Song: Run Baby Run by Garbage.
Hello FanFic Friends!
Soooooo happy with the reviews and follows. I hope they keep coming.
This one is for all the Sansa reviewers. Please remember that physical abuse is hard to overcome so I hope I make a good example of what she has been trough and how scared and weak she's become.
Little hints of what's to come are in this chapter so I hope you like were I'm going. As always your reviews are read and taken into consideration.
This one is very long and all Arya so enjoy…
ARYA POV:
'Wake me up before you go-go…
Don't leave me hanging on like a yo-yo!'
On a Sunday morning? Really? Arya hated her alarm clock.
Without disturbing Gendry by her side, Arya shut down her alarm clock. She programmed it so she could have an early start, have a nice breakfast with her family and then leave for Braavos. That was before the shit hit the fan…
In a twenty four hours window; the Starks had been outed by tabloids has a dysfunctional family full of vices, her father was accused of all kinds of corporate and financial crimes and let's not forget about Gendry. She almost slept with him and then he learned that Robert Baratheon was his father. Now that is what you call a mindfuck!
She turned around so she could have a good look at Gendry's face and although they would have to wait to talk to her father to know the truth; it was impossible to not see the similarities.
'Gendry Blue' That always came to her mind whenever she would meet someone with blue eyes, her mind unconsciously would compare them to Gendry's. Sansa's eyes where blue like the morning sky, Edric's where dark like the sea at night but Gendry's where different; a special kind of blue. His eyes were like blue gems that changed colors according his mood but after the news that Robert Baratheon could possibly be his father it made sense, it wasn't 'Gendry Blue'; it was 'Baratheon Blue'.
She had met the three Baratheon brothers and all had the same eyes, the only thing that really changed was the stare. Robert's was glassy (mostly due to alcohol) with a hint of sadness, Stannis's glare was harsh and cold while Renly's was playful… Arya could say Gendry stare was kind and honest, warm when focused on her.
How could you not notice you idiot? You've been fantasizing with the guy for years yet some sleazy tabloid had to publish it so everyone could know? Suddenly Arya's brain clicked!.
Years ago while helping Jory pick up the slack with backed up paperwork Arya found two folders hidden in his desk. One was labeled 'Targaryen'; it was filled with financial balances, bank notes and random statistics. She would later find out that it was her father's groundwork of the Three Heads Company and the job she was currently doing at Braavos. The second folder was labeled 'Possible Candidates'. It was full with pictures of kids, all with different ages, addresses and birth certificates. They all looked like Gendry. Holy shit! Black hair, blue eyes, strong bone structure… also inside was a note; it was old and had red stains all over it. It was small, short and read 'the seed is strong'.
Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuckidy fuck! It's true! Robert is Gendry's father… and Dad knew! The folder was some kind of investigation so other people know, obviously Jory does…
Poor Gendry… She knew that this was not something he was going to take well. He took pride in his hard upbringing; it made him who he was. He never felt ashamed to be from Flea Bottom and his view on being fatherless was to shrug it off saying 'his lost' to whomever his father was. Take that in consideration with the fact that he absolutely hated Robert and you didn't have a good result. He thought Robert was a lazy drunk that took for granted his power and money while bringing other people down with him.
Arya fell asleep the second her head hit the mattress but now she couldn't get back to sleep, she was worried for Gendry and had a great sense of protectiveness towards him. No one, not even her own father was going to harm Gendry.
She was about to snuggle more into his embrace, perhaps get him to kiss her like he kissed her last night when her phone rang. Very softly she got out of bed and went out to the hall. This call she could not ignore.
"Arya? We've been worried sick watching the news! Are you ok?"—Always the mother hen; Arya thought.
"I'm ok Dany. Last night was hectic and my phone died but other than the obvious, I'm fine"
"Are you sure? How his your family doing? Have you heard from your father? What they are saying is appalling Arya, I want you to know that the whole family will support you; Eddard Stark is an honorable man and I hope whoever is trying to harm him will suffer a harsher fate!"—
"You know; for such a tinny thing you have a lot of bottled up anger" Arya laughed.
"Said by the girl who dared to pick a fight with two drunken dothrakis. Seriously Arya, this is not the first time this has happened; know your history… I hope your father has good legal representation"—
"He does and don't worry, like you said everyone knows Dad's is a good guy. I'm sure everything will be settled by noon"
"Are you going to fly back today?"—The voice on the other side of the line said with hesitation.
"He's there isn't he?"
"Not by choice… I have the house on lockdown. He already had a plane ticket. The press would have a field day if they saw him back in Westeros."—
"How is he doing?..." Arya sighed. Jon was right; you can't just wipe away three years with someone and sadly she knew said person's cope mechanisms. She heard a door being closed over the line.
"We're all worried about him Arya. I am not going to meddle in your relationship but he is like my baby brother and I want what's best for him. I hate to see him so sad and lost"—
"Look… My flight leaves at 10am. But I'll only leave once I get to see my Dad, there's a lot going on and I have questions. As for Aegon? Thank you for not butting in but we're done. I promise to speak to him when I get back but I can't pass by his controlling ways Dany, you know that better than anyone"
"I guess you are right. I have to go, my dear husband demands breakfast. Please, please, please take care of yourself! Call me the minute things are settled and you're headed back home"—
"Will do; tell the brute I said Hi!"
Arya ended the call and was about to sneak back to her room when she saw a flash of red down the stairs. Sorry Gen; hoes before bro's… Entering the kitchen she saw Sansa sitting at table looking into space. She nearly touched the ceiling when Arya spoke.
"Always the early bird…" At her remark Sansa's eyes watered. What the hell happened to her? Now was the time to ask but Sansa quickly changed the subject.
"Do you still like chocolate chip pancakes?"—Sansa asked while rummaging through the kitchen covers.
"Does Snoop Dog like weed? If you're cooking; I'm eating… and no, food doesn't distract me!"
"Arya…"—
"We're alone, at home. You had a good night sleep. Come on Sansa, what is going on with you?..."
"I'm not dating Gendry!"—Sansa blurted out.
"Duh, I know that Stupid! Do you want to come up front with the stuff I don't know…"
"It's just that the news article said that he broke Joffrey and me up and when I went to his house last night you guys…"—
"Sans I haven't even thought about you and Gendry in the same sentence so don't worry. I want to know what happened to you! You disappear for two weeks then suddenly appear in the middle of the night covered in blood… Just talk to me, I'm not going to judge, I just want to know." That and the fact that she didn't even know what the hell is going on between herself and Gendry.
"I don't know where to begin Arya, it's been so long…"—Sansa sniffed.
"But you are here now, safe, with all of us. You can start with what you feel more comfortable" She urged her sister on. She looked tired and so delicate. Arya don't need to know what's going to come out of her mouth, she already knew she was going to kill Joffrey.
"At first it was perfect you know? A Baratheon with a Stark; finally a union of the families. Joffrey was the perfect gentleman with the looks to go with it; golden hair, green eyes… how could you not fall for that?"—
I am not even going to answer that. Golden little shit; Arya preferred to leave her thoughts for herself.
"But it was always something. I talked too much, I didn't talk at all, I wore the wrong dress, I was too fat, it was excruciating. I wasn't like you Arya…I'm not like you, I've never been strong or confident so I just let myself be abused…"—
"Sansa. I'm not blind, none of us are. But I'm going to need you to tell me what 'abuse' entails" She felt sorry to ask this of her sister but she needed to find what happened to Sansa. This was the first time in her life Sansa was coming clean about Joffrey so she needed the facts.
"Well at school it was mostly verbal, treats of how he would embarrass me, make people hate me… the physical part came when I left for Kings Landing"—
Arya didn't dare to interrupt Sansa; she needed to hear this and Sansa needed to get it off her chest.
"He forced me to live with him so I would be as he said 'available' 24/7. The thing with Joffrey is that for him physical attraction isn't kissing or touching… He likes… He prefers…"-
Suddenly Sansa ran to the sink and started to throw up; the poor girl seemed to be vomiting everything she had eaten in her entire life. Arya quickly helped her and held her hair in a makeshift ponytail so it wouldn't get splattered.
After a good five minutes of projectile vomiting Sansa collapsed into Arya's arms crying and both sisters fell into the kitchen floor.
"He's a monster…"—Sansa said while Arya was fighting her own urges to vomit. The thought of someone laying a hand on her sister's delicate frame was appalling. "He beat me and he loved it… He said I deserved it, that I was an ungrateful little bitch since he was the perfect boyfriend that gave me everything. I forced myself into thinking that it would stop but it only got worse, it was like a twisted horror movie. In public he would shower me with praises and gifts but when we were alone he beat me with the first thing he could find or his own hands for no particular reason… He said that I wasn't a wolf, that I was dog, his dog…"—
"Motherfucker! I'll kill him… I'll show him what a proper beating really is and then I'll kill him" Arya snarled holding Sansa tighter in her arms as if Joffrey was near. He would never touch Sansa again.
"Arya please don't, you don't understand. He'll destroy us!"—Sansa pleaded.
"Destroy us? Sansa he is barely a man that hides under his mother's skirts. Even if we don't retaliate as a family do you even know what Robert is going to do once he finds out what his son has done to you?"
"Don't you see? Joffrey has already begun!"—Cried Sansa.
"Dammit Grey Wind!"—Yelled Robb.
Like a scene strait out of The Three Stooges, the Stark brothers fell into the kitchen floor after being caught red-handed for eavesdropping.
"How much did you hear?"—Cried Sansa full of shame and regret while Grey Wind, Summer and Shaggydog surrounded her with affection. The look of murder on Robb, Jon, Bran and Rickon was enough to assume they had heard the entire conversation behind the kitchen door
"We heard enough…"—Said Jon trough gritted teeth.
"Sansa I am so sorry. I knew… we all knew about Joffrey. We just didn't know it was so bad"—Robb cried running to embrace Sansa.
Seeing Robb break down because of Sansa truck a cord and suddenly they were all crying all huddled up in a group hug, even the wolves where howling with despair.
"Sansa physical abuse is unforgivable and to endure it all these years like I suspect you have is not only heartbreaking but completely illegal. We must go to the authorities."—Urged Bran.
"No, you guys aren't listening to me… He's already begun to hurt us. I left him and he said he was going to destroy us all. Dad is in jail, who do you think put him there?"—Frantically said Sansa.
"Sansa it's just like Arya said, he's just a little punk that hides behind his father's name who by the way is also in jail. It doesn't make any sense that he would frame his own father. It's just a mix up and after Dad's name is cleared we'll go after him with all the strength of the law"—solemnly said Jon.
"The law? I'm sorry Jon but you've got your head filled with military protocol. The fucker hurt my sister! You guys tell Dad and the police, I'm going straight to wherever he is and punching his teeth inside is throat!"—Yelled Rickon…no one seemed to disagree.
Arya was trying her hardest to not hop into the first car she saw, drive straight to Kings Landing and murder Joffrey Baratheon. Dark thoughts came into her mind, she could do it. She could kill him and no one would ever know. She had the means and knew the right people… She shook her head; she needed to focus on her sister first.
"Wait…something still doesn't add up. Sans you said you broke up with him; is that why you were missing for two weeks?"
"As suspected it wasn't pretty when I told him I was leaving him. I actually didn't, he just came home early and saw all my things packed… He was brutal that time; I ended up in the hospital"—
There was a collective gasp in the kitchen.
Robb as the eldest, Jon the military man, Bran the smart one, Rickon the wildling and Arya who skills were still unknown to her siblings; looked at each other and silently made an agreement. There was not going to be police involvement… they were taking take of the situation with their own hands.
"I had a friend amongst the household. He snuck me out of the hospital and managed to hide me. I was supposed to leave and return back here but he found me… Joffrey found me!"—Sansa cried. Arya wondered how many tears her sister had cried over the years. Never again.
"Please tell me there was at least some of Joffrey's blood on your clothes last night"—
They all turned to see Gendry standing by the door. He looked like he hadn't slept a minute and his clothes seemed like he put them on in a haste. The wolves howling must have woken him up.
"It was all Lady's"—Sansa said in a small voice. No longer crying but with even more sadness in her tone since she started to talk. The wolves seemed to understand what she said since they all snarled and began to growl.
"Joffrey showed up out of nowhere and broke into the house we were staying. My friend tried to kick him off but he had a gun. Like the coward I am I ran out of the house but stopped when I heard the gunshot… He killed him, he killed my friend!"—
Ok…maybe after they kicked the shit out of Joffrey they would call the police. He was still no match for any of them but the guy was a psychopath!
"I couldn't move… I just froze. I turned and saw Joff walking outside and I don't know, I guess I hoped there was still a shred of humanity in him. I searched for fear and regret in his face but nothing. He was actually smiling, He laughed and said 'he's dead, I killed him'… He tried to grab me, take me back to the house saying I needed to see the body when Lady came and launched at him. I ran but we weren't alone; Cersei stopped me…"—
"She was there? She knew what Joffrey did to you and did nothing to stop it? Did Robert know?"—More than angry, this time Bran was bewildered. How could anyone allow that kind of behavior?
"Of course Cersei knew everything about her little prince. As for Robert he was oblivious! I actually thanked the Gods when he was back in Kings Landing since Joffrey couldn't touch me"— At the mention of Robert they all flinched. Gendry's jaw tightened but remained silent.
"Cersei got out of the car, grabbed me by my hair and yelled at me to tell Lady to back off but she wouldn't listen. I can't explain it but it was like she was fighting for me, like she was feeding off all the anger I had so Cersei let go of me and grabbed the gun since Lady bit Joffrey's arm and forced him to drop it… Until the very end she saved me… My Lady saved me… Cersei shot her and went over to Joffrey while Lady still managed to walk and led me to the car. I tried to get her inside but she was too heavy so I held her in my arms till she died."—
They were all crying again, none of them could imagine what it would like to be without their wolf. Arya was dying to return back to Braavos so she could see Nymeria and Jon would Skype with one of his friends back at the Wall everyday so he could see Ghost.
"Divine intervention snapped me out of my daze so I got into the car and drove away. I think I nearly ran over Cersei but I wasn't that lucky…"— Sansa smirked while still crying. Driving over Cersei would have actually been a good thing.
"So how did you get here? Why didn't you call any of us?"—Robb pressed on, he felt guilty he wasn't there for his little sister.
"They took my phone, credits cards, everything… Thankfully my friend gave me some cash so I ditched the car and took a bus. I only got back here yesterday but I knew you were all at the party. I couldn't come to the Manor since I didn't have a key, I couldn't go to the party since I knew there would be press and I would only make a scene so I went to Gendry's apartment. I knew that he wasn't at the party so…"—She shrugged and blushed. Obviously remembering what she interrupted last night.
"It's ok Sansa, you can count on me anytime. Just know that that part of your life is done. You're safe here"—Gendry said, comforting Sansa.
"You're safe and Joffrey is going to be beaten into a pulp in a matter of hours"—Said Theon casually walking in and giving Sansa a bear hug.
"Jeez doesn't anyone understand the term privacy?"—Said Sansa trying to lighten the mood. She didn't like to be pitied.
"Don't worry; Catelyn is still asleep. But outside you have the Reed dynamic duo, Miss Hilton and the Queen of the North. We just wanted to give you guys some privacy"—Said Theon.
"Thank you… all of you!"—Said Sansa looking at every single one of them in the eye. "Now after being so nice to me I'll make pancakes"—
Good old Sansa.
…..
Breakfast seemed like the eye of the storm. Everyone quiet, basking in each other's company, being grateful for the love and company shared on the table after hearing Sansa's ordeal while waiting for any kind of news from Eddard.
Arya watched every single person in the room and their interactions…
Robb sat with his two girls; Sansa and Jeyne, telling jokes and being a complete goof. He was somewhat selfish and self-entitled but Robb had a big heart and was a family guy so anything he could do to make his sister and wife feel better; he would do. He was currently competing with Theon to see who could eat more pancakes. Bran sat in the middle of the Reeds; they were discussing possible legal scenarios Eddard would be in. Arya asked Meera how she was handling the news of Bran's supposed behavior and her involvement but she just laughed it off. 'Anyone that believes that about the Starks should be shot with an arrow' was her answer.
Next came Jon and Margaery who took after the kitchen duties not letting Sansa lift a finger. Margaery cooked while Jon cleaned. Arya watched with marvel how the moved around the kitchen in perfect synchrony sneaking in a kiss here and there, they were on borrowed time since Jon left for service to the Wall on Monday.
Rickon sat on the floor with the wolves eating of his plate. Of all; the news from Sansa hit him the hardest. Rickon had a temper even more explosive than Arya's and Gendry's combined so he felt frustrated and couldn't understand why someone would hurt his sweet sister. They were going to have keep an eye on the little big guy…
Last but not least came Gendry who was sitting besides her playing with his food not even taking a bite. No one had said anything about Robert and kept the chit chat light but he was silent, lost inside his own little world. He only seemed to snap out it when Arya would move from her spot next to him. He didn't seem to like that and had little panic attacks the minute she left his side so she bossed Jon around joking that he was the butler.
"Edric called… He wants us all at the police station."—Said Catelyn finally making herself present. Their mother was an early riser but no one judged her if she wanted to stay in bed and have some privacy, after all it was odd to see her without her husband by her side.
They all stood up and went to get ready. Arya headed to her room followed by a brooding Gendry that lifted her up in his arms and hugged her like his life depended on it when they reached her bedroom.
He seemed scared and sad. Arya faintly remembered him telling her yesterday not to leave him before she fell asleep. Then she realized why he was so shaken up.
"The wolves didn't wake you did they?"
"No…"—He responded like a little child hugging her even closer. It was getting difficult to breathe.
"Gendry I'm still here!" She assured him, running her hands over his hair while speaking softly to his ear. He buried his face on her neck when he talked.
"I woke up and you weren't there…. I though you left!"—Gendry's voice was a broken whisper that went straight to her heart. "I nearly fell down the stairs running to my truck praying I could still catch you on the airport when I heard you guys inside the kitchen. I knew I should have given you some privacy since it was a family matter but I couldn't stay away. I can't stay away from you… Not when you're leaving again."—
Gendry had never sounded so sad in his life; it only made Arya miserable to be the one to cause it.
"Gendry I have an entire life there. School, work and other commitments… Nothing has changed, you knew I was leaving. After they release Dad I have to go back."
"I know… I just hoped that this time I'd be a part of your life"—
"You are in the verge of possibly finding out your father's identity and all you can think about is what is going on between us?!"
"My life was turned upside down and then passed through a blender… you're my constant"—Said Gendry, disarming her with his honesty.
"Let's just go to the Police Station and solve this whole thing with Dad and Robert. I won't leave your side and then we'll talk, ok?" She wasn't going back to Braavos; she was joining the Silent Sisters. Feelings and relationships are too hard.
Gendry didn't say anything, he just finally set her on the floor with a defeated face but Arya quickly stood on her tip toes and yanked him by his shirt aiming for a small peck on the lips. She intended it to be quick but her own body betrayed her since in a matter of seconds her tongue was ravishing his mouth and Gendry's hands where gripping her ass. Knowing they had to leave she was the one who broke the kiss.
"What? Can't start my day without my morning kiss can I?" She smirked as she cheekily repeated to him his own words from days back. Not that Gendry seemed to mind the impromptu make out session.
…..
The Stark convoy was on its way to the Police Station. They were actually being escorted by police men since it was impossible to drive. Outside; the Manor was surrounded by press and camera crews where even following in cars reporting to a live feed but all Arya could focus was on the man sitting beside her.
Doing possibly everything you shouldn't do while driving; Gendry was quiet but relaxed after Arya kissed him. One hand held the steering wheel and a croissant since he found his appetite before they left the house, while the other hand was on her leg, refusing to stop touching her even while driving.
Arya wondered when she became so heavy on the PDA… She had only kissed 4 guys in her life! One didn't quite matter because she was heavily intoxicated; people did stupid things while drunk and surrounded by hot people, period. Edric was always the one to initiate any contact but she only complied to see what the fuss was about. Aegon was content as long as she let her hair down behind closed doors, the poor guy as bruises in his arms from the many times Arya smacked his hand for touching her in public. He would always get his revenge inside their bedroom but he complained about her lack of public affection. But with Gendry it was a whole different story.
Not only did she let him touch her; little touches in public to her arms, her shoulder, her hair. But she let him hold her hand in public, opened doors, stupid cheesy things but she was content that Gendry took his time to treat her (she would never say it out loud) like a proper lady.
They stopped at a red light when Arya swept in for a taste of the croissant… directly from Gendry mouth which resulted in a tonsil match that ended by Jojen's constant honking behind them signaling the green light. See? That was what she was talking about! First of all if someone would do that to her she would tell them it was outright gross and tell them to buy their own food but with Gendry it just seemed natural. She kissed him because she wanted to kiss him, could kiss him and felt damn good doing it. She would always complain that she felt like a human fire hydrant whenever Aegon kissed her in public as if marking her as his but Gendry made her feel precious and wanted, as if he kissed her because he would die if he didn't and didn't give two fucks to who saw him.
They stole a couple of kisses but stopped when they got near the station. Gendry's body tensed no doubt thinking about seeing Robert and Arya was swearing profanities since you could already see the paparazzi outside the building waiting for them.
As they got out the truck they were attacked with flashes and annoying questions but were quickly ushered inside, straight to a family room. Catelyn was called by the chief police Mormont himself and left to talk with him so the atmosphere was tense while waiting for someone to bring any kind of news. After what seemed an eternity Luwin entered the room. Arya's heart dropped.
"Bail was denied, we are going to court"—Luwin solemnly said.
"WHAT?!" They all screeched! Some yelled, some cried, other's got angry while some where full of questions.
"But that's impossible. The only way they would have a trial is that there was actual proof! What are the charges anyway?" Said Arya, completely outraged of what was happening.
"A long list that consist of embezzlement, fraud, money laundering, malversation of funds, corporate espionage, the whole works…"—
"That's bullshit and you know it Counselor! I know Stark Industries like the back of my hand and its clean trough and trough."—Exclaimed Gendry.
"That is the problem; it's not only Stark Industries. Robert has been hit with the same charges as CEO of Baratheon Corps. It seems that Corps it's the real rotten apple in this whole problem. Practically they are saying that Robert dragged the company to the ground, enlisted Eddard to help him and joined both companies to increase their net worth while pulling in new investors they could scam"—Explained Luwin. "I have no doubt those accusations are false but I've seen the paperwork. Whoever did it; did a good job at hiding their steps and incriminating others."—
"What about Baratheon?"—Gendry spat "If there is any truth to the charges I'd go and say he did it, dragging Eddard down with him"—
"Young Man I know that you probably don't have the best image of your fa…of Robert but a conman he is not! As a pivotal piece of the company you must know there where inconsistencies within the corporation that you yourself reported."—Scolded Luwin. "As Eddard's lawyer there is little I can discuss with you. However your father wants to talk directly with you all. Right know he is talking with your mother, you will be able to see him before he is transferred to Harrenhal Prison"—
"To Harrenhal? They are sending Dad to a maximum security prison while he waits for trial?"—Exclaimed Jon.
"There was nothing we could do. The orders are being dictated from above. The whole legal team is working on it as we speak."—
"Well work faster"—Sneered Robb not without reason. Harrenhal prison was famous for housing the worst of the worst criminals in Westeros. Some didn't get out not because of long sentences but of death inside the premises. Harrenhal was known for being a dump site where the law turned its eye and looked away.
"Children; your father is waiting for you"—Said Catelyn as she walked inside the room. Her hands were shaking and her eyes red from crying.
"Robb you go inside with your brothers. I'll stay with your mother"—sweetly offered Jeyne not wanting to impose on the private meeting.
"I'll stay as well. Give your father a big kiss for me"—Said Margaery, on the brink of tears while she sat next to Catelyn.
"Make it quick…"—Said Jojen while messing with his phone.
"Jojen! Don't be so insensitive! I'm sorry. Please give our regards. We'll speak to our father as soon as possible. He'll want to help in any way he can"—Offered Meera.
"C'mon Waters. Let's wait inside the car"—Said Theon.
"No, Gendry must see Eddard. He needs to talk to him"—Said Catelyn with a knowing tone while looking at Gendry.
He hesitated, immediately getting angry. He has worse anger issues than me; Arya thought. So she was instantly by his side holding his hands. Again with the PDA.
"Will he be there?"—Gendry asked no doubt about Robert.
"No, Robert is already in Harrenhal. Apparently he fired his lawyer. He was sent hours ago"—Replied Luwin.
Well that was a shocker! If the high and mighty Robert Baratheon was already in jail; things where not looking well for Eddard Stark.
They walked to another room, the police had the decency not to let them see their father in an actual jail cell but where surprise none the less when they saw him in an orange jumpsuit.
"DADDY!"
Arya surprised everyone and herself when she ran into her father's open arms like a little girl. She tried to tone it down by urging Sansa to go as well.
"My girls! My lovely girls! And you Sansa, where were you? you had us so worried!"—Eddard said showering his daughters with kisses.
"Ohh Dad!"—Sansa started to cry so Robb took her in his arms while Bran and Rickon took turns hugging their father. Arya took the opportunity to return to Gendry's side. He was still rooted in his spot next to the door. Jon was the one who spoke first.
"Dad, want to tell us what the hell is happening? You're charged and headed for Harrenhal while Old Man Luwin just brushes it off as nothing? What is going on?"— Jon asked frustrated.
"It's complicated son. There are a lot of people involved"—
"Then uncomplicated them Dad… please tell us what is going on"—Pleaded Robb while soothing Sansa.
"Yeah Dad, the pack first…then the others!"—Rickon said with finality but you could see that Eddard still didn't know where to begin.
"Dad the charges although obviously false where well planned and executed, want to start with that?" Asked Arya.
She walked closer to her father practically dragging Gendry with her. There were several chairs so each grabbed one and surrounded Eddard. They all remained silent waiting for his response. When Eddard did finally speak, he did so looking at Gendry.
"I have always prided myself with my children, knowing that I have brought them up to value family, duty and honor. You have no idea how proud I am not only of all of you but also those with whom you have chosen to share your life with. You need to understand that I have also chosen to share my life not only with your mother who I adore but with Robert. We've known each other since babes and the families go back to the age of the First Men. Through the years he made some bad choices in life but for that I would not abandon him. He is my brother and family means being there for each other even if you don't want to"—Eddard's statement made them all looked at Sansa.
"Years ago certain matters where brought to my attention regarding Robert. His drinking was out of control, the company had no direction whatsoever and his wife Cersei wasn't exactly helping so that was when I decided to make the merger of the companies. Jon Arryn; your aunts husband was pivotal in all of this since he was the one who reached for my help"—
"Arryn was the V.P of Baratheon Corps before Stannis, correct?"—Asked Gendry. He had his thinking face on, eager to find out more.
"That is correct. Truth be told there was a time when Robert and I parted ways a bit. He wanted to do his own thing in Kings Landing and I stayed here in Winterfell to develop the company and raise my family so Jon; another old family friend, was the only link we had for years. Anyway; to say that Baratheon Corps was a mess was an understatement. The corporation was dead. The investment I made was more personal because I wouldn't let Robert destroy his family heritage just because he couldn't deal with is demons but when I took hold of the company I found out there was something else contributing to the downfall. The numbers just didn't had up, money was missing and entire departments where made up out of ghost contracts. Gendry saw it firsthand since that is why I hired him the first place. I needed someone directly on the inside that could give me a feel on the company"—Said Eddard to what Gendry only nodded.
"He's right. Money was being commissioned to contracts that didn't exist. Every time I would stumble on any irregularity no one knew how it happened so I cleaned up the mess while I shuffled up the personnel to find out who was responsible."—Exclaimed Gendry talking to Eddard without contempt for the first time.
"Aye… and a good job you did son! But good jobs make people notice, as soon as Gendry started to make a name for him as a good employee and someone who worked by the book said irregularities stopped and moved to higher departments…"—Explained Eddard.
"Top brass!" Said Arya and it made sense. With Gendry patrolling all the work staff you could only meddle with plans if you were up high on the chain; that meant the main positions within the company. Robert himself, his father in law; Tywin Lannister, who took Jon Arryn's position after he died and the head of logistics Varys. There were others involved but where removed by Eddard when he made the merger giving Stannis and Renly important roles as was their right as Baratheons.
"So either it was this Varys guy or Tywin Lannister who was ripping the company off. Why don't police go after them?"—Asked Bran
"No one can pin anything to Varys and he has been a faithful employee… and Tywin has absolute no gain in destroying the company, he actually loses the same or more money than us! The few proof that they have all lead to Robert and me. All was beautifully constructed so that the only handwriting seen on damaging paperwork; that I might add I have never seen, is mine and Roberts."—
"You know that the evidence is false! Why not dispute it? Why send you directly to jail and to Harrenhal of all places?"—Asked Jon.
"Because wheels are being turned in high places. Actions are being set in course to insure Robert and I lose possession of both companies but I am afraid that is the least of my worries"—Said Eddard and that was not good. Arya's head began to itch.
"How can you say that Dad? You could lose the company! All you've ever worked for!"—Said Robb but Eddard just sat there, looking at Gendry. He was worried for him and that only meant he was going to say what they all wanted to know… It was Gendry who spoke first.
"What's my role in all of this?"—Gendry said with his head high and a firm voice. More than trying to sound confident Arya knew he was just bracing himself for whatever was coming. She held his hand tightly.
"The state of Stark Industries and my impendent incarceration are the least of my worries because I am confident of my legal team and of this country's judicial system…"—Said Eddard carefully choosing his words.
"The press… the things being said about us; personal attacks. There's more to it isn't it?" Arya asked, not breaking eye contact with her father.
"When Jon Arryn approached me years ago he wasn't just worried about Baratheon Corps but about Robert himself. He was drinking himself to death and Jon was amazed of how his own family didn't move a finger to help him. There was too much blatant indifference to not notice so he started to pay attention to the Baratheon household…"— To Eddard's statement Sansa froze. Their father seemed to notice so very lovingly he took her out of Robb's embrace and sat her in his lap like a little girl. Sansa looked like a broken doll and Eddard like an old man filled with regret.
"There was less to little love between Robert and Cersei; they weren't even sharing a roof. Jon said that Cersei had several houses in Kings Landing and hardly ever saw Robert but it was Joffrey who stood out. So one particular incident was the catalyst for what is happening today… I want to clarify to all of you, specifically to Sansa and Gendry that some parts I knew before and some recently; just this past week! So I must tell you that above all I tried to protect you. Only know I see how poorly job I did but I was juggling too many balls at the same time. I apologize to all harm that has fallen on you both. To you my beautiful and loving girl and to you Gendry, who I really do consider a son…"—
Sansa looked clueless at her father while Gendry took a deep breath and swallowed with difficulty. Arya squatted next to him and he was trembling. She only wished that whatever came next he would take it calmly and not explode in one of his anger episodes. Fat chance.
"Joffrey once was sick and needed a blood transfusion…"—Said Eddard going into some kind of story that no one really wanted to hear. Joffrey's name made their ears bleed.
"I remember that! He had a terrible food poisoning and was sick for over two months"—piped in Sansa.
"Exactly! So tests were made, Cersei was a match and Robert wasn't. That is not out of the normal, you can have various blood types in one family but Jon found out that Robert didn't match in anything… at all"—
"What do you mean in anything at all?"—Asked Bran, looking like he didn't really want to know the answer.
"I mean that they didn't share DNA. Robert is not Joffrey's father"—Finally said Eddard.
"Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaait a minute! This is just too complicated for me. So Uncle Robert isn't Joffrey's Dad but he is Gendry's? How come we didn't know?"—Rickon asked like he was casually asking for the time.
"That's impossible! He is his mother's spitting image"—Exclaimed Sansa.
"His mother's spitting image…"—said Jon "Not his father's"—Answered Bran. Both looking at Gendry at the same time.
Gendry stood up and began to space back and forth through the room. That was not a good sign.
"Dad for your sake, Gendry's sake and quite frankly for all of us just spit it out" Arya said exasperated. Gendry was going to have a heart attack.
Eddard stood up and walked over to where Gendry was. On cue the boys held Eddard back while Arya and Sansa stood in front of Gendry, nobody needed a repeat from last night and from Gendry's state they knew that this time he wasn't just going to shove somebody to the floor.
"Gendry look at me…"—Eddard pleaded to no avail. Gendry was now fuming so Arya acted on what she knew.
Setting aside the labels on their relationship Arya knew that touch; physical contact was big for them. She knew that her touch affected Gendry as much as his affected her. So again she found herself approaching him like a wounded bull.
"Gen? I need you to calm down so we can learn the truth. Can you do that? I promise you that we'll leave right after. Please? For me?" She gave him a smile and he stopped walking. He took her hand and like she assumed, Gendry relaxed at her touch but was still high on adrenaline. This could go both ways.
"I'm listening"—was all he said standing by the door. Nobody dared to sit down.
"Robert's womanizing ways were no secret. He had money so various women had come out and said the he fathered their children asking for some kind of payment. Not wanting to get any lawyers involved Jon kept tabs on them; Robert had sixteen children."—Said Eddard.
"Sixteen? Old Man sure knew how to do the rounds"—Muttered Robb. No one appreciated the humorous remark.
"Gendry… you are one of those children."—Eddard finally said. By now everyone knew it was coming but finally hearing the words still had a big effect.
Gendry stumbled to the wall and sagged to the floor with a vacant look on his face. Arya was about to reach for him when Eddard told her to stay where she was. That he needed to confront Gendry, not her. So Eddard kneeled in front of Gendry and began to talk.
"Gendry the reason you were never told was for your own protection… You see, when Jon found out about Joffrey's parentage the other children began to have accidents."—
"What do you mean accidents?"—Asked Rickon who was shushed by everyone. They could have left the room if Gendry wasn't blocking it. This felt too personal to hear it.
"Car accidents, drowning, poisoning… various causes that seemed armless but to someone who knew the link between the children knew it was hardly a coincidence"—
"So someone was whacking all of Robert's kids?"—Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh… by now Jon shut Rickon's mouth with his hand. He bit him back but got the message and remained silent.
"It happened fast and suddenly you were the only one left. By them you already had a stable home with Tobho so Jon gave him money so he could come to the North and I could keep you safe"—
"But how… I…"—Gendry was lost at words as they all were. This seemed like a Christopher Nolan film, too complex to understand.
"I wasn't counting on Arya befriending you and you becoming a part of this family. That I don't regret one bit since you have grown in a fine young man with values and great honor."—
"But Dad… still… why didn't you tell him? Don't you think Gendry had a right to know?" Arya asked for Gendry since the poor guy couldn't speak.
"Arya please remember that someone was killing of all of Robert's children. It was safer that way!"—
"The company… you placed me to work under my own father but told no one. Not even him… Why?"—Gendry finally spoke. He sounded hurt and lost so Arya couldn't hold herself anymore and went to sit by his side on the floor. Their hands immediately entwining together.
"That I did for your own good. I never told Robert because let's be frank, he wasn't going to take it well. I made a conscious decision of not tell him before I found out something else for myself. As to giving you work inside of Baratheon Corps that was intentional. You are Robert's son, you own the company. It was best if you knew the work from the inside. You proved yourself more than worthy in climbing positions on your own in such a short time and cleaning the company's name. You're a natural just like your father. But still something wasn't right. Years passed and with Jon's untimely death the matter was closed. I had you under my protection so I was satisfied in having you near… but then Joffrey started to act up while dating Sansa so I did a little digging, maybe I could find who the father was so he could take the brat away from our lives. Joffrey's father is Jamie!"—
SILENCE… UTTER SILENCE again… interrupted by Rickon.
"What Jaime?"— Said the youngest of the Starks.
"As in Jaime Jaime?"—Asked Bran.
"Jaime Lannister? Cersei's brother?"—Said Robb.
"UNCLE JAIME?!"—Screamed Sansa in horror.
"I wish I could say otherwise but yes, Jaime is Joffrey's father"—solemnly said Eddard.
"Oh God!"—Thank God there was a small plant inside the room so Sansa could use it as a vomit dispenser. No one blamed her. That was just plain disgusting. I mean Arya love Jon but she would never… blegh!
Jon helped Sansa while everybody else didn't really know what to do. What could they do? They were in the middle of a really bad and high staked soap opera!
"The other children died, Gendry is Robert's only son. His will says that everything passes to his offspring. Joffrey isn't his biological son but he does have his name and a claim through Cersei which is still Robert's wife. That claim turns into thin air if the truth comes out"—Said Eddard.
"So someone knew that you found out the truth and is now gunning for us…" It wasn't a question but a statement. Arya seemed to be finally putting together the pieces of the puzzle. "Said person was the one meddling with Baratheon Corps so having Gendry there and you finding out… Oh my god; the divorce! Does Robert know?"
"That was just Robert doing something good for the first time in a while and an incredible coincidence given that I only found out this week about Joffrey. I had Sansa under surveillance for the past two weeks since I was planning to get her away from Joffrey regardless of what I found"—
"So he was there because of you?"—Chirped in Sansa.
"Yes… and I am so sorry my love. He was a good man that wanted you safe for me. You fell off grid and I only heard the news yesterday. By then you were already here"—Eddard said while holding Sansa.
'Who's he?' Bran mouthed to Arya, she turned her head also clueless.
"WHOLY SHIT!"—Gendry yelled at no one at particular as he stood up and ran his hands through his hair. Maybe that way he could clear his head.
"You can say that again"—Said Rickon.
Suddenly the door flew open and in came Edric Dayne.
"We have to go!"—He said. Edric was agitated.
"What wrong? More charges?"—Asked Eddard.
"More charges on more Starks!" This really is a soap opera.
"You're making no sense boy, explain yourself!"—Said Eddard. Edric looked like he just ran a marathon.
"I have friends inside the District Attorney's office. As we speak they are ringing up charges on attempted murder for Sansa, drug smuggling for Bran and corporate espionage for Gendry! And they've told me to also expect something for Robb as well! So unless you are going to order a family jail cell inside Harrenhal I strongly suggest to get the hell out of here before the capture orders are out!"—
They all froze, whoever was after them wanted then out for good… Eddard was quick on his toes.
"Edric, get my children out. Get them somewhere safe!"—
"Already on it. But we need to leave now!"—
"I got the cars all started up and Theon is putting up a sweet show for the press out front"—Said Jojen, magically appearing beside Edric. "What? I told you to make it quick!"—He smirked.
"Dad we can't leave! None of it is true!"—Pleaded Sansa.
"I know that sweet girl. I can handle being behind bars but I won't bear to see my own children in prison as well. Go somewhere safe and wait till this all clears out. "—
"But where will we go?"—Asked Bran obviously in panic mode, he was a drug smuggler!
"Just get out of the police station. Boys take care of your mother and sisters."—Eddard said hugging each one of them like it was the last time he was going to see them. The thought was freighting.
"Gendry. I'm sorry this is all I have for you and in such circumstances. Take care of my family and yourself"—Eddard said solemnly to him. Gendry was still shaken from the recent findings but was alert and ready to move.
"Dad… I'll find a way to reach you and fix this. I swear it!" Arya said to her father. Violently hugging each other, they were the last ones inside the room besides Gendry.
"Leave it to Luwin Arya. I mean it! Don't mess around! Just go someplace safe. Gendry keep an eye on her"—
"Always Sir"—He said practically dragging Arya away. She didn't even register she was crying. It was supposed to be a mix up, Eddard was supposed to get out of jail and she would be leave for Braavos to finish her studies.
"Cell phones! Everyone!"—Ordered Edric
"Why? We'll need them to stay in touch!"—Said Bran.
"They're all wired! I'll explain later."— Quickly said Edric. "I'll lead the way. No stopping till I do, you got it? Robb; ditch the beamer so you and Jeyne ride can with me. I'll take Catelyn and Rick with us as well. Jon you too, leave Eddard's car and ride with Gendry and the girls. Bran's all set with the Reeds"—
"What about Theon? We can't leave him"—Said Robb
"Don't worry. He has his car and I already told him where were going. Let do this"—
"Ar… we have to go"— Gendry softly said to her. She still could see the room that held her father, she needed one more hug. "We'll see him soon. I promise…"—Arya knew Gendry's promise was an empty one but she had no choice but to leave.
God only knows what Theon was doing to stall the media since the back entrance was empty and they had no trouble getting inside their cars.
Going at a dangerous speed; the truck was silent other than Margaery bombarding Jon with question he didn't have answers for, nobody had them! Sansa was lost inside of her thoughts looking more broken than ever while Gendry just drove following Edric's lead. Arya looked at her family and was hit with the enormity of the situation.
The Stark family and company were on the run.
The folders Arya remembers are briefly mentioned in the prequel 'The Strength is in the Pack'
Since the previous story Joffrey is an only child so no Myrcella and Tommen in this story.
Song: Run Baby Run by Garbage
Next chapter song? Promises by the Cranberries.
Have an awesome weekend
XOXO