Chapter 11: Night Out
Arya has been pacing about her room, thinking of what to wear. She doesn't have much for all of her clothes are still in her baggage that is still in transit. Sansa hasn't arrived yet. She rummage her closet again, and all she had are her shorts, a dress and band shirts. She grew frustrated, she wants to look good at least just for tonight, suddenly her door was banging,
"Arya, it's Sansa, open up this is important"
She ran to the door and opened the door; Sansa immediately entered the room with shopping bags in her hand,
"What's going on Sans?"
"Well don't get angry at me but…"
"But what?"
"Well I shopped for us! Here"
Sansa handed the other bag, and she hurriedly emptied the bag on the bed,
"Oh my God Sans! This is… this is awesome! You're the best!"
She ran to her and gave her sister a hug, then checked out the clothes on the bed,
"Wait? How did you know this is the kind of thing I would wear?"
"You know little wolf, for someone as smart as you, you can really be an idiot! Of course I know what you'll like! I'm your sister! And besides, I remember you saying that my clothes are too glamorous. Since we're going to The Forge, glam is inappropriate. And those look nicely with your Doc's, I know how much you love wearing those boots!"
"You're right! I didn't know you actually think Sansa" she teased
"Oh shut up! Now try them on! Wait, have you showered yet?"
"Yeah I have!"
"Good, coz I'm taking your shower right now. I'm getting dressed here"
"Alright!"
When Sansa left to shower, she looked at what her sister got for her, torn black skinny jeans, a slightly loose gray midriff top; she put it on and suits her perfectly. She walked to the mirror and looked at herself, the jeans looks really nice and it showed her curves and the top showcased her firm and flat stomach. She put on her footwear and waited for Sansa. She can't wait what she looks like, she's wondering what she bought for herself. Then as she's waiting, Sansa came out and was in awe to see her,
"Oh my God Sans! You look amazing!"
"Thanks little wolf, I manage to take some ideas from your clothes"
"Suits you!"
Arya can't believe what she's wearing. Sansa with short shorts showing her long legs, white tank top, and her almost low-cut boots with short and wide heels,
"Wait here!"
She went to her closet and looked something for Sansa, and then when she came back she threw the leather jacket to her,
"Put that on! It will complete your outfit"
"This is a nice jacket!"
"Yeah it is, so don't ruin it!"
Sansa just laughed, then her phone rang, she looked at it, it's an unknown number,
"Hello?"
"Hey babe, we just got in. You guys ready yet?"
"Gendry?"
"No it's your father! Yes, it's Gendry! Are there any other blokes that call you babe?"
"No! It's just that this is a different number"
"Well Renly got me a new phone. Anyway, Jon and I are already here, we still have plenty of time; you have lots of time to prepare. I will see you in a bit okay?"
"Yeah ok"
She hung up, and then turned to Sansa,
"Is that Gendry? Where are they?"
"They're already here. He said we still have plenty of time. So what's your plan?"
"Have you ever heard of eyeliner?"
"Huh?"
"Ugh! Come here!"
"What are you going to do Sans?" she said as her sister dragged to sit in front of her dresser,
She can tell that Sansa is struggling to apply make up on her face for she never really do it except for plucking her eyebrows. When her sister was done, she finally was able to look at her face. And she was amazed with Sansa's talent, the makeup was simple and she looks like herself only prettier,
"Wow Sans! Have you ever thought of becoming a makeup artist?"
"No! But I did a good job didn't I?"
"Yeah it's a great job"
"Good! Now get out of the way it's my turn"
She waited for few good minutes for Sansa to finish her make up. Then she thought of what she's wearing, Jon would never approve of it, so she decided to find her kimono style jacket and put it on. When Sansa was finally finished, she turned to her,
"So what do you think little wolf?"
"Amazing Sans! Just bloody perfect!"
"You don't look too bad yourself!"
"Yeah but not as good looking as you"
"Oh shut up Arry! We're sisters, we have the same blood and we're both beautiful! Remember that!"
"You used to call me horse face! You and Jeyne!"
"Yes I know and I'm sorry about that. Forgive me?"
"Yes of course. Whatever happened to her anyways?"
"I don't know, last time I heard she's dating Theon"
"Theon? Oh poor girl!"
"I know."
Then finally a knock on the door. Arya and Sansa both walked to it, and she opened the door, Jon stood there with plain off white shirt with four-button placket that shows his chest, jeans and Chucks,
"Wow Jon, you look good!"
"So do you girls! You look quite a pair!"
"Yeah we can't say much about you, you're cleavage is showing!" Arya teased
"Shut up I don't have a cleavage this is what men's chest are!"
"Whatever, are we going now?"
"Yes. Gendry's waiting for us downstairs"
When they got down, Gendry was staring at her, and she was surprised, he's wearing a plain black shirt that is slightly fitted that makes his muscles and chest curve on it.
"You girls look really good!"
"Thank you" said Sansa
"Yes, thank you! So you can stop drooling now"
He just chuckled at her. They got out of the house and followed Gendry,
"Oh so you have a ride now huh?"
"Shut up Stark! You're not the only one who gets to drive, and besides you will be drinking tonight. And since I don't drink, I will be the designated driver, so the three of you can get wasted"
"Yay!" she yelled!
Gendry just laughed at her, as they approached his vehicle, Jon beat her to take the front seat, and Jon just smirked at her, she sighed and took the seat behind her boyfriend, and Sansa behind Jon. Gendry decided that they should eat first, so he took him to one of the places he used to go to in Flea Bottom,
"Alright, there's this place where we would eat, it's really cheap, and I know we are dealing with the slums of King's Landing here, but this place is rather clean. I hope you don't mind."
"I'm in!" Jon said
"Me too" she followed,
Then everyone turned to Sansa,
"What? Just because I didn't answer, it means I am not going?"
"Well we all know how you are Sans" she said
"That hurts little wolf. I am not a total snob you know. I'm in. Gendry your girlfriend is being a bitch!" Sansa teased
"I'm not being a bitch. I'm just saying. But it's nice to know you're in"
They pulled over at a small diner. As they got in, she saw the nervousness in Sansa's eyes, so she held her eyes, and whispered to her ear,
"Look, I know you're not a snob. But you're a little nervous, I can feel it. Just go with it. I'm sure you will enjoy it"
She just nodded at her, Gendry found them a table and they all sat there,
"So Gen, what's good to eat here?" Jon asked
"Gen?" she asked
"What? Do I always have to use his whole name?"
"No"
"Then I can call him Gen"
Gendry volunteered to just order for them and after the surprisingly satisfying meal, they all went back to the car, Gendry turned to Sansa,
"So did you enjoy the food Miss Sansa?"
"Fuck off Gendry! I did, okay?"
Jon burst into laughter,
"Oh my god! Did Sansa just say the 'F' word? What have you been teaching her Arry?"
But Arya was just laughing,
"For your information Mr. Jon Stark, I have a talent for profanity. I just don't say a lot!"
They all laughed as they finally reached The Forge,
"Alright. Jon this is the place, I'm sure you'll enjoy it. The guys from Mott's will be playing here"
"Cool"
They finally got out of the car and she stood beside Gendry and entwined her small hand to hers, he looked at her and gave her a smile. They walked in and were followed by Jon and Sansa. The room was dark and some old 90's rock music is playing. Gendry managed to get them a table while the people are just starting to come in.
"Alright, I'm just gonna look for my boss, and I'll get you drinks while I'm at it."
"Okay!" Jon said.
They let Gendry go, when Jon started speaking,
"This place is awesome!"
"I know. We never had anything like this in Winterfell. There are great places there but places like these are zero"
She noticed that Sansa has been texting ever since they got there,
"Is he coming?" she asked
"Who's coming?" Jon added
"Sandor" Sansa mumbled
"Who?"
"She's texting Sandor!" she blurted
"Who's he?"
"Apparently he's Sansa's knight in shining armor"
"Oh shut up Arya!" Sansa exclaimed.
"Anyway Jon, he's a very close friend of mine. And just so you know, he saved me from Joffrey okay?" she added
Jon just nodded, while she kept grinning at the red-head. Then she saw Gendry approaching them with a tray in his hand,
"Alright, margaritas for the ladies and whiskey for you Jon"
"Oh wow thanks man! Wait, have you already quit your job?"
"My boss is not here yet."
"Okay good. But I have to come with you when you do!"
"Aww Jon, that's so sweet, do you also want to hold his hand when he does?" she teased
"Shut up Arya!"
But she and Sansa are laughing at them, Gendry sat beside her, she felt his hand on her lower back. She smiled. Then Hot Pie approached them,
"Oh wow you're all here!" he said then turned to her,
"Hey Arya, and you brought your girlfriend with you!"
"Piss off HP! Sansa is not her girlfriend! I told you they're sisters!"
Jon was sniggering while Gendry explain, she was chuckling, while Sansa's eyes are in shock,
"Oh and this is their brother Jon"
Jon shook his hands,
"So HP, where's everyone?"
"They're on their way. Even The Hound!"
She noticed that Sansa's face turned slightly red, she grabbed her hand under the table and squeezed it,
"You wanna join us?"
"Sure. I'm just gonna go to the bar for a minute, I'll be back"
With that Hot Pie left,
"Erm, Gen why is his name Hot Pie?" Jon asked
"Because his parents are bakers here in Flea Bottom, and he would sell them at their bakery"
"Ah"
"Wait I think I see my boss now! You coming Jon?"
Then they left,
"Sans, you okay?"
"Yes, just excited you know"
"About Sandor?"
"Yeah. Hot Pie said he's on his way and he also texted me"
"I hope you're still coming home with us. Remember what happened last time"
"Yeah I know. Plus Jon's with us. I don't think he would approve"
"No he won't but I don't think Jon would be able to threaten The Hound!"
"Now that's for sure!"
They both laugh and then Gendry and Jon came back,
"What are girls laughing about?" Gendry ask
"Jon" they both said
"What about me?"
"Well if you must now, all you Stark men have the need to threaten every man we meet, masking it as 'protecting' us. We were wondering if you can threaten Sandor"
Then Gendry burst into laughter, while Jon's face was confused, suddenly a woman entered, she knows her. She has a silver-blonde hair and really pretty,
"Shit! I can't believe it!"
"What is it?" Jon asked,
"Wait here."
She stood up leaving her company in confusion, and walked up to the girl that just came in. She reached her shoulder and turned her around,
"Dany!"
"Arya?"
"Oh my god!"
Dany hugged her tightly, and when she pulled away, they both gave each other kisses on the cheeks. Then all of a sudden Dany placed the dangling hair and tucked it on the back of her ear, they have always been close like that, sometimes other people would think they're together. She glanced at their table and saw Jon and Gendry with a surprised look on their faces, but Sansa was too busy texting to notice.
"What are you doing here? I thought you were back in Valyria?"
"No, well I was. But I want to see what Westeros is like. So here I am"
"But why Flea Bottom?"
"Underground stuff. So how have you been? I missed you! You didn't call me after leaving Braavos, and you owe me that!"
"Shit I am so sorry!" she said while giving her a hug,
"There's just so much going on and I didn't have time!"
"So who are you with?"
"Oh I'm with my sister, my brother and, erm…"
"What?"
"My boyfriend"
"Boyfriend? And I've always thought you've been faithful to me! Now you're switching sides?" she teased
"Very funny Daenerys! Oh and you have to meet my brother! I've been wanting you to meet him!"
"Is this is the hot brother who looks like you?"
"Yes!"
"Nice! How do I look?"
"Perfect! Now come on, and you have to join us!"
"Of course!"
She held Dany's hand and walked over to them, but before she introduce Dany, she had something else in her mind and she's sure Dany will play along,
"Hey"
"Oh you're back. Who's your friend?" Gendry ask,
She did not let go of Dany's hand and just squeezed it for her to get the signal, she turned to look at Jon as a sign that he needs to get another chair, which he did immediately, they both sat down as she faced Gendry,
"Erm, Gendry, she's not my friend."
She can see the horror and shock on Gendry's face that's slowly building up, she took his hand,
"Look I don't know how to tell you, but we really had a great time, and now she's back…"
"You lied to me?"
"No, I didn't lie to you. I really like you, but I didn't expect…"
"Oh my god!"
She was observing everyone's face and Gendry's face is turning red with anger, and then suddenly she bursts into laughter, and Dany laughed with her. Everyone was confused,
"Oh god! You should have seen the look on your face!"
"It's not funny Arya!"
"Yeah Arry that was cruel" Jon said,
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. It's just that we always have that kind of reaction back in Braavos, I just couldn't help it!"
She finally let go of Dany's hand and held on to Gendry just to calm him down. When she saw that Gendry's face is already calm, she finally took a deep breath.
"Anyway. Sorry about that. This is Daenerys Targaryen, but everyone calls her Dany, she's my best friend since Braavos" she said as she turned to Dany,
"And Dany, this is my boyfriend, Gendry…."
Gendry just nodded,
"That pretty bird over there is my sister Sansa, and this handsome young man is my favorite brother Jon,"
She noticed that Jon was awkwardly smiling. Then Gendry stood up. She wanted to follow him, so she stood up but turned to Dany first,
"Be right back"
"Okay"
Then she passed by Jon and whispered to him,
"You're smiling like an idiot. I meant for you to meet her, don't screw it up"
She left the table and went looking for Gendry. There was no sign of him inside the club, so she decided to go outside which is what Gendry mostly does. When she saw him, he was leaning against the hood of his car, so she walked up to him,
"Hey babe"
"Hey"
"You alright? You just left"
"Yeah, I know I'm sorry. But I'm still kinda pissed about what you did"
"It was a joke Gendry!"
"Yes I get that now! But you were so serious about it. It's fucking scary okay?"
She didn't know what to say, he was afraid to actually lose her. She placed her hand on his cheek, and reached for his hand and held it,
"Look Arry, you may think I'm over reacting, and I know we've only known each other for a few days, but I really like you, and it may be too soon, but I wouldn't be able to handle it if I lose you. You literally changed my life. Do you understand that?"
He was looking at her like she's the only person in the world. Nobody has ever looked at her that way. Not even Jaqen who she's been with for three years. Gendry was something else, something she never thought existed. For some reason, Gendry made her feel loved. She tip-toed and give him a lingering kiss, he held on to her and kissed her back. It was gentle and sweet.
"I'm sorry Gendry."
"It's okay. Just don't joke about things like that. Okay?"
"Yeah I promise"
"Alright. Let's go back inside, I don't want your brother to think of something else"
She giggled at his concern. They went back in and she saw the three people they left laughing and talking. They sat as they reached the table; she sat in the middle of Gendry and Dany,
"Having a great time?"
"Yeah! Your brother was telling me how everyone called you Arya Underfoot as a child"
"Oh god no! Jon!"
"What? It was funny and it was true. We still call you that you know because you're still petite"
She rolled her eyes and just kept holding on to Gendry's hand under the table,
"So Dany, did you really just come here alone?"
"Yes. I'm very independent you know! But I am waiting for my nephew. Funny he's my nephew but he's the same age as you"
"Wait, Arya said you're Daenerys Targaryen?"
"Yeah. What's up?"
"I saw this painting in some gallery in Red Keep, the artist's name, Rhaegar Targaryen, are you related?"
"He's my brother"
"Oh wow!"
"Yeah, he likes morbid stuff and very melancholic type of art. He's emotional like that."
"How is he anyway?" she interrupted,
"He's good. He's staying at the Tower of Joy in Dorne"
"Again? He's so weird."
"I know. He feels like Lynna Stark is still his muse and he's still not over her!"
"Tell that to his dad!" she pointed to Gendry,
"Why my dad?"
"Because Gendry, your father has been in love with our aunt for the longest time. And Dany's brother Rhaegar feels like Lynna is his muse"
"Yep. And he can't understand why Lynna was marrying Robert! Wait, your dad's Robert Baratheon?" Dany asked
"Erm, yes. Something wrong?"
"Well they're not arch nemesis of some sort. They just can't stand each other."
"Your aunt was engaged to my dad?" Gendry asked her
"Yes!"
"Why didn't you tell me this?"
"You never asked"
"This is why I don't allow Arya to meet my brother. He gets weirder with the memory of Lyanna, and Arya here is the spitting image of her! So you better not let her out of your sight. He's my brother but he's just crazy weird"
Arya noticed that Gendry held on tighter on her hand, and then suddenly a guy with a blue hair approached Dany,
"Hey Aunt D!"
"Fuck off Aegon, if you call me aunt I will seriously hurt you!"
"Sorry" he said smiling
"Oh, this is my nephew by the way. This is Aegon, he's Rhaegar's son" Dany said as she turned to Aegon,
"This is Jon, Sansa, Arya, they're siblings and this is Arya's boyfriend Gendry"
"Oh my God!"
"Shut up Aegon, that's not her. Lyanna's dead. She's the niece. And you better not tell this to your father. He never met her and I want it to stay that way"
"But she looks like the one in his paintings!"
"Well that's because they're related idiot! Anyway, why are you late? You're supposed to be here like an hour ago and I beat you to it"
She noticed that Aegon is still staring at her, when Dany stood up and smacked him on the back of his head,
"Ouch! You really have to do that Dany?"
"Yes, because you're staring at my best friend in front of her boyfriend and older brother! How dare you!?"
"Sorry. It's just awfully weird. That's all. I'm sorry everyone"
"Sorry about him. He's a good kid, he's just a little daft"
"You wanna join us?" Gendry asked
"Wow! He's being nice" she thought, but she knows the look in his eyes, and she can also see the glare in Jon's eyes, when finally Sansa stood up,
"Where are you going?"
"Sandor's here"
"Finally! Jon you wanna meet him? I would really love to witness your threat" Gendry chuckled
"Piss off Baratheon!" Jon said, but he chuckled as well.
"So are you going to join us Aegon?" Dany asked
"Actually…no. Not because I feel embarrassed about staring at Arya or feel nervous at the glares that Jon and Gendry are giving me but because I came here with company… my girlfriend"
She saw his brother and Gendry relaxed,
"You didn't tell me you have a girlfriend"
"No mum! I don't tell you everything. But anyway since you're in good company, I will go now"
"Wait you're not going to introduce me? Or us?"
"No, but just in case you think I am making it up, she's over there at the bar"
Aegon pointed at a girl with reddish-brown hair in mini-skirt. She thought the girl is really pretty, Aegon waived at her and she swore that the girl blushed,
"She's pretty. Ok fine go. Remember what I told you Aegon. Don't. Tell. Your. Dad. About. Arya!"
"Yes. I won't I swear it on my mother's grave!"
"Good!"
With that Aegon left. Finally, Brotherhood without Banners came up to the stage and started, and she saw Jon bobbed his head with their music,
"Oh look Gen, it's your friends!"
"Yeah they play here three times a week."
"They're really good man!"
"Yeah they are"
"Where's Sansa?" Jon asked
Gendry and Arya pointed at Sansa who is talking to Sandor, when Jon saw them, and his eyes grew wide in shock,
"Still want to be the big brother Jon?"
Jon's face turned red in embarrassment, but Dany seemed to pacify it by asking him to dance, Jon allowed Dany to take his hand and walked away.
"So... It's just the two of us Mr. Baratheon!"
"I know. Whatever shall we do?"
"Drink! I want more of this!"
"As milady commands"
She rolled her eyes and waited for him. But she followed him with her eyes, she saw him walked into the bar and made her drink himself, she smiled at the gesture. He glanced and saw her looking at him, he returned her smile. And came back to the table.
"How come you don't drink?"
"I don't know. I guess I just never had the chance to indulge in it
"But your friends drink"
"I know, but it doesn't mean I do. Or even like it."
"Well good for you. So what was your boss's reaction when you told him you're quitting?"
"He was a little devastated because he really needs an additional hand here, but he will be fine. Look at your friend and Jon"
"They look good together huh?"
"Yeah. Wait did you set them up?"
"No! How dare you! Well, Dany being here is a total coincidence; I thought she was in Valyria. But I've always wanted her to meet Jon. And she thinks my brother's hot"
"But Jon's my boyfriend!" Gendry jest
"I know darling, but we have to let them go to be happy" she said
Then they started laughing. The night was great for all of them. It was already 3AM when they finally decided to get out of the Forge. Gendry, being the designated driver, carried the drunken Arya into the front seat, while Sansa headed at the back seat and Jon and Dany. Gendry was kind enough to drop Dany off at her hotel. Jon was snoring loudly while Sansa was still texting. As they pulled over the mansion, Gendry helped Sansa first with Jon, to his room. And came back for Arya. He carried her all the way to her bedroom and left her as he went to his room and slept the remaining hours of the morning.