Game of Thrones: Hearts in the Forest

Chapter 10 of my Game of Thrones story, enjoy.

Reviews

Veridissima: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it, yeah, it was good they did, glad you liked that little conversation.
Boris Yeltsin; Thanks, glad you enjoyed both chapters.
Wolfgirl2013: Thanks.
Marina Ka-Fai: She sure is, yup, it certainly is; although it does seem to be rather strong, stronger than regular friendship loyalty, wouldn't you say :)

Now onto the story.

Disclaimer: Game of Thrones belongs to George R.R. Martin.

Chapter 10

Arya rubbed her eyes tiredly, exhaustion creeping in despite her attempts to fight it. It had been three days since the incident involving those bandits, and the Brotherhood. Gendry had been slowly improving the whole time. His fever was gone, his wound had completely healed, his heartbeat and breathing were regular again. He was still unconscious but Arya was able to find solace in the fact that he seemed to definitely be healed. However despite this she was trying to stay awake. She didn't want to fall asleep before he woke up, before it was clear he had fully recovered.

She shook her head as she contemplated what she was doing. 'What is wrong with me, why am I acting like this?'

She couldn't comprehend it; why was she so worked up about this. She remembered the way she had been acting before the bandits attacked, and the things she said to Thoros. No matter how much she claimed it, those were not acts merely of friendship, they were deeper.

'If it was just friendship, I would have gone with them to Winterfell; after ensuring they would bring Gendry along once he recovered.' She pondered; trying to make sense of things. 'But instead, I insist on staying with him, delaying my chance to return to my family.'

She shook her head and continued to be lost in thought.

It just wasn't adding up; her actions all seemed to be above and beyond normal friendship. Then there was a strange stirring feeling she constantly had in her chest, whenever she looked at him. It was also unusual to her that, simply being near Gendry made her feel safe, on an emotional level.

She let out a frustrated groan. 'Urgh, I just don't get it. It's not as if…as if I.'

Her eyes widened as, with that simple thought, things began to fall into place. However, rather than fill her with joy, it frightened her.

'No way, I can't…I can't possibly love him, we're just not, we wouldn't…' Her thoughts raced, almost out of control. 'There's no way I can let this happen; after everything I've said, what I know. My thoughts about love and marriage, it just can't possibly make any sort of sense, I can't explain it. There has to be another reason.'

Yet no matter what she thought of, no matter what excuses she made, she couldn't come up with any reasonable alternative. She couldn't let this happen, it would just hurt them, both of them. So she did the only thing she felt she could do and tried desperately to put those feelings away, to lock them in some corner of her mind. To never bring them out again.

'It's for the best, we'd just end up getting hurt…especially when we get to Winterfell.' She told herself firmly. 'He said he was going to leave anyway, that there would be no place for him there.'

She sighed sadly; wondering how, despite things looking up, how they could have become so complicated.

It was already night time, Arya wasn't sure how long it had been since everything went wrong. Since the incident in the capital; or indeed how long she had been on the run with Gendry. Yet she could still keep track of how this little incident all started; it had been nine days so far, since they had first escaped the bandits. It would soon be ten; Arya noted as she tiredly rubbed her eyes again, trying to chase the sleep away. It was then she heard it and froze.

"Ugh, what….Arry?"

She started; although hoarse, his voice was clear, his words weren't slurred. She stared as she saw him, his eyes were open. He was sitting up, awake.

"Gendry?" She whispered; almost unable to believe it.

He turned to look at her, his eyes slowly focusing.

The words slipped out, her amazement obvious. "Y-You're…Awake."

He nodded and smiled. "Yeah, I…I feel, great. Better than ever."

A short laugh escaped her and, despite her efforts, despite her attempts to hide thing, she couldn't help it. Acting purely on instinct, her feelings for Gendry suddenly overflowing her, she suddenly leaned in, her arms going over his shoulders, and kissed him. Likewise he wasn't thinking, simply acting and so, spontaneously, he kissed back. It was then they were consumed, lost in the maelstrom of their combined feelings.

They broke the kiss only for air. Once they caught their breath however, they didn't say a word; they simply started kissing again. Then Gendry felt it, Arya's fingers, fumbling with the laces of his tunic. Before he could react, she pulled back and lifted the tunic off. He responded, as soon as his arms were free, by bringing them down and embracing her. He didn't need to see her face to know she was smirking, yet he still had his concerns.

"Are you absolutely sure?"

She didn't answer him; simply kissed him again, grey eyes darkened with lust. Before long she had his breeches off and he was lying back on the bed, naked. She had removed her tunic and knelt, straddling him.

"I'm not even fully naked and you're already excited." She laughed, eyeing his hard cock appreciatively.

Gendry couldn't help but grin at that. She soon removed her breeches and claimed his mouth again. Their hands roamed each other's bodies; soon, with his hands gripping her ass, Gendry suddenly flipped them over so he was on top. Arya gasped but then grinned, before moaning in pleasure as Gendry moved from kissing her, to kissing her breasts. He even teased her nipples with his teeth and tongue. Then finally, neither of them were able to resist any longer. Gendry entered her, she let out a moan as the wave of pleasure engulfed her. Gendry felt himself push through the thin barrier of her maidenhead yet she did not cry out in pain. With that being all the encouragement he needed, he began rather vigorously to make love to her, with Arya, reciprocating in equal fervour.

They lay together breathless; holding each other in their arms. Their lovemaking leaving a lasting after effect on them. Gendry had been surprised by how eager Arya was for the full experience. He had intended to pull out before he reached his peak, spilling his seed on her belly instead. But she had locked her legs around his waist and prevented that. As they lay Gendry wondered if it would still feel like this in the morning. When all the turbulent feelings and euphoria coming from the after effects of their lovemaking had worn off. He was concerned that Arya might not feel the same way, but prayed that wouldn't be the case.

"What…did we just do?" Arya gasped breathlessly.

Gendry turned his head to look at her, confused. "Uh, we made love Arya."

She shook her head. "I know that stupid, I mean…It's just, I thought it would be…"

She trailed off, uncertainly and Gendry began to feel worried.

"What?"

"Painful." She replied. "Isn't the first time supposed to hurt?"

Gendry sighed. "I don't know…I can tell you a secret though."

"Yeah?" She asked.

He smiled and then admitted. "It was my first time too."

Arya gaped at him and then laughed before finally giving into exhaustion. She laid her head on his chest and drifted off to sleep. While still having concerns about the following morning, Gendry did the same.

End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.