your Dad said that your Mom had Robb inform the KLPD that you were missing. Anyways, check the logs," He instructed. "The unregistered number's your dad's. Call him back."

Arya unlocked the phone, but just as she did, it went off. "Oh, it just died."

"What?" Gendry gasped. "Can you please search the compartment for a phone charger?" He asked, pointing at the dashboard compartment.

Arya did as he asked. "Oh, and by the way, you can just drop me off at King's Landing Central Station." She suggested as she dug through the compartment. "I'll find my way back to Winterfell."

"Are you sure?" He asked.

"Yeah," She assured. "I'll be fine."

Arya was surprised to find unusual things in Gendry's compartment. She frowned at him. "I'm sorry, but why do you have an angle grinder and an air gun in your compartment?" She asked.

Gendry kept his eyes on the road, but she can tell he was surprised.

"You know what those are called?" He asked.

"I just said angle grinder and air gun, didn't I?" She repeated. "And why is that such a surprise?" She wondered.

Gendry smiled. "No, it's just—" He shrugged. "Most girls don't know what those are called."

"Well, I'm not like most girls." Arya said as she continued digging. "I'm one of those girls who spend more time with her brothers rather than lock themselves in their rooms and talk on the phone with their boyfriends."

"Do you have a boyfriend?" He asked.

Arya glared at him. "No." She said. "I should prioritize school first, you know."

"Wow." He said. "Now, I understand why you and Meera get along so well. She said the same thing, you know."

"Really?" She then pulled out a six-inched wire with ports on each end. "Oh, no charger just an aux cord."

Gendry took a deep breath. "Alright, new plan: I'm driving you home to Winterfell." He said.

"What?" She gasped. "I told you, I'll be fine. Just drop me off—"

"Arya, it's nearly dark already." Gendry interrupted. "It's the least I can do."

"Don't you have stuff to be busy about?" She asked.

"Well, I did come to the city to pick up materials for a school project due next week." Gendry said. "But that's it. I was on my way back to the Dragonstone when your Dad called. Coincidentally, I just happened to spot you on the streets. And besides, you're not even equipped for this kind of weather at the moment and it's also Friday so there's not much to be busy about."

Arya sighed, not knowing what else to do. "Fine." She buckled on her seatbelt.

The whole ride North through the Kingsroad rush hour traffic and the thunderstorm, they got to talking to pass the time.

"So, what brought you in Fleabottom?" He asked.

"I bought art supplies," Arya explained. "Specifically, acrylic paint. I ran out of blues."

"You…paint?" He asked in surprise.

Arya shrugged. "It's just a hobby." She said. "And don't worry, I don't plan to actually sell paintings for a living or something."

"Well, maybe you can paint a portrait of me, huh?" Gendry suggested.

"If you can sit still for a few hours," Arya answered. "Then, maybe."

Gendry chuckled. "You're a senior, right?" He guessed. "Maybe you should take Art as your major when you're in college." He suggested. "And speaking of college, what university are you applying to study for?"

"ATU, what else?" She said smugly. "It's the best in the country. But mostly because Robb and Sansa are already there."

"Have you been accepted yet?"

Arya sighed. "Well, that was supposed to be a surprise, but yeah." She confirmed. "I got in. I just got my acceptance letter this morning from Ms. Stokeworth. You're the first one to know, actually. I was planning on telling my parents and my brothers when I get back home."

"Well, great!" He exclaimed. "Congratulations, Arya, looks like I'll be seeing another Stark in ATU next year. And I'm going to assume your major is somewhere in the Arts, right?"

"I was considering that," Arya explained. "But, not like painting or sculpturing, those are merely hobbies if you ask me. I'll take up something that has an actual profession, like…Architecture."

"Architecture, huh?" He repeated. "Architect Arya Stark." He said. "Hmm, that could work. It's nice to hear, actually. And that also means I will see you more often than Robb or Meera, because the Architecture building stands between the Arts and Engineering quads."

Arya frowned. "Wait, what?" She asked as if she'd misheard. "Did the university planners intended that to be a literal metaphor or—?"

"What do you mean?"

"You said the Architecture building is between the Arts and Engineering, right?" She said. "Didn't it occur to them that the field of Architecture is partly in the Arts and partly Engineering, and they intended the placement of buildings that way as a literal metaphor?"

Gendry frowned. "Wow, I never really thought about that." He said. "Good deduction, though."

Arya snorted. "Like I said, I'm not like most girls—" She frowned as Gendry just went through a drive-thru of a Northerners' Brew branch in Moat Cailin. "Whoa, whoa, why are we here?" She demanded.

Gendry turned to her. "You don't like coffee?" He asked.

"I didn't say that." Arya argued. "But why are we getting coffee?"

"Because it's cold and you're freezing."

"No, I'm not."

"Arya, your hands are shaking." Gendry pointed out. "And you're clutching my sweater."

Arya sighed and placed down the sweater.

Gendry chuckled. "What'll you have?" He asked. "And don't worry, it's on me."

"Cappuccino, light-brown." She said. "Oh, and I need extra sugar."

"Coming right up." Gendry said. He repeated their order to the speaker near the driver's window, then drove a few meters forward to get their orders.

"Here you go." He handed her her order. "Cappuccino, light-brown for Ms. Arya Stark." Then gave her the packed sugar. "With extra sugar. Oh, and an additional treat." He handed her a brown paper bag with the Northerners' Brew's logo.

Arya took the paper bag and opened it. It had a few brownies wrapped in printed cellophane. She frowned at him. "I didn't order brownies." She pointed out.

"Come on," Gendry persuaded. "I know you love them." He said. "And I also bought some for your younger brothers." He handed her another paper bag.

Arya reluctantly took the other bag. "Did Robb tell you about this?" She asked.

"Actually, it was Meera." Gendry corrected "And she told me Bran loves them too."

"Figures." Arya said. "Meera and I used to eat brownies after Fencing." She smiled at him. "Thanks."

Gendry nodded and smiled back at her. "You're welcome."

BRAN

His parents, Ned and Catelyn were trying to calm each other as they sat on the couch in their living room. Rickon was sitting cross-legged by the fireplace caressing his and Sansa's and Arya's husky hides to calm them down from the thunderstorm. Bran, however, was sitting by the ledge of the living room's large bay window, with Summer on his lap and Grey Wind on his legs as the rain poured hard outside.

After several attempts, Bran failed to get Rickon to talk about his problem. He's no expert when it comes to these things, but Bran was a hundred percent sure that it concerned Shireen Baratheon. He's not much of a pep talker too, he'll admit that. But among the Stark children, two were always capable of getting what they want in their own way. Arya and Rickon. And since Rickon was one of the two, that meant the only other person who can squeeze information out of him was Arya.

Speaking of Arya, they were still waiting for any news about his sister. She was able to tell him that she won't be joining him and Rickon when their chauffer, Hullen picked them up. But that was all. They couldn't even contact Robb or Sansa, their older siblings off in a university studying college. His Dad was able to reach Gendry, but he was in King's Landing picking up materials for a school project, his Mom, however, was able to contact Meera and asked her to inform Robb and Sansa about Arya's whereabouts.

It was almost seven in the evening and Bran was starting to get bored, so he actually counted the droplets of rain running down the window pane, until a flash of headlights caught his attention. He glanced out the window and noticed a car approaching. But it wasn't just anyone's car. It was Gendry Baratheon's car, pulling up before their porch.

"Uh, Mom, Dad," Bran spoke up. "Why is Gendry's car here?"

"What?" Rickon stood and ran to where he was sitting on the window ledge.

The dogs were barking excitedly, especially Nymeria, Arya's husky.

His little brother made it just in time to see Gendry got out from his car with an umbrella. He ran to the shotgun door and opened it. A girl with messy brown hair in a KLA crimson blazer stepped out of the car.

"Arya!" Rickon exclaimed. "Mom, Dad, it's Arya!"

Ned and Catelyn jumped from their seats and ran towards the main door. Bran and Rickon followed them, and so did the huskies. Nymeria ran to Arya, which she then gently patted the husky's head.

Their Dad had opened the door before Arya could and her eyes widened.

"Um, hi Daddy." She said nervously as she and Gendry stepped into the foyer.

"Arya Lyanna Stark!" Catelyn said in a stern voice. She ran to Arya and crushed her in a hug. "Gods, you're all wet." She noticed. "Are you okay?" She asked.

"I'm fine, Mom." Arya assured.

"Where have you been?" Catelyn demanded.

"I went downtown for art supplies." Arya explained. "Well, if it wasn't for Gendry I would still be stuck in King's Landing."

Their parents turned to the young man behind their sister.

Ned cleared his throat. "Gendry, we can't thank you enough." He said.

"It was the least I could do, Mr. Stark." Gendry managed.

"Well, I think you're just in time to join us for dinner." Ned suggested. "A simple thank you for getting Arya home."

"Oh, no, no, I—" Gendry started to say.

"Oh, yes," Arya argued. "You forced me into ordering coffee. Now, I'm forcing you into having dinner with us." She grabbed his wrist. "Now, come on, Baratheon."

Before Gendry could say anything, he was dragged by Arya towards the dining room.

Ned chuckled as he patted Gendry on his shoulder. "Come on, Gendry."

After Arya had changed into dry clothes, they ate dinner. As usual, their Dad, Ned sat at the head of the table; to his right, was their Mom, and then Rickon; to their Dad's left was him, beside him was his sister, Arya, and then their guest, Gendry Baratheon.

Bran noticed something strange in their guest. Gendry was looking at Arya in weird way. Kind of the same way Rickon looked at Shireen earlier that day. Holy shit! He thought. Gendry has a thing for his sister. He wondered how Robb would take this.

His parents then started interviewing Gendry about his, Robb's and Meera's studies in ATU.

Arya leaned in closer to Bran. "So, you managed to get something out of Rickon?" She asked.

"Uh, no." He answered.

"What?" She said, gritting her teeth. "I told you to—"

"It's not like I never tried." Bran argued, whispering. "I tried, but he won't tell me anything." He explained, then lowered his voice. "But I'm positive that it concerns Shireen Baratheon."

"Why do you think so?" Arya asked.

"Because I caught him staring at her this morning," He blurted out. "Then later this afternoon. And he had this dreamy smile on his face when he did."

Arya's jaw dropped. "Oh my gods." She said, smiling. "Our baby brother's got a crush."

Gendry, on the other hand, had told them a great deal of stories, including the time all three of them topped the College Honor Roll in their fields.

"Gendry, that's incredible." Catelyn complimented. "A job, well done to the three of you."

"Thanks, Mrs. Stark," Gendry said. "But you know what else is incredible? Arya's great news."

At that, Arya glared at him. "What the—" Bran could see Arya wanting to use a swear word, but couldn't since their parents are present.

"Yeah, you told me earlier that you have great news." Bran recalled. "So, what is it?" He asked.

"Come on, Arya," Gendry persuaded. "You have to tell them what you told me in the car."

Arya sighed, then smiled wide. "I got into ATU!" She announced.

MEERA

Meera sat on the couch of the Kappa Phi Sigma sorority house's living room as Robb paced the room and his sister Sansa was in the kitchen making hot chocolate.

Technically, boys aren't allowed in the chapter house. But Robb had family visitation rights because he had a sister who's a member of the sorority.

She has never seen him this agitated since Bran nearly drowned in Torrhen's Lake in Great Barrowton National Park about two years ago; and Joffrey shoved Sansa over his shoulder outside Balerion Café.

"Robb, would you please calm down?" Meera pleaded. "And stop pacing, you're seriously stressing me out."

Robb stopped pacing and turned to her. "Calm down?" He repeated. "Meera, my sister is missing. How the fuck am I supposed to calm down?"

Sansa came back from the kitchen with two mugs of hot chocolate. "You know, Robb," She said as she handed her brother one mug of hot chocolate. "Meera's right, you need to lighten up a little bit." She agreed.

Robb took the mug from his sister. "Unless I hear news that Arya's home, only then would I calm down."

Sansa sighed in annoyance as she handed Meera the other mug and sat down beside her. "Is this customary for the eldest sibling to worry and act like this when one of their younger sibling is in trouble or is the trouble?" She asked.

"To worry?" Meera repeated. "Yes. To act like this and be all paranoid about the whole situation, it depends." She said.

"It depends?" Sansa frowned.

"It depends on how deep in trouble the younger sibling got himself/herself into." Meera explained. "In my case, not so much. Jojen's not much of a troublemaker. I don't know about you guys."

"Well," Sansa gestured towards Robb pacing back and forth in front of the fireplace. "Things could be worse. You should've seen him after Bran fell off that tree and had to be in a wheelchair. That was way worse."

"You should've seen him when Bran nearly drowned when we went camping." Meera said.

Robb stopped pacing. "Will you both shut up?" He said. "I'm right here, I can hear you."

"Yep," Sansa said. "Things could be worse."

Suddenly, Meera could feel her phone vibrating from her pocket. She took it out and checked who's calling. Her eyes widened when she saw the name she saved from the number that had called earlier that evening. Catelyn Stark.

"Hello," Meera answered the phone. "Good evening, Mrs. Stark." She said in greeting.

When Robb heard her greeting, he settled his hot chocolate on the coffee table and ran to her. "Meera, give me the phone." He said, grabbing for her cellphone and he sat and squeezed between her and Sansa on the couch.

"Seriously?" Meera complained.

"Seven hells, Robb!" Sansa bleated.

"Give me the phone, Meera!" He insisted as he took her phone from her and he pulled it close to his ear. "Hi, Mom." Robb said.

Sansa tried to pull the phone from her brother.

Robb shook her off. "Knock it off." He said.

"Put it on loudspeaker," Sansa suggested. "I can't hear what Mom's saying."

Robb sighed and placed the phone call on loudspeaker. "Mom," He said again. "Any news on Arya?" He asked.

"She's home." They could hear Catelyn Stark's voice over the phone. "It was Gendry who found her, actually."

"What?" Robb asked in disbelief. "Gendry? How? And when?"

"Gendry was driving back to Dragonstone after your Dad was able to reach him, because we couldn't reach you or Sansa. Then he saw Arya in Fleabottom. And he gave her a lift home." Catelyn explained.

"All the way to the North?" Robb asked.

"Yes," Their Mom confirmed. "Your father invited him to dinner as a simple thank you for his good deed to your sister."

"Mom," Sansa spoke up. "How's Arya?" She asked. "Is she okay?"

"Sansa, your sister's fine." Catelyn assured. "She was soaked from the rain when she arrived here with Gendry. But otherwise, she's fine."

Meera was surprised by Sansa's concern towards her sister. Both Robb and Jon had told her and Gendry a thousand times, You do not want those two in the same room together, they'll drive you crazy. They had said, and she knew what they meant. She was always a witness to the Stark sisters' constant clashing, besides the other Stark siblings. They don't show it, but they do care about each other.

"That's good to know." Sansa said.

"Yeah," Robb said. "You wanted to make sure Arya's alright so you can be at each other's throats again."

Sansa glared at her brother and elbowed him.

"Listen, both of you," Catelyn said. "Next time, charge your cellphones and bring it with you at all times. Because how can we contact you if there's an emergency?"

"Yeah, Mom," Robb said. "It won't happen again." He promised.

"Hey Robb," Another voice spoke up. It was Rickon's voice. "Can I talk to you about something—" He faltered. "Wait, why do I hear my voice echo? Is this call on loudspeaker?" He asked.

Robb snorted. "Yes, Rickon." He said. "This phone call's on loudspeaker."

"Oh, nevermind." Rickon said. "Just say hi to Sansa for me."

"Tell her yourself," Robb insisted. "She's right next to me."

Sansa leaned over closer to the phone. "Hi, baby brother." She said.

"Don't call me that!" Rickon complained. "I'm thirteen, Sansa."

"You sounded troubled, Rickon," Sansa noticed. "Are you okay?" She asked.

"I'm fine." Rickon assured.

Another voice answered. "No, he's not." This time it was Bran's voice.

"Shut up, Bran!" Rickon yelled.

Meera remembered it now. Robb mentioned how the two youngest Starks were close to their sisters. Rickon was close to Sansa as Bran was to Arya. And according to Robb, apart from him and Jon, Sansa and Bran were the only ones who can calm the wild nerves of Rickon and Arya.

"Hey Robb," Bran said. "Did you have one of those meltdowns again?" He asked. "When you started pacing back and forth and when other people told you to calm down, you yell at them to shut up?"

Meera and Sansa both laughed.

"Oh my gods," Sansa said. "That is so accurate."

"Hells yeah, he did." Meera agreed. "You should've seen him, Brannikins."

"Oh, hi Meera." Bran greeted.

Robb frowned at her. "Brannikins?" He repeated.

"What?" She asked in confusion. "It's what Myrcella and Jojen calls him."

"Bran, do me a favor," Robb said. "Please find out what's wrong with Rickon. I think he needs someone to talk to. He was about to tell me something, but then noticed the call's on loudspeaker and never said anything."

"Arya's already working on that." Bran said. "I think it's got something to do with Shireen—Ow! Seven hells, Rickon!"

Robb, Sansa and Meera exchanged looks.

"Shireen?" Meera repeated. "Like Shireen Baratheon?" She asked. "Gendry's little cousin?"

"Aww," Sansa said. "Our baby brother's growing up."

"Hey, I can still hear you, you know." Rickon complained. "Or have you forgotten this phone call's on loudspeaker?"

"Alright, boys," Catelyn's voice returned. "Go to your rooms. It's past your bedtime."

"Mom, it's Friday." Bran reminded his Mom.

"No buts, Brandon."

"I'll keep you posted." Bran promised. "Bye."

"Oh, and another thing." Catelyn said. "Arya had gotten her acceptance letter from ATU."

"Hey, that's great news!" Robb exclaimed.

"Well, looks like I'll be seeing three Starks next year." Meera pointed out.

"Alright, you kids take care of yourselves there." Their Mom said. "Love you both. Bye."

Robb handed Meera her phone back. "Thanks." He said, taking his cup of hot chocolate from the coffee table. "Now, I can calm down."

"Dude," Meera said. "You owe Gendry big-time."

"I know." Robb said, blowing off the steam from his cup.

Sansa cleared his throat. "Well, now that this is all over." She said. "Ynys said there's a party at the Omega Beta Omicron and everyone's invited." She informed.

Robb frowned at his sister. "I thought Willas went home to Highgarden for the weekend."

Sansa sighed in exasperation. "Just because Willas isn't here, doesn't mean I can't go to a party with a few friends."

"Girls like you are prone to being roofied." Robb pointed out. "Unless you have Willas with you, then I won't have a problem with that."

Sansa sighed. "Fine." She said. "But good luck having this conversation with Arya next year."

"Oh, I won't be too worried about Arya about this." Robb said. "Because Arya's like Meera in many ways."

"What the fuck?" Meera exclaimed.

"Don't worry, I mean in a good way." Robb assured. "Because like you, she's turned down every guy who's asked her out. Well, at least that's what Bran had said."

"Whatever." Sansa shrugged. "I bet Arya will find herself a boyfriend, before you can find yourself a girlfriend."

Meera chuckled. "I have to agree with your sister, dude."