Chapter 10: Who's your Daddy?
It was already 7AM when Gendry opened his eyes, he checked out his phone to look at the time, "Fuck! Why am I awake this early?" Then he remembered that today is the day he finds out if he really is a Baratheon, genetically. He got up and put on a shirt, and then a he heard a knock on the door. "These people really wake up early here!" he mumbled. He reluctantly opened the door and he saw Renly standing in front of him.
"Good morning my dear nephew! Today is the day."
Before he could say anything, Renly went in straight to his closet, he watched him as he rummage some clothes and laid it on the bed,
"Now Gendry, this is what you will wear today. I know I sound like an overbearing mother. But I want you to look good, not that you don't look good, but I mean really presentable. Take a shower and put this on. Meet us in the breakfast room, and we'll be ready to leave by 8:30, our appointment will be at 9AM. I resent feeling like a secretary here but I am excited for you. Now chop-chop! We don't have all day!"
With that Renly went out of his sight, he sighed, and went straight to the bathroom to shower. Once fully clothed, he grabbed his phone and went out of his room, he saw Jon just coming out as well,
"Morning Jon!"
"Hey man"
"Is Arya awake yet?"
"I don't know. She might still be sleeping"
"Yeah, she literally cried herself to sleep. I left her like that"
"I don't think she's cried in a long time. Come on breakfast is waiting. I'm bloody hungry"
They both went down and went straight to the breakfast room, they saw Renly, Robert, Ned, and Sansa all dressed up and ready for the day, then Sansa stood up,
"Alright I'm going now. I'll see you all later. Oh and Jon, we're still on for later, don't you leave us with your new best friend!"
She smiled and walked out of the room. Gendry just smiled,
"Come on son; let's have breakfast we'll be leaving in a few minutes. Sit beside your old man!"
He sat beside his dad which also beside Renly and across Ned. He took some of the food in front of him,
"So son, you nervous?"
"A little"
"Well, don't be. It will be over soon. After that we'll go and see your Uncle Stannis. It's about time to meet him"
"Robert, I think Gendry might be scarred for life when he does" Renly interrupted
"Oh hush Renly!"
He heard Renly sniggering at his own comment; he couldn't help but chuckled, they had a nice breakfast and after a few minutes, Renly and the rest stood up, when Robert, Ned, and Renly are out of sight, he approached Jon,
"Jon?"
"Yeah mate?"
"Erm, I think I'm won't able to say that we'll be going now to Arya, can you tell her we left for the paternity test and that I'll see her later?"
"Oh man, you're so whipped! Yeah sure I'll tell her. Hey I'm coming with you to the auto shop okay?"
"Yeah, and at the Forge. Is it weird that you want to see me quit my job?"
"Well yeah, it is. Alright, see you later mate"
With that he walked out and went to the where the car was. He sat beside his father, while Renly drive and Ned in the front seat. They drove to the King's Landing Private Hospital. The four of them walked through the halls of the hospital, he diligently followed the three men, and he felt his palms sweat. He's definitely nervous. They finally went to a stop on one of the doctor's office, and they were met by a small man, "This must be Tyrion" he thought.
"Ah Tyrion! Right on time" Robert said
"Robert! It's good to see you, you look great! You dieting?"
"Well, Renly has been controlling my food intake"
"Good that's good to know. So, is this him?"
"Yes, this is my son Gendry"
"Oh wow, you're not joking! Look at me boy." He said directing to him
He faced him, and he watched him scrutinize every detail of his face and his stature,
"Looks strong! Robert, I have no doubt that this is your son!"
"Well he is, we're just doing formalities, and did you fix everything?"
"Yes everything is here in my briefcase and I already called Stannis, he'll be meeting us later"
"Good. Where's the good doctor?"
"He'll be here in a minute. Meanwhile I will call the nurse to make the swab"
"Make sure there are no anomalies here, Renly go with the nurse when he or she delivers it to the lab and watch like a hawk! I don't want any of Tywin's men around to spy on us."
He saw the smirk on Tyrion's face, he thinks the same thing, Robert is definitely paranoid, then went out. When he came back a male nurse followed him,
"Let's begin"
The process was really simple they just needed to swab his and his father's mouth, and then Renly followed the nurse,
"Now, Robert…" Tyrion started
"The test takes about three to five business days for the results before we can get it, but I've made arrangements to expedite and we shall receive it while we wait. We don't want to delay this anymore. I may think you're paranoid, but it's for the best. My father can't know about this and I made sure that this hospital is guarded"
"Good job Tyrion!"
"Well I am happy to do it"
It seems that Tyrion is less than a Lannister. Robert and Ned seemed to really trust him. Then the doctor came in,
"Ah! Dr. Tyrell!"
"Hello Mr. Lannister, Mr. Baratheon, and Mr. Stark. I trust that the swabbing has been done?"
"Yes Willas! Good to see you"
The doctor shook everyone's hand,
"This is your son Gendry?"
"Yes. This is him"
The doctor shook his hand, and looked at his face,
"A good looking young lad! Do you have a girlfriend? Your face looks like a heartbreaker"
He didn't answer the doctor's question. He's afraid to answer yes, and if he did there would be more questions to follow, but then Ned interrupted,
"He doesn't time for that yet. He's very busy with his school at the moment."
"Good for you!"
It seemed like the time is passing by so slowly. They just waited there in the doc's office. They even have takeaway. His father is definitely insisting to stay. When he checked on the time it was already 1PM, then Renly came back with a folder in hand, everyone stood and from the looks on the faces, they are full of anticipation. Renly handed the results to Robert with a passive face. He was nervous, and strain of thoughts came into his head. "What if it's negative? What would happen to me? I just left my flat and Arya definitely made a damaged to the landlord. Shit!" he thought. He watched carefully as Robert opened the folder, he observed his face and what he didn't expect is to see tears in his eyes, he closed the folder and gave it to Ned. He walked over to him and gave him a tight hug,
"My son! My Son! I knew it from the first time I saw you, you are mine. You are a Baratheon!"
Ned and Renly place their hand on his back and pat it. He hugged his father back, and tears also fell from his eyes,
"Father!"
They stayed like that for a few moments, when Tyrion cleared his throat, he broke away from his father's embrace, and wiped the tears from his face,
"Alright. I think we have already established that Gendry is indeed a true Baratheon. For some reason, it felt scary to see large men cry."
They all chuckled at Tyrion's jest. They shook hands with the doctor, when Tyrion spoke again,
"Now, we need to go see Stannis. You know that grumpy old man hates waiting"
"Oh he's scary" Renly added but was laughing.
They walked out of the office and out of the hospital and went to Dragon Gate, which is where his Uncle's office is. The building was tall, but he's father's building is much taller as he remembers it. They went in and when they reached the top floor, they were directed by a woman with red hair and red dress to the office,
"Mr. Baratheon will see you now"
They went in and were greeted by a tall, broad shouldered man, with thinning black to gray hair, darker blue eyes, thin and pale lips. He has a Baratheon look, but he doesn't look as handsome as his father and Renly.
"Robert, Renly it's good to see you both. Have a sit"
"Yes in a minute, but first I want you to meet my son"
Robert gestured his hand to come to him and he did as he stood beside his father,
"Stannis this is your nephew Gendry." Then he directed to him,
"Gendry this is your Uncle Stannis"
"Hello sir"
"Hmm"
He looked at him sharply, if he's being truthful, Stannis scares him,
"He's definitely your son Robert. This is looking at a young you" he said with still a passive face
"Stannis, we have all the documents you needed" Tyrion interjected
"Of course"
Tyrion reached for his briefcase and handed several folders to Stannis,
"I trust that this will go smoothly?"
"Yes brother. I will have this expedited."
Stannis went back to his desk and picked up the phone. A few minutes later, the red woman came in with another folder in hand and gave it to Stannis, she stood there and waited,
"Robert I need you to sign this, Tyrion and Ned, you can take a look into this as witness"
He just sat there as he watches Robert, Ned, and Tyrion go over to where Stannis is, Renly turned to him,
"So nephew, are you excited about all these?"
"I don't know how I feel. I'm a little overwhelmed"
"This is just the beginning Gendry. I am very happy that you are indeed my nephew, I didn't doubt for a second."
"Thanks Renly"
"Oh and you better work on those sculptures of yours. If you need any more equipment for it, tell your dad and we'll look into it. Take Arya or Jon, they both have good eye for art and all that comes with it. Then we'll show it to Loras"
"I will. Jon is going to help me set up my own studio. Although it will be more like a forge than a studio!"
"Well whatever makes you happy. Alright, let's just wait for these old men"
He chuckled. He really likes Renly, there is no dull moment with him. He feels like having an uncle and a mother whenever he's around. Then he suddenly remembered to text Arya, "Shit! She'll kill me". He took out his phone and started texting,
Hey babe you awake yet? – GW
Yes. I just woke up like an hour ago. Where are you? – AS
At Dragon Gate, we're doing some legal stuff with Uncle Stannis – GW
What time will you be back? – AS
I think after this. Then Jon and I are going to Mott's – GW
You're taking Jon but not me? How cruel Baratheon! – AS
He wants to see the shop. So I told him he can tag along. Besides you have to get ready. We're going out remember? – GW
Where are we going again? – AS
Very funny Stark. Anyway we're going to The Forge, because your brother wanted to watch me quit my job, but having you there makes it look like I'm not a total loser! I quit but I have a hot girlfriend – GW
I almost gagged! Alright, I'll see you later, I can't stand being here anymore, your boyfriend here is becoming antsy, I'm trying to entertain him but I don't have the energy yet. So please save me from Jon as soon as you can – AS
I will. Laters – GW
He smiled at their conversation; he put back his phone in his pocket, and turned his attention on what's going on around him. He noticed that the red woman is no longer with them, the men are seem to be in a deep conversation, and the door opened once more, she handed a folder to Stannis and he watched him sign it. Then he gave the folder to Tyrion. They all stood up and so did him and Renly. They were shaking Stannis' hand, and Stannis walked with them. As he turned around towards the door, he felt a heavy hand on his shoulder; it was his Uncle Stannis,
"Welcome to the family Gendry Baratheon!"
He patted his back,
"Tha…thank you uncle"
They went out of the building and back into the car and drove off back to the mansion. As they drive, Robert kept glancing at him, then held his shoulder,
"Son, today, I want to tell you that you are officially Gendry Baratheon!"
He could not believe his ears, he is legally and officially a Baratheon, he's speechless, he's overwhelmed,
"Well, aren't you going to say anything?"
"I… I really don't know what to say dad. My new name sounds good"
"It does, doesn't it?"
"Yes"
"Now when we get home, what are doing after?"
"Jon and I are going to Mott's then in the evening, we're picking up Sansa and Arya, and they will watch me quit my job"
Renly started laughing while driving,
"That's interesting! Well, have fun. Oh and how are you getting there?"
"I was thinking of borrowing Arya's car"
"No! You will not do that. Take one of the cars in the garage. Some of them are not being used. Take whatever you like."
"Are you sure dad?"
"Yes. I will take you to the chauffeur about it. No need to worry"
"Okay"
The drive was smooth and when they finally reached the mansion, they stepped off and went right in to the house. Arya was nowhere to be found when they got in, then his father, asked him to come follow him, and so he did. They went to where all the cars are parked, and Robert called on of the chauffeurs,
"Now, there are so many cars in this house, and you have the option to choose which one except mine, these…" he directed to a different way,
"These you can choose whatever you like from there, and then tell me, come on"
He could not believe his eyes that having a car right now is this easy, so he chose. Another SUV, he's a large young man and he chose what's fitted to him.
"Good choice son. From now on, that is yours. That was only used twice I believe. It's all yours. Take the key from him. I will need to get some rest now"
"Oh wait for me dad. I'll walk with you"
Robert smiled at him. After taking the key, he walked with his dad up to his room. He also went to his own room and lie on the bed, and then his phone buzzed,
You home yet? – AS
Did you miss me that much? – GW
What if I have? Now are you home? Because I saw my dad – AS
Yes, I am in my room. Come visit me, only if the coast is clear – GW
Be there in a minute – AS
He waited for Arya to come knocking on the door, and when she did, he jumped off the bed and immediately opened it, as he saw her, he pulled her inside and crashed his lips on hers, Arya wrapped his arms around his neck and kissed him passionately, they kissed for good few minutes when he finally pulled away, he held her face and stroke her cheek,
"I miss you Arry!"
"I miss you too. How was your day?"
"Tiring. And I still have to go to Mott's today"
"I know. Jon will kill you so you better take a shower now; he has been a grumpy Stark."
"Tell him I'll be right with him. You want to come with us?"
"No, not really. I will not participate in your bromance. So I'll just wait for Sansa so we can prepare for tonight"
"Alright. I will see you later then?"
"Yeah"
She tip-toed and kissed him, her lips lingering on his, and then she walked away. He didn't bother to shower anymore but just changed to jeans and shirt, and went out of his room to find Jon. When he came down, he was greeted by Renly.
"Hey Renly have you seen Jon?"
"Yeah I think he's in the game room"
"Oh okay. See you later Renly"
"Wait, there's something I want to give you"
"What is it?"
Then Renly handed him a paper bag, he took it,
"What is it?"
"Why don't you open it and stop asking questions nephew"
He saw Renly rolling his eyes at him and he just smirked, so he looked inside and it shows a box, it's a new phone, he took it out,
"Erm, I have a phone Renly"
"I know. But I want you to have a new one. I don't want to sound like a snob or that you may think I'm looking down on you, but let's be honest my dearest nephew, your phone is a piece of crap"
He chuckled, and he was unable to restrain himself and gave Renly a big hug,
"Thanks Uncle Renly"
"What did I tell you about calling me uncle, Gendry?"
"Never to call you that"
"Right. So now go look for Jon"
"Thanks again Renly!"
"You're welcome"
With that he left and looked for the game room. When he found it, he saw Jon, playing video games,
"Hey bro! I'm back!"
"Hey Gen!"
"You ready to go?"
"Oh I have been for over an hour now! Thanks to you"
He laughed at him,
"Alright I'm just gonna tidy up here"
"Okay, you go to that. I'll figure this out"
He played with his new phone and placed all the numbers in while waiting for Jon. When he's finished, they went out of the house and to the car park,
"So which one of those are we taking?"
"Well definitely not your sisters, she'll kill me"
"Yeah we better not do that."
"Let's just take mine"
They walked over to his now car and drove off to Flea Bottom. They talked a lot in the car about growing up in Flea Bottom and his friends, as well as his mum. Even though Jon threatened him with his brothers and their direwolves, he felt at ease talking to him, like they've know each other for a long time. Finally they reached Tobho Mott's Auto Repair Shop, he pulled over and they both got out. They walked straight over to the garage, they got in. He found Beric working on an engine in one car while he saw Thoros and Lem polishing some bumper, finally Tobbo emerged,
"Look who's back!"
"Tobho!"
"Hey mate whatever happened to you? We haven't seen you in two days man!" Thoros exclaimed
"Yeah I've been doing so much stuff these past few days. Oh by the way this is Jon. She's Arya's brother, you remember her?"
"Oh yeah, yeah that petite girl with the red-head sister" Lem said
"Yes that's her, this is her brother"
"How's it going man?" Lem said to Jon
"Nothing really just want to tag along. Bored mostly"
"Are you really back now?" Beric interrupted
"Yes and no"
"What do you mean?" Tobho asked
"Well I was hoping if I can still work here, but just part time"
"But you're my best mechanic here!"
"That hurts Tobho!" Thoros yelled
He just chuckled,
"What's going on with you Gendry?"
"It's a long story Tobho, but short version is, my dad found me and he wants me to focus on my studies"
Suddenly he noticed all his friends stopped working and went over to him,
"The man who came here the other day is your father?"
"Eddard Stark? No. That's his father" he said as he pointed to Jon
"Then who's your father?"
He was reluctant to answer the question, it's not that he's not proud of his father, but his friends would think he's turning his back on them because his father's wealthy,
"Well, erm…"
"There is no father is there?" Lem asked
"What? No there is. He's erm, he's"
"His father is Robert Baratheon" Jon blurted
He glared at Jon, but he just shrugged,
"What?" Tobho asked
"Robert Baratheon is your father? Man, that's like…"
"Yeah I can't believe it either, but I look exactly like him when he was younger and his brother. And DNA says it all"
His friends could not believe what they're hearing. They were definitely surprised, so in order to break the awkwardness, he started speaking again,
"So anyway, I can't really work here full time. But my father said I can still work here, but I also have to get my degree. Please Tobho, I really like working here"
"Look Gendry, I don't want you to leave, you're my good mechanic, but you needed to finish school, so go do that. Sure you can still have your spot if you still want to work here even if it's just part time."
"Thanks Tobho! I was hoping if I could start with my new schedule next week. We have so many things to take care of"
"No problem Gendry. You're welcome here anytime. Now what are you going to do here?"
"Well I was hoping I can show my friend Jon around?"
"Go ahead; just make sure you don't disturb this lot."
They walked over to one of the cars where Beric was working on,
"This is such a cool place Gen. It's way cooler than the ones in Winterfell"
"What do you think of this Bull?" Beric ask
He helped Beric with the engine of the car as Jon watched him. When he was done Beric took over,
"You guys playing tonight?"
"Yeah we are. You might also wanna text HP so he can message the others"
"Alright. We'll be there"
"You tending tonight?"
"Maybe. But I'm not sure, my first priority is to quit the job"
"What?"
"I have to man. It's the reason I lack so much sleep. Plus I need to have more time"
"But what about our free drinks man?" Beric teased
"Aren't you already getting them just by playing?"
"I know, but more is better"
He just laughed,
"Anyway we have to go, but we'll see you later okay?"
"Yeah later."
They left the garage, and drove back to the mansion. The day has been so tiring. He can't believe that he is an actual Baratheon, and now he is Gendry Baratheon. At some point during their drive, he felt guilty upon changing his last name, so he turned to Jon,
"Hey erm, Jon. Can I ask you something?"
"Sure man"
"Do you ever feel guilty that you had to change your last name?"
"No. I have been a Snow for a long time. I know that maybe you feel like your betraying your mother, is that how you feel?"
"Yeah. I have been Waters for 26 years, and now I am a Baratheon"
"You will always be Waters, I will always be Snow, it's a part of us, no matter how many times we change our last name. Being a Baratheon is also you, and me being a Stark is also me. It's in your blood. Don't feel guilty about it. You're lucky that you got to spend time with your mum"
"What about you?"
"Never met her. Dad said she died when she gave birth to me."
"I'm sorry man."
"It's okay. It's been a long time. Just feel lucky that you had the chance to be with both parents"
He smiled at the thought and finally they pulled over to the mansion. Time to get ready for tonight.