Ages:
- Talisa, Willas – 25; Robb, Jon, Gendry, Meera – 23; Sansa – 22; Arya, Trystane – 20; Bran, Jojen, Myrcella – 19; Rickon – 15
MEERA
It was their fifth and final year in ATU. Things had gotten a little busy, but Meera was still able to manage her time well. Besides doing her thesis with Rylene Florent, she had also risen up the ranks of the Kappa Phi Sigma Sorority Council. With Arianne Martell elected as chapter president for the school year, she appointed Meera and the two Stark girls, Arya and Sansa, as her three trusted lieutenants, which Mrs. Whent found nostalgic. She doesn't blame her though, since all three of them looked too much like their Moms and Aunt.
Another thing that was new, was more people to hang-out with. Now, there were four Starks, three Baratheons and two Reeds in Dragonstone Island. And also, more people to look after. Besides her brother Jojen, Gendry had asked her to look after his sister, Myrcella, just as Robb did for his sisters, since they all lived under the same roof.
Myrcella Baratheon was an Eta Chi Zeta legacy, since her Mom, Cersei was in Eta Chi Zeta in the University of Lannisport chapter. But she refused to pledge to that sorority because she didn't want to be away from them. Especially since it's Kappa Phi Sigma rival sorority. She didn't mind the treasure hunting initiation. In fact, Myrcella was the first to find the missing artifact, which of course, guaranteed her a place in Kappa Phi Sigma.
One afternoon, she, Robb and Gendry hung out after football and archery practice at Balerion Café.
The previous year, Robb's arm had been in a plaster cast for four months. He then underwent physical therapy for another four months, and now he was back to playing football. But he insisted on taking the train from Crackclaw Point to King's Landing for his check-ups and therapies instead of his sister Arya driving him there, and neither of them knew the reason why.
Suddenly, Gendry surprised her with a question. "Meera," He said. "You're still friends with Arianne Martell, right?" He asked.
"Duh, of course," Meera shrugged like it was obvious. "She's my roommate, why?"
"Well, Myrcella's auditioning for the female lead in this university production play, Grease," He started to say. "And since she got a callback from the production team, they assigned some guy auditioning for the male lead to pair off with her."
"So, what's Arianne got to do with this?" She asked.
"The dude's name is Trystane Martell," Robb blurted out. "Do you know him?"
"Trystane's being paired off with Myrcella?" Meera repeated. "Hmm, maybe I'll buy tickets for that."
Meera had met Arianne's younger brother, Trystane when he came into the chapter house looking for his sister for some sort of emergency about their Dad.
"Whatever." Gendry said. "Do you know him?" He asked.
"Yeah," She said. "Well, not really. But yes, he's Arianne's younger brother." She confirmed.
Gendry leaned on closer from across the table. "What's this guy like?" He asked. "And is he living on the Greek Row?"
Meera frowned. "He's a Business Management Major. He always carries around a guitar and can definitely sing. And yes, he lives in the Greek Row. He's a member of your rival fraternity on campus."
"He's in Gamma Delta?" Robb huffed. "That's a bummer."
"Yeah, just like your d-bag of a boyfriend, Reed." Gendry pointed out.
"Ex-boyfriend," She corrected. "We broke up ages ago, Baratheon. Let it go."
Gendry raised his hands in surrender. "Anyways, how old is this Trystane guy?" He asked.
Meera shrugged. "He's just about…Arya's age." She said. She had meant to say your girlfriend's age, but then she remembered Robb was with them. Thankfully, she hadn't said that out loud. "Okay, what is up with you today?" She asked. "Why are you so intent on knowing details about Trystane Martell?"
"He's just worried about his little sister, Meera." Robb said. "You wouldn't understand because you don't have a sister."
"And thank the gods I don't." Meera said. She remembered when Robb broke his arm during a football match last year, where she had been in the most depressing one-hour ride from Dragonstone to King's Landing, with Arya and Sansa constantly yelling at each other.
"Anyways," Robb continued. "It's called brotherly love, Reed." He pointed out. "I have two sisters. I should know that."
"Well, you know what I think it is?" Meera said. "Overprotectiveness." She turned to Gendry. "Myrcella's a tough girl, she's gonna be fine."
Robb stood from his seat. "Alright, I'm ordering our usual." He said. "Anything besides the usual?" He asked.
"I think you know, Stark." She said.
Robb nodded. "Brownies, got it." He smiled. "It never gets old."
Just as Robb was out of earshot, Meera scooted closer to Gendry, who looked like he had a lot of things in his mind at the moment. "Hey," She said. "Is that what's really bothering you?"
"One of the things." He answered.
"What are the other things?" She asked.
Gendry took a deep breath. "It's like for the first time, I can put myself in Robb's shoes." He said. "He's had a few younger siblings to look after, which was way different in my case. Growing up in the Red Keep, I didn't have to worry about my brothers and sister. We had workers doing things for us, and White Cloaks looking after us all the time. In here, there's none of that."
"Isn't that what you've always wanted?" She said, recalling his complaints while they were camping at Great Barrowton.
"For me, yes." Gendry admitted. "For my little brothers and sister, no. I somehow understood why he's so protective of them, you know. I mean, you are with your brother too. But not so much, since he's not much of a troublemaker. You know Robb had this meltdown thing, when he's worried and yells at everyone to shut up, right?"
Meera nodded. "Yep, he went at it again when Arya went missing." She pointed out.
"Joffrey doesn't give a shit about anything." Gendry continued. "But if you butt into whatever he's doing, he'd just tell you to fuck off. I'm fine with that. The guy can do things on his own. But Myrcella isn't like that. Sure, she's got Jojen and Bran but she isn't use to doing stuff on her own. She's prim and proper and our Mom made sure of that. And then I hear there's this guy, Trystane—"
"It's a production play." Meera reminded. "And Trystane's a nice guy."
"Yeah, but what if he asks her out?" Gendry brought up. "What if he forces her to do…stuff?"
Meera made a tsk sound. "She's the President's daughter. No one would dare to mistreat her." She assured. "And I sort of, see your point now. You're starting to sound like Robb too."
"There, see?" Gendry said. "And I'm adding to it, you know."
Meera frowned. "What do you mean?" She asked.
"I'm dating his sister," He blurted out. "But he doesn't know about it. And I'm pretty sure he's gonna punch me in the face or shove me to a wall or something when he finds out."
That, Meera could also relate to. She'd been making out with Bran a lot without either of them knowing about it. She was sure it's going to be a clash of arguments and fists, especially since it's in the doing things with a bestfriend's sibling and/or sibling's bestfriend category.
"I feel like I betrayed him." Gendry continued. "I mean, no one else know about Arya and I but you and Jon but—"
Meera nearly choked. "Hold up, what?" She interrupted. "Jon knew about you and Arya? Since when? And how?" She asked.
"Since the time Robb broke his arm." He blurted out. "He got it out of me. Jon was suspicious on why I called Arya, and he asked if I actually called you five times." He explained. "He wanted to punch me, of course, but Arya stood in his way. And she made him promise not to tell anyone about us, and that you were the only other person who knew about it."
"Well, great." She cussed. "Now Robb's gonna kill all three of us."
"Hey, I wanted to tell Robb." He admitted. "I've always wanted to."
"Then why didn't you?"
"Because I promised Arya I wouldn't tell anyone." He said. "Especially Robb."
Meera remembered what Arya and Bran had said about Jon. He has good deduction, Arya had said. She even compared her to him when she found out Arya was about to do something to Kyra Frey. He pays attention to tiny details. Bran had also mentioned. He'll connect the dots and get to the bottom of things, one way or another.
Robb came back with a tray with their drinks. "Sorry, it took so long." He apologized. "One of the espresso machines broke down."
Gendry sighed as he took his frappé from the tray. "Anyways," He said. "What time does your archery practice end tomorrow?"
"4pm, why?" She asked.
"Good." Gendry said. "Because you're both coming with me."
"Where are we going?" Robb asked.
"I want to meet this Trystane guy."
"What—Oh my gods." Meera said. "Are you kidding me? You really are starting to act like Robb."
Robb frowned at her. "What the fuck, Meera?"
"What I'm saying is," She started to say. "You both underestimate your sisters too much. You have no idea what they're capable of doing, especially Arya."
"Arya can handle shit." Robb said. "And seeing she's rejected every guy who's asked her out, I don't think she's gonna be dating anytime soon."
Meera made quick glance at Gendry and quickly looked away. "Right."
. . .
The following day, Meera attended archery practice after her classes in the Archery Range. She had a schedule worked out about her extracurriculars. On Tuesdays and Thursday, she had Archery; and on Wednesdays and Fridays it's Fencing.
The Archery Range was just across the Blackfyre Stadium, an open field with distance markers each with targets and watchers' stands on the sides.
Now, Meera took up her stance, notching an arrow in the bow and aimed for one of the targets on the hundred-yard mark. She was aware that everyone watched and waited for her shoot. Even their Archery Instructor, Jalabhar Xho, hailing from the Summer Isles south of Westeros, often asked her to show off her skills before the new recruits and those who wanted to join the team.
Meera assumed that it was her gift of accuracy, as what her Dad puts it, that helped her hit the bull's-eye on the targets everytime. And she had once scored a touchdown on the football field's goal post, which caused Barristan Selmy, coach of the football team, to recruit her to be the team's kicker.
She took a deep breath and let the arrow lose, which flew through the air and hit the target with a thud. It became her eleventh arrow hitting the bull's-eye for the day, and it also gained applause from her fellow teammates and people on the stands.
"Meera," Someone behind her called.
She turned and saw Bran Stark, Robb's younger brother and Jojen's bestfriend. Besides, Robb and Arya, Bran was the closest of the Starks to her, and not only because they occasionally make out at times, but they were also each other's confidant. Bran would tell her stuff and asks for her advice on what to do, and she does the same with him.
Bran was also the newest member of the Archery team, being the only one among the dozens who tried out to make the team. He stood before her, with a bow held on one hand and his other hand on his belt quiver which still had a few arrows left.
"I need to go." He said. "I sort of, promised Myrcella I would be at her callbacks. Jojen and I both did for, you know, moral support and all."
"And let me guess," Meera interrupted. "You want me to cover for you from Mr. Xho?" She guessed.
Bran shrugged. "Please." He pleaded.
Meera sighed. "Fine."
They both walked back towards the benches. Bran started to pack-up and be ready to go when suddenly his sister, Arya came to meet them, with her fencing sword bag slung on her shoulder.
"Hey guys," Arya greeted, then frowned at her brother. "Bran, what are you doing here?" She asked.
"What am I doing here?" Bran repeated his sister's question. "It's archery practice. Duh!" He said like it was obvious. "What are you doing here?"
"Um, just…visiting." Arya said. "And you're in the Archery team now?" She asked.
Meera answered for him. "Bran's the newest addition to the team." She explained. "Well, actually, he's the only addition. Mr. Xho's qualifications for new members have gotten higher every year."
Bran cleared his throat. "Anyways, I gotta run." He said, shouldering his archery bow bag. "See you around." He waved as he left.
Meera turned to Arya. "So, what are you really doing here?" She asked.
Arya shrugged. "Gendry texted me to come see you after Fencing practice." She said. "I don't know why, though."
Just then, Meera felt her phone vibrating from her pocket. She took off the leather archery training gauntlet on her right arm and reached for her phone. She swiped it to unlock and it revealed a message from Gendry.
"Well, what do you know," Meera said as she showed Arya her phone. "Right on time. Hopefully, it's an explanation."
Gendry B.; 15:53
Look up to your right.
Both she and Arya did. Sure enough, Gendry and Robb were up in the stands waving at them.
"Oh, boy." Meera said. "What in seven hells does your boyfriend want now?" She asked.
Arya shook her head. "I have no idea." She said. "But if Robb asks why I'm here, I'm counting on you to come up with an excuse. Like, we're having coffee or burgers or something."
"I'm going with burgers." Meera agreed.
Just as they were being dismissed for the day, Gendry and Robb approached them. Sure enough, Robb was surprised to see his sister.
"Arya?" Robb frowned. "What are you doing here?" He asked.
"We were supposed to get burgers at Driftmark." Meera said, pointedly glaring at Gendry. "Now tell me, what the fuck are you both doing here?" She demanded.
"Well, Meera ,you're my bestfriend." Gendry said. "You and Robb both. So, I need you both to come with me." He glanced at Arya. "And um, since Arya's already here, maybe you can go get burgers after."
What Gendry didn't say, is that he needed his girlfriend, Arya too. But he couldn't say that in front of Robb.
"After what?" Meera asked. "Where are we going?"
"You'll see." Gendry said as they walked towards the parking lot.
All four of them hopped into Gendry's pick-up and he drove them to the University Auditorium.
"Seven hells, Gendry." Robb said. "You could've mentioned this earlier."
"If I did, none of you will come with me." Gendry pointed out.
"So, you're really going with the whole Trystane thing." Meera said. "You could've just asked Myrcella about him."
"Wait, Trystane Martell?" Arya asked. "Like, Arianne Martell's younger brother?"
Gendry frowned at her. "You know him?" He asked.
Arya nodded. "Yeah, I sat next to him in that minor course, History of Westeros during freshmen year. Since your uncle Renly had our seats arranged in alphabetical order." She said. "Anyways, Trystane seems cool. He's a Business Management major but he often hangs out with Music majors in the Art Quad."
"Okay, you know what?" Meera spoke up. "Let's just go inside and get this over with."
All four of them went up the steps to the Auditorium. The seats were mostly empty, except for the first three rows, where about twenty people sat in groups of three or more.
"Wow," Robb spoke up as they walked on one of the aisles on the second tier. "I haven't been in here since freshmen orientation."
"Yeah, same." Gendry agreed. "I mean, that's what this building is used for, right? Besides seminars, miting de avances and production plays."
"Well, regardless of that," Meera said. "I heard they flash out photos of athletes during orientation in hopes of getting new recruits in the ATU sports team."
"Really?" Arya asked. "That's new. There wasn't any of that last year."
"Hmm," Robb said. "And I'm pretty sure all four of us made it to that slideshow of athletes."
"You're right again, Stark." Meera confirmed.
"How do you even know that?" Gendry asked.
Meera turned to him. "That's what my brother told me." She said. "And he also said that Bran yelled at someone to shut up for calling the 'red-haired cheerleading captain'," She quoted her fingers in the air. "Smoking hot."
They stopped by the rails that separated the second tier and the grand tier. Meera stood between Gendry and Arya, and Robb stood beside Gendry.
"Alright, people," A blond girl said, pacing the stage, holding clipboard in her hands. "Let's get to business."
Desmera Redwyne, she thought. Meera remembered her since she sat next to her in Westerosi History class back in freshman year. Well, technically, she sat between Desmera and Robb. Redwyne, Reed, Stark…you get the idea. Professor Renly Baratheon liked things organized.
"Hey, look Robb," Gendry teased. "It's Desmera."
"Fuck off, Baratheon!" Robb answered. "That was a few years ago."
Meera remembered Gendry telling her that Desmera was Robb's first…encounter. And he told her that during football tryouts. Robb was both embarrassed and angry at that time.
"Come on, Gendry," Meera said, nudging him. "Let it go. He's got eyes on that doctor now."
"What the fuck?" Robb exclaimed. "Really, Meera?"
"Doctor?" Arya repeated, turning to her brother. "The one who casted your arm? Oh my gods, Robb!" She squealed. "What was her name again? Um—?"
"It's Talisa." Robb blurted out. "And…" He looked like he wanted to say more in Talisa's defense but apparently, he noticed them giving him teasing looks. He sighed in exasperation. "Okay, since when did this become about me?"
"Would you guys just shut the fuck up?" Meera spoke up. "And focus on what we're here for? Thank you."
They all kept quiet and continued to watch whatever's happening on the stage.
Below the stage, was a table with two people sitting on it. Meera figured they must be the directors of the production play.
Gendry's sister, Myrcella was standing on one side of the stage beside a tall guy with dark curly hair. Trystane Martell, Arianne's younger brother. Another pair stood on the other side, which she figured were their competition for the lead roles.
"You guys killed your auditions." Desmera continued. "But there can only be one Sandy and one Danny."
"The heart of Grease is a Sandy-Danny romance." A young man on the table spoke up. "This callback is all about the chemistry. We wanna see how you play off each other and how you sing and dance together. That's why we gave you the audition song ahead of time."
Desmera cleared her throat. "So in regards to finding the right people who will play Sandy and Danny, we're asking our newly casted Rizzo and Kenickie to please show them how it's done." She turned to one group on the front row. "Martell, Swann, come on up."
Sure enough, Arianne Martell and Clifford Swann climbed up the stage.
Gendry frowned at her. "Arianne's in the production play as well?" He asked.
"The Martell siblings were exposed to the theater arts growing up." Meera explained.
"How do you know that?"
"Arianne's been my roommate since freshmen year." Meera said. "You think I wouldn't know?"
"Well," Arya spoke up. "That explains why there are flyers about the play in the chapter house."
Arianne walked to the center of the stage. "Also, Desmera," She told Desmera. "I'd like to point out that there are two Martells on this stage right now. So if I were you, I'd stick to first names." She pointed at Trystane. "He's my little brother."
Desmera frowned and scanned the papers on her clipboard. "Oh, well," She said, turning back to Arianne. "Arianne, Clifford, the stage is yours."
Arianne smiled as she turned to the band. "Hit it!"
The band started playing and the song began as Arianne walks around the auditionees and gestured for them to start clapping.
Arianne and Clifford led them with the dance and vocals. The dance involved a complicated pattern of hand moves and claps at various parts of the body, which included thigh slapping, cross-wrist slapping, fist pounding, hand clapping and hitch hike moves. In other words, a Hand Jive.
"How are they pulling that off?" Arya spoke up. "I couldn't do that. It's too fast."
"They're performers, baby sister." Robb said.
Once the song was over, people on the front row seats cheered and clapped their hands. On the front row, Meera could see Bran and Jojen and even Sansa cheering. Gendry, on the other hand, cheered loudly which made almost everyone turn to him.
"Yeah!" Gendry cried. "That's what I'm talking about little sister!"
Beside her, Arya wrinkled her nose, trying not to snicker. "Oh, wow," She said. "That's very…charming."
"Great job, guys!" Desmera yelled. "We'll post the final cast on the bulletin boards tomorrow."
Myrcella came down from the stage as Meera, Gendry, Robb and Arya walked towards where Sansa, Bran and Jojen were.
"That was great, sis!" Gendry grinned at his sister as he gave her a fist bump. "You killed it."
"Thanks, big bro," Myrcella said. "I'm so glad you came. I asked Joffrey to come too but apparently he's too busy with whatever in seven hells he's doing."
"Yeah, well," Meera snorted. "And he had to drag us all here." She said. "But regardless, you were awesome, Myrcella."
"Thanks, Meera." Myrcella smiled.
"I'm pretty sure she's gonna get the part." Arianne spoke up as she walked towards them with Trystane behind her.
"You did great, Martell." Sansa said as she gave Arianne a side hug.
Robb frowned at his sister. "Sansa, what are you doing here?" He asked. "I mean, I get why Bran and Jojen are here. But you?"
Sansa looked offended, but it was Arianne who spoke up for her. "I invited her here." She explained. "After all, she's one of my three lieutenants. And Meera and Arya were on Archery and Fencing practice so, you know."
Gendry narrowed his eyes on Trystane. "So, you're—"
"Oh, Trystane Martell." Trystane introduced himself, holding his hand for a shake. "And you're Gendry Baratheon." He said.
Gendry nodded and shook Trystane's hand. "Pleased to meet you." He stared at Trystane like he was about to beat him up. And his sneer obviously intimidated Arianne's brother.
Meera was about the tell him off, but Myrcella beat him to it. She nudged her older brother. "You're scaring him." She remarked, turning back to Trystane. "I'm sorry about this. Sometimes my brother can be…overprotective."
"Well," Arianne said. "Trystane's a good kid. You have nothing to worry about, Gendry." She winked and then grinned at him.
At that, Meera heard a soft huff beside her. She turned and noticed Arya gripping one of the seat's backrest with a murderous look on her face.
Oh, shit! Meera thought. Arya's mad that someone's flirting with her boyfriend. Obviously, it was up to her to ease the tension. "Um, how about we go on and get burgers in Driftmark to you know, celebrate." She suggested.
"That'll be great," Jojen spoke up. "Because I'm starving."
Afterwards, all ten of them, two Baratheons, two Martells, two Reeds, and four Starks, all headed to the Brynden's Burgers branch in Driftmark. The whole time they were there, Meera made sure Arianne sat away from Gendry or all seven hells will break loose.
They returned to the Greek Row at around six in the evening. Arianne and Meera went back to their routine. Arianne, being the chapter president, was busy with her laptop, probably either planning for an event or managing the budget of the sorority for the month. Meera, on the other hand, was finalizing the draft Rylene Florent had written for their thesis.
At around eight in the evening, her phone buzzed. She checked it out and it turned out to be a text message from Robb.
Robb S.; 20:01
I'm at the porch. I need your help with something. Please hurry!
Instinctively, Meera got up and ran out of the room. As she passed the foyer, she caught a glimpse of the living room. Mrs. Whent was talking to someone, a dark-haired woman, in which she assumed it was probably one the girls' mothers.
Meera got out of the house onto the porch. Robb stood, leaning on the porch's wooden rail.
"Hey," Meera greeted. "What is it? What's wrong?" She asked.
Robb held his palms up. "Meera, relax," He said. "Nothing's wrong. I only texted you that so you would come down immediately."
Meera punched him on his arm. "Seven hells, Stark!" She said. "So what are you here for, then?" She asked.
"Well, I came to tell you that you and Gendry were right," Robb said. "And I was wrong. You win."
She frowned. "I win what?" She asked.
Robb stepped aside and gestured to something on the wooden lounge chair on the porch. It was a large box of pizza.
Then it hit her. Robb promised both her and Gendry a large pizza when he gets himself a girlfriend before they all graduate. Meera's jaw dropped as she turned back to him. "Holy shit!" She said. "You have a girlfriend now?" She asked in disbelief.
Robb nodded. "And now, here's my price of the bargain since you proved me wrong." He said. "A thirty-six inched pizza with overload toppings, as promised."
"Wait, wait," She held her hands. "It's the doctor, right?" She guessed. "The one who casted your arm?"
Robb looked down, his face turning red. "Resident doctor," He corrected. "And her name's Talisa. In case you forgot."
"Oh my gods!" She squealed. "Finally! I'm so happy, Robb, seriously." She said, clapping her hands. "So, is this why you prefer going to King's Landing by taking the train instead of Arya driving you there? Because you take her out on dates or something?" She asked.
"Don't tell my sisters that." Robb urged.
"Ha!" Meera said. "I knew it! I knew something was up. Because who in seven hells would refuse a car ride? Unless you're hiding something and you were."
"Okay, you know what," Robb said as he took the box of pizza with both his hands, since it was huge. "Open the door."
Meera had to open both of the main doors for the pizza to fit inside the house without having to turn it sideways. "You know, you're right on time getting us this pizza," She said, as she led him into the kitchen, which was connected to the dining hall. "Because I think probably half the girls in this house are eating dinner right now."
"Well, good," Robb said as he followed her in. "That means you'll have a lot of help consuming all of this pizza. The guys in the frat house are at it with Gendry's pizza. And he told everyone in there why I brought pizza. Even our House Dad, Mr. Harlan Grandison, gave me a high-five."
About fifteen girls were in the dining hall, including Robb's sisters, Arya and Sansa, and also Gendry's sister, Myrcella, when Robb brought in the pizza.
"Girls," Meera spoke up, loud enough for everyone to here. "We have a pizza delivery."
Robb placed the box on the kitchen island counter and opened the box. Sure enough, it was a thirty-six inched pizza with overload toppings sliced in squares.
"Whoa!" Arya exclaimed. "You bought pizza? Awesome!" She said as she took the first slice.
The other girls followed and took slices from the box and placed them on their plates.
"Oh, also," Meera spoke up again. "Tell your roommates who aren't here right now." She suggested. "Because there's no way we're consuming this on our own."
Robb turned to her. "Why aren't you eating yet?" He asked.
"I will," Meera said as she took a plate from the china cabinet. "But I have to sort out the meat on it first." She then took three slices to her plate.
"So, why did you buy pizza, exactly?" Arya asked she took a bite from a slice. "Is this some sort of celebration? Did someone win something?"
Robb shrugged. "I guess you can say that, baby sister."
"Actually," Meera said. "It's the prize your brother has to give me for losing the bet."
"Really?" Sansa spoke up as she took two slices to her plate. "What bet?" She asked.
Robb turned to her for help.
"Oh, seven hells, no!" Meera countered as she separated the meat from the pizza on her plate. "I'm not explaining it to your sisters. You do that yourself."
"Godsdammit, Reed!" Robb took a deep breath. "Alright, I swore to myself—"
"Nah," Meera interrupted. "You swore to me and Gendry." She corrected as she took a bite from her slice of pizza.
Robb glared at her, then continued. "Whatever." He said. "I swore that I'm never gonna find a girlfriend while studying college." He explained. "Meera and Gendry told me that it's bullshit—"
"It's definitely bullshit." Arya agreed. "Because remember Jeyne Westerling?" She asked, turning to Sansa.
"Yeah," Sansa nodded, turning to Robb. "You forced us to befriend her."
"Anyways," Robb continued. "They both said that I'll eventually break that promise. So, the three of us made a pact. That I'd buy each of them a thirty-six inch diameter pizza if I break that pact."
Arya and Sansa were stunned. Both girls turned to Meera for confirmation and she nodded.
"Nice." Arya said, taking another slice. "I like this pact."
"Wait, wait," Sansa leaned on the kitchen island counter. "So, who's your girlfriend?" She asked with a smirk. "I wanna meet her." She insisted.
"We've already met her, Sansa." Meera pointed out. "Remember when he broke his arm during that game last year?" She asked.
"Oh my gods!" Arya exclaimed. "It's that doctor, isn't it?" She guessed. "I knew it!"
"Resident doctor, Arya." Robb corrected. "She's on her final year of medical residency at KLMC." He sighed. "And her name is Talisa."
"Hmm," Arya scoffed. "No wonder why you insisted on going to the capital yourself when you have check-ups and physical therapies."
Meera nearly choked. "Ha!" She said. "See? Even Arya's wondering about that." She chuckled. "You should be more discreet, you know."
"Dr. Maegyr?" Sansa frowned. "Isn't she a little old for you?" She asked.
"Wow!" Robb exclaimed, slowly clapping his hands. "Look who's talking. You have no right to tell me that, little sister." He said. "Willas is older than you." He reminded her. "He's even older than me."
"He's two years older than you." Sansa specified.
"So is Talisa." Robb pointed out.
"You know," Meera spoke up. "It's the one thing I've noticed between you Starks," She said. "Is that you're attracted to people older than you." She made a tsk sound. "I'm just saying. There's Robb and Talisa, Sansa and Willas, and Rickon and Shireen."
Meera had meant to include Arya and Gendry as well, but she didn't say that out loud. Robb and Sansa shouldn't know about that. Not yet, anyway.
"I mean," Meera continued. "That's leaves you with Arya and Bran but," She shrugged. "You get my point?"
Robb shrugged. "Rickon and Shireen are the same age." He said. "And they're not technically dating yet so—"
"Well," Sansa said. "Shireen is three months older that Rickon. So, technically, she's right."
Someone cleared their throat from behind. They all turned and saw Sylva Santagar, Myrcella's roommate on the archway separating the dining hall and kitchen from the foyer.
"Um, Meera," Sylva said. "Mrs. Whent called for you in the living room. She said it's important."
"Okay," Meera said, putting down her plate on the kitchen island counter. "I'll be there."
"I gotta go too." Robb said. "I have to face the guys in the frat house. And hopefully, I'll survive Bran's teasing for tonight."
"Good luck, big brother." Arya said. "Trust me, you'll need it."
Meera walked towards the living room, and there were four people in the room. She recognized two of them. One was Mrs. Shella Whent, their house Mom, and other was Trystane Martell, Arianne's younger brother. She didn't recognize the other two people though. One is a woman in a black pinstriped pantsuit, and sitting next to her was a stocky guy who was no doubt, could've been the woman's son.
"Ah, Meera," Mrs. Whent said, turning to the woman and her son. "This is Meera Reed," She introduced. "Arianne's roommate."
"Um, hi." Meera said, not knowing what else to say.
"Meera," Trystane stood and gestured to the stocky guy. "This is my brother, Quentyn."
"Oh, hi." Meera shook his hand. "I finally got to meet you." She said. "Arianne constantly talks about her brothers."
Meera could see that the only resemblance the three Martell siblings all share were their olive skin. Arianne and Trystane had their Dad's curly black hair. Quentyn had their Mom's straight brown hair and hazel eyes. Trystane also had their Mom's eyes.
"Well, I'm mostly in Norvos." Quentyn explained. "But I do come here in Westeros from time to time."
"And this is our Mom," Trystane said, gesturing to the woman in the pinstriped pantsuit. "Mellario."
"Hello Meera," Mellario stood and offered her hand for a shake. "Please, call me Mel."
Meera shook her hand. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Ms. Mel."
"Meera, would you be kind to please inform Arianne that her family's here?" Mrs. Whent said.
Meera nodded and excused herself out of the room. Just as she was about to go upstairs, Trystane called after her.
"Meera," He said. "I sort of, need a favor from you." He sighed. "Please don't mention our Mom's here or Arianne won't come down."
Meera knew Arianne resented her Mom. Not just because their parents got divorced, but because her Mom had never bothered to show herself since she was eight. She sends them gifts from time to time, but that was it.
"Please." Trystane pleaded. "Just tell her Quentyn's here."
She understood and nodded. "I won't."
Trystane thanked her and Meera ran upstairs to hers and Arianne's room.
Arianne was still very much glued to her laptop on her study desk. Her hair was tied into a bun. She was sitting on her swivel chair, her hand on a computer mouse as she focused on her laptop screen, her other hand on a piece of paper with a scribbled line graph on it.
"Hey," Meera said as she approached her. "Could you chill out? You look like you wanna murder someone with that computer mouse."
"It's the sorority's monthly budget." Arianne replied, waving the piece of paper she was holding. "I had to print this out and report it to Mrs. Whent tomorrow."
"Are you sure you don't need any help?" Meera asked.
"No, I'm good." Arianne assured. "You know, being in our fifth year gets you into this pressure." She said. "I mean, besides school stuff, I still got rehearsals for the play and chapter meetings." She sighed. "And who knew being the chapter president could be so stressful?"
"But you handled it well," Meera said. "Which is a good thing. You said so yourself, it's both a privilege and a responsibility."
Arianne shrugged. "I guess," She said. "But it's mostly a responsibility."
"Oh, another thing," Meera said. "Mrs. Whent told me to get you downstairs. Your brother's here."
Arianne grunted. "Great," She complained. "What does Trystane want now?"
"I wasn't talking about Trystane." She said, smiling.
Arianne frowned at first, then her eyes widened. "Oh my gods!" She squealed. "I have to go meet him." She said as she stood, undoing her hair bun and hurriedly ran towards the door.
"There's also pizza in the kitchen." Meera added.
Arianne stopped at her tracks and turned back to her. "You bought pizza?" She asked.
"Actually, Robb did." Meera corrected. "It's because of a bet I won against him."
"Oh, okay." Arianne nodded. "I'll have slices later."
Meera sighed. She didn't know how Arianne's going to take it with her Mom downstairs. Trystane had pleaded her not to mention their Mom being there or she won't come down.
She went back to kitchen to finish her pizza, but she could feel the tension in the different room. Meera was sitting on one of the island counter's barstools, when Sansa approached her.
"Hey, Meera" Sansa said as she took another slice of pizza from the box. "Who's that woman talking to Arianne in the living room?" She asked.
"That's her Mom."
Sansa's eyes widened. "But isn't she—?"
"Yeah, I know." Meera interrupted. "I don't know how she's taking it right now."
As her three lieutenants, Meera, Sansa and Arya knew Arianne hadn't seen her Mom in fifteen years. So, of course, they knew she had a restrained relationship with her mother.
Most of the girls were finishing off their pizzas, others were doing the dishes when Mrs. Whent walked into the kitchen and she was surprised to see that many girls in the dining hall.
"You girls seemed to be having a mini-party in here." Mrs. Whent said.
"There's pizza if you want, Mrs. Whent." Sansa offered.
Their house Mom took a slice from the box. "You bought pizza?" She asked.
"It's a long story." Meera said.
Mrs. Whent then told both her and Sansa that it was up them to help Arianne with what she's going through. Her strained relationship with her estranged mother. Especially, Meera, since she was Arianne's roommate and she knows her better than anyone in this house.
"You can count on us, Mrs. Whent." Meera promised.
Their House Mom then went with the other girls who were leaving the dining hall.
"So," Sansa spoke up. "How does Arianne handle things when she's upset?" She asked.
"Better than me, actually." Meera admitted.
"You drink iced coffee when you are." Sansa brought up. "Well, at least that's what Robb said."
Meera chuckled. "Yeah, well, I got the idea from Jon." She said as she took another batch of slices from the box. "Anyways, Arianne usually does the silent treatment."
"The silent treatment is dangerous." Sansa pointed out.
Meera shrugged. "I've been Arianne's roommate since freshman year." She said as she separated the meat from the pizza on her plate. "I've gotten used to it. And don't worry, I'll deal with her." She assured.
A few moments later, Meera heard the voices of the Martells in the foyer and the main doors slamming close. She figured that reunion didn't go well at all.
Arianne trudged into the kitchen with a surprisingly calm expression on her face. She sat next to her, on another of the kitchen's barstools then faced her.
"Hey, I'm sorry if—" Meera started to apologize.
Arianne raised her hand. "It's fine." She assured. "Trystane explained to me why."
"How are you feeling?" She asked.
Arianne took a deep breath. "Like I wanna punch a wall and scream."
"Okay, don't do that." Meera said, pulling the box of pizza closer to Arianne. "Everyone's gonna say you're nuts. Just have a pizza." She offered.
"I just can't believe it!" Arianne said as took a slice of pizza from the box. "Fifteen years she hadn't showed herself. Fifteen years!" She sighed. "And now she shows up again like nothing happened. As if she never left. I mean, who the fuck does she think she is?"
"She's still your Mom, Arianne." She reminded her.
Arianne snorted. "She stopped being my Mom when she left." She said. "From that day, she was dead to me."
"Look, I don't know what happened between you two." Meera admitted. "But I can tell your Mom's a strong, independent woman, like you."
"Well," Arianne said. "Independent? I can't argue with that." She explained. "She was ambitious and so hungry to get back in the game that she tended to forget little things like her husband and three kids."
"That may be," Meera countered. "But she came here."
"She came here because my Dad told Quentyn to get me to meet her." Arianne said. "And make amends, he says." She quoted her fingers in the air.
"See?" Meera said. "She's reaching up to you. Don't you wanna forgive before it's too late?"
"Oh, I've forgiven." Arianne said. "It wasn't her fault. She never should've married and become a mother in the first place."
"She wouldn't be here if she hadn't regretted all the things she's done." Meera pointed out.
"Look, we're done talking about this, okay?" Arianne said. "It'll just stress me out. It's a stupid fucking idea, if you ask me."
"Arianne," She started to say.
Arianne took a deep breath. "Seriously, I've got more important things to worry—"
That's when she lost it. "My Mom died when I was four!" Meera blurted out.
Arianne was startled, because she had never raised her voice on her before.
"I grew up pretending I had one." Meera continued. "You said so yourself then, that we both have mommy issues. You and I aren't so different, you know. We both became the lady of the house when our Moms were gone. We both had to take care of our little brothers. But whatever she did to you and your brothers, your Mom's still here." She reminded her. "All you need to do is patch things up. Don't waste your chance, Arianne. You don't know how lucky you are."
Arianne sighed and put down her slice of pizza. "You're right, I'm sorry." She apologized. "So, since you're one of my lieutenants and my roommate, what do you propose I would do?" She asked.
Meera glanced at the kitchen's cork board, where a flyer of the production play, Grease, was pinned. She took it and placed it on the kitchen counter before Arianne. "Give this to your Mom." She suggested.
"But opening night's not until a month from now." Arianne said. "How are you even sure she'll show up?" She asked.
"Two of her three kids are on that play." Meera reminded her.
"But we don't even know if Trystane got the part."
"Just give it to her the next time she visits." Meera urged. "If she wants to patch things up with you and your brothers, she will be there. I'm sure of it."
BRAN
The last thing Bran expected to see at a college frat party, was his sister straddling on their brother's bestfriend's lap.
Freshmen year of college in Aegon Targaryen University had a lot of adjustments to do. Especially since, it meant his husky, Summer won't be sleeping at the foot of his bed and Bran wouldn't have an instant alarm clock with a wet lick across his face. And it also meant that their youngest brother, Rickon now had four huskies to look after.
Another part of it, was not having to wear those crimson blazers again. ATU had no uniforms, which he was happy about.
His brother Robb had also convinced him and Jojen to join the Alpha Theta Psi, the fraternity he and Gendry was in and their fathers before them. And since both he and Jojen had legacy advantage, all they had to do was say the oath and they're in. Now, he was living in the Greek Row and sharing the room with his brother Robb and their bestfriends, Gendry and Jojen.
The room they were sharing was an apartment-style room, which meant they had their own mini-kitchen; a living room with a couch, coffee table and a flatscreen TV, (Yes, Robert Baratheon got them a flatscreen TV in their room on Gendry's insistence.), and videogame consoles; and a private bathroom. They also had their own desks and wardrobes.
Gendry explained that Joffrey used to share the room with them. But in his own snobby way, he moved out just because he didn't like sharing the room with Robb ever since he and Sansa broke up.
As for his courses, most of them were minor and mandatory, since he was only a freshman, which meant they all have to take it one way or another. It included History of Westeros with Professor Renly Baratheon, which according to his older siblings, Prof Renly arranged their seats alphabetically and they weren't wrong. About a month into the term, he had never felt comfortable in Prof Renly's lectures because of that one afternoon in the Blackfyre Stadium locker rooms. Godsdammit! Bran thought.
He had also taken the time to join extracurriculars. Jojen suggested the Archery team since he pointed out that Bran can use his math skills, for a proper force and trajectory angle to hit a bulls-eye, and also because his sister Meera was already in the team.
But last Thursday, Bran had to leave practice early because the day before that Myrcella had made him and Jojen promise that they will be at her callbacks for the University production play Grease. He had to ask Meera to cover for him from Mr. Jalabhar Xho, their Archery instructor. He made it just in time though and sat between Jojen and his sister Sansa. He was surprised Sansa was there, but then she explained that Arianne Martell, the Kappa Phi Sigma sorority chapter president, invited her three lieutenants, namely: Sansa, Arya and Meera for the callbacks. But since Arya had Fencing and Meera had Archery only Sansa was able to make it, on time at least.
As it turned out, Myrcella's brother Gendry had dragged Robb and Meera, and also Arya for some reason, into the University Auditorium. No surprise there, they had always done that to each other since elementary school for moral support. But according to Robb, Gendry only came so he could meet Trystane Martell, also another potential for the play's lead, who happened to be Arianne's younger brother.
There was something he didn't understand about Arya's expression though, when Arianne unassumingly flirted with Gendry. Bran suspected Gendry having a thing for Arya ever since he drove her home on that stormy Friday two years ago. Arya looked like she wanted to murder Arianne just because she winked at him. Was she jealous? He thought. He will never know.
Also that very same day, Robb had bought two boxes of thirty-six inched pizza with overload toppings which was immediately feasted by the guys in the frat house. At first, he didn't understood why Robb bought pizza, but Gendry explained the whole thing to him that they made a pact way back in their freshman year. Robb had bought two boxes because the other box was for Meera.
It took him a while to figure out who Robb's girlfriend was. Until Gendry said, remember the time when he broke his arm? The resident doctor who casted Robb's arm in KLMC, Talisa Maegyr.
The following day, Myrcella squealed at the top of her lungs when she found out that she and Trystane got the lead parts in the production play.
Later that night, the Alpha Theta Psi fraternity hosted a party and everyone was invited. It was sort of, a regular occurrence in the Greek Row. Parties were held on Fridays and the weekends except on exam weeks.
Robb, being the Alpha Theta Psi chapter president was busy making rounds. It was a protocol in the Greek Council for the house dad/mom, chapter president and the three lieutenants to prevent anything stupid and ridiculous from happening. Robb's three lieutenants were Gendry, of course, Rycherd Crane, and Harald Karstark. He could see Rycherd by the pool, and Harald was on the front yard, Gendry was nowhere to be seen.
Being exposed to parties almost every weekend, Bran mostly tried avoiding people. Like people offering him a bottle of beer, girls trying to grind on him, and his frat brothers trying to make him do a ridiculous dare. There were always two options away from that: it was either he finds Meera or she finds him and they would find a quieter place, exchange a few words and then make out, without any of their friends knowing, of course; or go up to their room to either watch a movie, play videogames on the flatscreen, or head to bed early.
Bran went with the second option. He went back into the frat house and up to their room. He decided to crash early with music beats on, playing symphonies to mask the noisy loud music from the party.
When the swung the door open, the next thing he saw mortified him to the core.
Two people were on the couch. It wasn't just anyone. It was his sister Arya, straddling on Gendry's lap. And they were…kissing.
"What the fuck?" Bran exclaimed.
Apparently, they hadn't noticed him until he said a word. Their faces broke apart. Arya's head turned and saw him standing on the doorway.
Gendry snapped his arms back, pulling away from Arya, dropping her unsupported to the floor.
"What the fuck is this?" Bran demanded. "Do you two want me to leave? Because I feel compelled to point out that this is alsomy room." He said in a surprisingly calm tone of voice.
Gendry bent to see if Arya was okay but she leapt to her feet, not looking at him. She pulled her shirt down to fix it, face red, lips pressed tightly together, bravely meeting Bran's displeasure.
"Bran," Arya said, breathing heavy. "I can explain."
Bran had the urged to punch Gendry in the face right then, but decided against it since he was twice his size and Arya stood in his way.
"How the fuck are you even here?" He asked. "Girls aren't allowed up here."
Even with family visitation rights, Arya was only allowed up to the living room, dining hall, kitchen and study room. Those were the rules from the Greek Council and are followed by every fraternity and sorority all across Westeros.
Arya tried to explain as best as she can, that it had started when he drove her to Winterfell in that storm. And that they started going out when she went to college.
When she was done, he asked. "What did Robb had to say about this?"
Arya and Gendry exchanged wary looks.
"Nothing." Arya replied. "Because he doesn't know." She blurted out.
"What?" He shrieked. "You have got to be fucking kidding me."
"Don't tell him." Arya urged. "Please."
"And why not?" Bran argued. "He's our brother," He turned to Gendry. "And your bestfriend, Dude." He pointed out.
"Just don't." Arya insisted. "You know what happened with Joffrey and Sansa. The last time a Baratheon dated a Stark it didn't go well." She reminded him. "And you know how Robb reacted to that. The last thing he will know is finding out it's happening again."
"Seven hells." Bran muttered. "Does anyone else know about you guys?" He asked. "Because I don't believe that the whole thing with you and Gendry is a secret."
Arya sighed. "Well, Meera knew."
"And Jon." Gendry added.
"Well, they basically figured it out." Arya pointed out. "But please, just don't tell Robb. Or anyone for that matter."
He stood still staring at them, still processing everything that's happened.
Arya lost it when he didn't answer. "Alright," She said. "What is it that you want?" She asked.
At this point, Arya would've remembered something he did in the past to blackmail him for doing her bidding. She'd done it to Robb with the whole almost-drowning-at-Torrhen's Lake and to Rickon with their Mom's vase. But apparently, his sister had nothing against him.
Bran turned back to his sister. "You think I'm that kind of person?" He said. "The kind who would want something just to keep my mouth shut?"
Arya shrugged. "Everyone wants something, Bran." She reminded him. "And it always works with most people."
"Well, I'm not like most people, sis." Bran assured. "But for the sake of avoiding Robb throwing a tantrum about why his bestfriend dated his sister without his knowledge, I will keep my mouth shut."
"How will I know you won't sell us out?" She asked.
"You've seen Robb with his outburst." Bran said. "I'm pretty sure you don't wanna see it again. My lips are sealed." He promised, then turned to Gendry. "And if you hurt my sister, Baratheon, I will smother you with your own pillow in your sleep." He threatened.
"Duly noted." Gendry said.
Bran turned his back on them and started heading out the door.
"Where are you going?" Arya asked.
"Suddenly, I'm not that tired." Bran said without looking back.
He did not see that coming. Bran was so lost in thought as he walked out of the house, he hadn't noticed that bumped into Meera.
"Hey, Brannikins," Meera grinned, holding a red beer cup in hand. She seemed to notice the disturbed look on his face because she frowned. "Is there a problem?" She asked. "Are you okay?"
Bran just stared at her, not knowing what to say.
"I'll take that as a no." Meera said. She then placed her cup on rail and hooked her arm through his. "Come on, you have to tell me."
Meera dragged him out of the frat house and they started strolling along the Greek Row.
"Come on," She started to say. "What's bothering you?"
At first, Bran hesitated. But then he remembered Arya mentioning that Meera and Jon knew about them too. And he trusts Meera, so he vented to her.
"Well," Bran said. "They told me you knew about it too. So, I guess I can talk to you about it."
"I knew about what?" She asked.
"About Arya and Gendry." He blurted out.
Meera stopped at her tracks and turned to him in surprise.
"Well, I sort of, walked in on them," Bran admitted. "Making out."
"You what?" She exclaimed. "Oh my gods! They're terrible at being discreet about this. First Jon and now you." She sighed. "You should've gotten used to it by now, you know. Walking in on people in the middle of doing something is sort of a normal occurrence here in the Greek Row, especially in parties. And trust me, I've lost count on how many times I walked in on someone.
They made their way to the Kappa Phi Sigma chapter house since it was quieter. Meera sat on the steps before the porch.
"Oh, I have gotten used to it," Bran said as he sat beside her. "I just didn't expect to catch my sister and my brother's bestfriend in our room! Like what the fuck?" He sighed. "I was like, not again. Why does this keep happening to me? Am I cursed now?"
"Wait, again?" Meera asked. "What do you mean?"
Bran took a deep breath. "Well, there was this time I was looking for Robb in the stadium." He recalled. "He wasn't on the field, so I went to the locker rooms and…" He faltered.
"And what?" She said anxiously.
"I saw Professor Baratheon and Loras Tyrell in each others' arms and…" Bran flinched, he could still picture what had happened in his head. "Ugh, I can't even say it."
Meera's jaw dropped. "I mean, I knew Loras plays for the other team," She said. "Since we were in the Fencing team together. But Renly? And considering he's a History professor. All those years I'd seen him on the stadium, I just figured he'd go there to visit Gendry and watch his nephew play or something."
"Yeah, and it was that incident," Bran said. "That I consider myself scarred for life. And just thirty minutes ago, I saw my sister, Arya with Gendry." He sighed in exasperation. "I mean, who's next? Probably Rickon or, or one of my cousins?"
"Speaking of cousins," She said. "Where's Jon?" She asked. "Isn't his vacation days Thursdays and Fridays? He hasn't gone here for two weeks now, why is that?"
"Well, Robb said Jon's arranging to reschedule his vacation days from Thursdays and Fridays to Saturdays and Sundays now." Bran explained. "But apparently, he said that WMA is a little bit slow on the paper works. But Jon said he'd be here next week so I'm guessing that's fixed." She sighed in exasperation. "Ugh, I still can't get the whole making-out image out of my head!"
"Bran, you're overreacting." Meera said. "Or are you forgetting that we do it too."
Bran turned to her, and she had a mischievous smirk on her face.
"Yeah," Bran shrugged. "But unlike them, we're the experts in stealth and discreetness. Neither of our siblings and friends is aware of it."
"Well, except that one time with the hospital janitor." Meera recalled.
Bran chuckled. "He doesn't count." He said. "We don't know him, and he doesn't know us."
Then without knowing, they found their faces leaning in to each other. Not long after that, their lips touched. With her lips opening under his, Bran forgot everything that bothered him earlier that evening.
Meera smiled into the kiss as his hand rose to her neck and his other hand brushing over her face. But just as he was getting into it, Meera pulled away.
"What?" Bran asked, out of breath.
"This won't be a secret if we stay here." She said as she stood up and grabbed his arm. "Come on."
Bran reluctantly stood and willingly allowed Meera to drag him towards the sorority house.
Meera peeked her head to the archways that led to the living room and the dining hall on the foyer.
He had been in the sorority house before, since his sisters Arya and Sansa were in Kappa Phi Sigma, which meant he had family visitation rights. And because their Mom, Catelyn, contacts Sansa through skype to check on all four of them, which meant he and Robb had to be in the sorority house for it.
There was no one home, or at least, not that they know of. Meera pulled him towards the staircase leading to the second floor.
"Whoa, Meera—" He started to say. He wanted to say that even with family visitation rights he wasn't permitted to go upstairs.
"Trust me," Meera assured. "Most of the people here are at the party across the street."
He didn't know what else to do or say, but he trusts Meera so he just went with whatever she was planning. They made their way up the staircase to the second floor to Meera's room.
Bran knew Meera shared the room with Arianne Martell, her roommate since their freshman year. It was smaller since it only accommodated two people, compared to theirs in the frat house. It was painted canary yellow with white trims and moldings. The room had two beds for two people along with wardrobes, shelves and desks.
Meera went directly to her desk and turned on her laptop.
Looking around, Bran had immediately identified which bed was Meera's. Since he saw Mykel, the husky stuffed animal he gave her, lying on the bed.
It made him smile. "Hey, you kept him." He said.
"Of course, I did." Meera said, keeping her eyes on the laptop screen. "Why wouldn't I?"
"Um, what are you doing?" He asked.
"This is my back-up," She said as she attached a computer mouse on one of the laptop's flash drive ports . "Just in case."
"Just in case what?" He frowned as she walked towards him.
She stood close to him. "You know why." She said, her mouth breaking into the familiar smirk she had earlier.
Not for long, Bran closed the space between them and their lips touched once again. He then used his height to push her back, and Meera's feet stepped backwards slowly. Her hands went up to his hair as the back of her legs bumped against the frame of her bed. She rubbed her hand soothingly over the back of his head before breaking apart for air.
Meera sat on her bed, smiling wickedly at him.
Bran realized they were in the same position they had on that family dinner with their families before Meera went to college. She was sitting on the bed and him standing before her.
And with that, he wasted no time. Bran leaned down and kissed her. Meera hungrily kissed him back. That's when she pulled him towards her, and he tripped forward, sending him reeling down on top of her.
Bran shot his hand out to balance himself so that he wouldn't smack her or anything. Meera wriggled herself higher up the bed, tugging his shirt collar as he followed her. He skimmed his body against hers as he sucked on a spot on her neck, which expelled a soft groan from her. He then cupped her jaw to bring her face to his as her mouth opened for him.
He kissed her, desperate to feel more of her as she panted softly, fidgeting her legs, bending them up and dragging them down again with its heels digging into the comforter.
Part of him was irritated that she still had her boots on. He figured that it was one of the things his Mom had practically drilled into his head since he and his siblings were toddlers. You can't get into bed without washing up. She had said. So being the obedient son that he was, carrying on the values and lessons his Mom had taught him, Bran pulled back and removed Meera's boots from her legs, dropping them to the carpet on the floor.
Meera giggled as he did. "Who knew you were such a neat freak?" She said.
Bran didn't answer. After he removed her boots, he couldn't help but stare at the exposed stretch of bare skin. Her legs looked like they would be soft to touch, smooth to run his hands over. It must be so nice to touch them. And linger up to her pleated mini-skirt and explore what's hidden underneath.
What the fuck am I thinking? Bran thought to himself. She wouldn't allow me to do that. At that thought, he could feel his cock straining against his trousers.
Unfortunately, Meera caught him staring, which made him turn red from embarrassment. But it was as if she had read his mind, because the next thing she said surprised him.
"Do you remember when we were kids?" She said, speaking softly. "When we play games for fun?"
Bran could already tell she was playing with him. "Um, yeah." He said.
"Well, there's a game we haven't played yet." She said as she sat up. "It's called Come into my castle." She whispered. "Do you want me to show you?"
"Okay." He heard himself answer.
Meera pushed him a little further back. Her hands went and reached under her skirt.
It took him a while to realize what game she meant. Bran's chest pounded, both in nervousness and excitement. Fuck! He cursed in his thoughts.
Meera hitched her hips up and her hands reappeared, dragging with them a small pair of thin cotton underwear down her legs. And the weird thing was, his eyes followed her hands the whole time.
She lie back down, looking up at him with that smirk. Like it was perfectly normal and she hadn't just done what she did.
Bran was still stunned, his mouth hanging slightly open. For once, he had never found a girl to be pleasing, like it wasn't only him wanting to explore the girl. That she in return wanted him. Almost like being desired, with ease and confidence. Especially since it was Meera, his bestfriend, Jojen's sister and his brother Robb's bestfriend. And Bran was pretty sure they're going to kill him for this, but at the moment, he didn't care.
Meera held her hand out for him. "Come on, give me your hand," She said. "I'll show you."
When he didn't respond, Meera took his hand in hers and brought them down to her leg, above her knee. She moved her hand to his wrist so that it was his palm now that was on her skin. She began to guide his hand up higher, but it receded from his as they got past the boundary of her skirt.
Bran paused for a second and turned to her. "But Meera," He said. "What if your roommate will—?"
"Arianne's across the street, partying." She assured. "I wouldn't worry about it."
Bran's eyes went back to the first stretch of leg extending out from under the skirt. He surged forward, along the slope of her thigh.
Truthfully, he was scared to let his hand reach all the way up. He had never done this sort of thing before and he didn't know what to do. But somehow he didn't stop. He slowed as he got close to where her legs came together. He couldn't see anything, since he hadn't bothered to look under her skirt, but his fingers touched against what felt like short curls. His fingers explored further, diving past the brush of hair. And then they bumped against something. His chest pounding harder, he persisted. Slowly, at what he felt there, he parted it. His finger slipped into what felt like warm, wet folds.
At that, Meera bit her lip, keeping her eyes on him. Bran crawled his way up on top of her, keeping his hand under skirt.
Meera shifted her legs. His fingers were moist now. Besides, his and Meera's steady breathing the only sound he heard was the muffled loud music coming from the party across the street.
Something in the back of his mind told him to push forward. He sank a finger into that hot unseen slick he had felt under her skirt.
Meera's head rolled back now, eyes closed as her lips broke into a breathless smile. He gazed at her, mouth open, breathing in heavy stutters as he began pumping into her. Fingers slipping under the valleys between her thighs. He then tested a second finger and slid them into her. Every pump into her also brought out a shaky breath from him.
Bran was aware now that he was fully hard in his pants, his cock rigid and straining uncomfortably.
Meera's brow furrowed, her eyes still shut. Her hand gripped the sleeve of his shirt.
Oh, gods, Meera. He thought. He could do this all day. They could explore together, this new type of pleasure they could bring out in each other.
Her mouth hung open slightly, panting quietly. She looked so good. So…fuckable. He wanted to fuck her. Whoa! Another part of his head screamed. What in seven hells are you thinking?
Suddenly, Meera's hand moved downwards to where his already hard cock was straining against his trousers, cupping over the bulge.
Bran groaned at her touch. The rough denim, even through his boxers, was frankly dreadful. But at the same time, knowing that it was Meera pressing her hand over his length, he could barely stand it. He wanted more.
His hand was still working her in between her legs. Bran lifted his head and took her mouth with his own, covering her possessively.
Meera groaned into the kiss. Her hand went from his trousers to the comforter beneath them. Her other hand clung to his back, gripping his shirt as she arched up into him.
He shifted higher in the bed to deepen the kiss, to take more of her. She was moaning now as his hand continued pumping into her where she was already seeping.
Meera's hand on his back gripped him tighter. "Oh gods, Bran." She hissed, then started repeating his name in barely inaudible whine. "Bran, Bran." Then she muffled a scream as she came.
Bran took his hand from underneath her, which made her wince a little. They then stared at each other, breathing heavily, satisfied.
"That was fun." Bran managed to say.
She giggled at his comment. Bran leaned forward to kiss her again but was interrupted by a clutter from the hallway outside and the sound of someone vomiting.
What the fuck, Jynessa! A voice scolded.
They both turned their heads towards the door and listened for more.
I'm sorry, okay? Another voice replied. It's not like I can control it.
Mrs. Whent's gonna kill us when she finds this. The first voice answered back.
At that Meera gasped. "Shit!" She cursed. "It's Arianne."
Bran instinctively pulled away from her and sat on the edge of the bed in panic. "Fuck!" He said. "Where in seven hells am I going to hide?" He asked.
Meera pushed herself up from the bed and tiptoed to her desk, keeping her legs apart. She pulled out a pack of carry-on wet wipes from the table and threw it at him.
He was panicking now. "How is this gonna keep Arianne from knowing I'm here?" He asked in a hushed tone, almost a whisper.
"Wipe your hand with it." She said quietly. "And go sit down on the chair." She gestured to the swivel chair by her desk, where her laptop was running a sort of, animation program.
"Meera—"
"Trust me, okay?" She assured. "This is my back-up plan."
Bran ran to the swivel chair, took out one piece of wet wipes from the pack and wiped his hand clean. Afterwards, he threw it to a trash can underneath the desk.
"Oh, and whatever you do," Meera added. "Just go with whatever I have to say."
"But—" He started to protest.
Meera had managed to get her cotton undies and hid it under her comforter just as the door opened and Arianne Martell stepped into the room.
Bran tried to act natural and turned to Meera's laptop, his hand gripping the computer mouse connected to it, moving the arrow cursor across the computer screen.
Arianne nearly jumped back when she saw him. "What are you doing here?" She demanded. "And how did you get up here?"
"Um," He started to say.
"It's sort of, my fault." Meera spoke up. "He was helping me with the animation for the presentation on my thesis." She gave him a quick glance as if to say, just go with it.
Arianne raised an eyebrow. "We have a study hall for that, Meera." She reminded her. "Where guys like him are allowed even with visitation rights."
Bran's palms were sweating now. But luckily, Meera came up with something. "I know, but I was also transferring files from the PC to my laptop while he was doing the animation." She countered. "And the gods know I can't bring the whole PC down to the study hall."
"Why is the PC off, then?" Arianne asked suspiciously.
"Oh, I had just shut it down." Bran managed, going with the flow. "The transfer had finished like fifteen minutes ago."
Arianne seemed to buy it and sighed. "Fine," She said. "Don't stay long, though. And don't let Mrs. Whent see you, or you're dead." She turned to Meera. "Now, please tell me you know how to remove vomit stains off a hundred gold-dragon carpet."
Meera shrugged. "Baking soda and a vacuum cleaner." She said. "And I think we have some baking soda in the kitchen."
"Okay, how do I do that?" She asked.
"Scrape off the vomit," Meera instructed. "Blot the area with something to absorb the moisture. Cover it with baking soda for fifteen minutes and then vacuum it off."
"How do you know how to do all those things?" Arianne asked, clearly impressed.
"I'm a Northerner," Meera said. "Carpets are common there because it helps with warmth." She turned to him. "Right, Bran?"
Bran nodded. "Works everytime." He agreed.
"Okay," Arianne said, then grunted. "Ugh! I can't believe I'm cleaning up somebody's mess." She said as she went out of their room.
Bran stood from his seat and clapped his hands slowly as he walked towards her. "That was brilliant, Reed." He said. "Your back-up was genius."
"Hmm," Meera said. "I told you."
"I wish I could stay long," He said, surprised that it actually came out of his mouth. "But I have to go. My roommates will be suspicious." He caressed her cheek. "I had fun tonight. I want you to know that."
Meera smirked. "Me too." She said. "Maybe we should more fun next time."
"I'd like that." Bran said, then leaned in and kissed her, as hungrily as he did earlier.
Meera responded eagerly, before clapping his chest and pulled away. "You have to go," She said. "Before Arianne gets back."
Bran turned towards the door. He glanced back as her before he headed out.
Meera gave him her signature mischievous smirk, then winked at him. "See you around, Stark." She said.
Bran had then walked back to the Alpha Theta Psi frat house trying to hide the satisfied smile on his face.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
I told you it's gonna get dirtier. You've been warned. And even dirtier in the later chapters.
I'm so freakin' happy when Gendry showed up again (with a fucking warhammer!) after rowing for three seasons. And the instant bromance with Jon? Awesome! I'm just disappointed that he hadn't mentioned Arya though. But whatever, I hope they'll meet again soon.