Chapter 14: See You Later
Days went on quite breezily, doing paintings while Gendry work on his sculpture. Tomorrow they will leave for Winterfell, leaving King's Landing temporarily behind and that means leaving Gendry for the meantime. She was sitting on a stool eating an apple while watching the shirtless Gendry forging some metal for his piece. But she knows for a fact that she wasn't just watching, she was ogling him. She like watching him work, all serious, and seeing the glisten of his muscles. She would definitely miss him when she comes home.
"You know, it's rude to stare" Gendry said with a knowing smirk on his face
"Shut up! I wasn't staring stupid; I was checking your work"
"Uh-huh sure"
She rolled her eyes on him, but he approached her and grabbed the apple that she's holding and took a bite at it not looking away from her.
"Oh my God" she said softly
Gendry just smirk at her. She can't decide whether to punch his face or snog him senseless just to wipe that smirk off his face, she grunted in frustration and stood up, ready to walk away, but Gendry grabbed her arm,
"Wait, where are you going?"
"Away from you. You're so…so…"
"Handsome? Good looking? Sexy?"
"Frustrating! And wipe that smirk off your face before I punch it!"
"We both know you really don't want to do that"
"If you don't stop smirking I might"
She turned around, but Gendry pulled and held her tightly on her waist,
"Where are you going? We both know you like watching me work" he said on her ears
His hot breath tickled her skin, she's trying so hard to control herself and she knows what Gendry is up to, so she strongly pulled away from him, but he kept holding her,
"Will you stop pulling away?"
"Ugh fine!"
She finally gave in and wrapped her arms around his neck,
"What are you doing tonight?" he asked
"Nothing, why?"
"I want to take you out on a real date"
"Oh. What do you have in mind?"
"I'll think of something"
"Well it better be good Bull or you'll regret it"
He just chuckled at her as he lowered his head to kiss her.
"Do I have to look nice?"
"You always look nice. But it would be nicer if you wear a dress"
"Ugh! You just want me to wear a dress because it's easy access"
"Well, that too"
"Shut up and kiss me"
"As milady commands"
They kissed once more. Standing there, she pulled him closer as he lift her up and dragged her inside his studio/forge and sat her on the metal table. His hands roamed on her back to her neck then back to her waist again. He finally pulled away; she saw the look on his intense cerulean eyes.
"What time do we leave?"
"Before dinner"
She jumped off the table,
"I have to go"
"Wait, where are you going?"
She ran away from him as she yelled
"To shower and… Shopping!"
Meanwhile, on the other side of King's Landing, Sansa was busy making notes on the new proposals on her desk, when her phone suddenly went off,
"Sansa Stark"
"Sans!"
"Hey Arry! What's up?"
"I'm in the building and I am coming up to see you"
"Oh okay? What's going on?"
"I'm only calling you to let you know I'm coming to see you. Let me into your office okay?"
"Erm… okay, I'll let my assistant now"
"Thanks"
She went back to what she was doing when her office door finally opened,
"Ms. Stark, your sister is here to see you"
"Let her in"
She saw Arya walked in to her office and sat on the couch; she stood and sat beside her
"What's going on Arya?"
Arya stood up and started pacing in front of her,
"Will you stop that? You're making me dizzy!"
"I need your help"
"On what?"
"I have a date with Gendry tonight, and I have nothing to wear. And you're the only one who can help me!"
She could not help but jump and gave her sister a hug,
"Oh my God! I have been waiting for years for you to say that!"
"Alright, alright. Don't get too excited"
"So? Where is he taking you?"
"That's the problem Sans, I don't know. I asked him if I have to look nice, he said I always look nice but it would be nicer if I wear a dress. So I have no idea"
"Hmmm, that may be difficult. Is there any way you can ask him?"
"I guess I could. Let me call him"
She watched Arya went out of the office, only to come back five minutes later,
"So? What did the Bull say?"
"He said it's a surprise. Ugh! He's being so difficult and I hate surprises"
"Then what we need to do is to find you something that could be flexible in anything?"
"What do you mean?"
"We'll find you a dress that is both casual and fancy appropriate"
"Oh"
"Yes"
"So can you get off work? Like right now?"
"I can be out for a few hours. Just tell him to pick you up here"
"Okay I'll tell him. Wait. Have you packed your things? You know we're leaving tomorrow?"
"Yes I have. Don't worry about it okay? Now I just need to finish this one proposal. Then we'll go. Why don't you say hello to dad and Uncle R. I'll just get you from there, give me 15 minutes"
"Yes, your grace"
She watched her sister leave her office and closed the door behind her. She went back to reading the paperwork on her desk, and made proper notes. She even timed herself for her to finish, in order for her to spend quality time with Arya.
Back in the Baratheon Mansion, Gendry is still working on one of the metal, when Jon came to his garage,
"Hey mate"
He got startled,
"Oh hey Jon"
"What are you doing there?"
"Just something to add to that bull piece"
"Oh. I see. Erm, can I ask you something?"
He stopped what he's doing and wiped his sweat with his shirt lying around
"What's up man?"
"Well, since I am going to stay here in KL, I might as well move in with Arya, possibly with Sansa too. I just don't know how long I could take it to live with those two…"
He chuckled,
"Anyway, me and my sisters have been talking and I will still check with my dad if we can just get an actual house here, so we can live in it, and possibly accommodate guests, in case one of our siblings decides to visit. So basically, I don't want to just lay my ass around all day doing my art pieces and be a burden, so I was hoping if you can get me a job at the Forge?"
"You want to work at the Forge?"
"Yeah why not. I like the place, although I've only been there once, I think I like to work there"
"And what would you do exactly?"
"Bartend?"
"Do you know how bartend?"
"Not really, but maybe you could teach me?"
"You sure about this Jon?"
"Yeah. Look, Arya had different jobs in Braavos, I know that. Why can't I? I'm not some spoiled child"
"Okay. Sure. I will see what I can do. I will recommend you to the owner, but you've got to learn the basics. Maybe I can get the bar menu. It's really simple, you saw it, it's not some fancy place."
"Cool! I have one more question"
"Sure."
"How would you like to go to Winterfell?"
"What?"
"I'm inviting you to come to Winterfell. But not in a couple of days. I want to surprise the little wolf"
"Would she like that? I know she hates surprises"
"Well I think my surprise will be accepted. Especially if it's you and it's from me"
"Do I have to drive all the way there?"
"Sure, it's only like a four-hour drive, I think you can manage. And you might want to take the truck. We're bringing our direwolves in KL"
"Wait. Is this your way of having me ganged up by your siblings and your pets?"
"No man! But that would come in handy. You gave me an idea there"
He just chuckled at Jon,
"Look, I really like your sister, and if everything goes well and we stay together which I know I would, with her, then I might as well meet the rest of your family"
"Ok. I will text you tomorrow so I can tell you when you should leave"
"Wait, how long do you think we can stay there, coz my dad said a professor from KLU is coming by next week. And your dad needs to also talk to you about it"
"Well, let's go talk to them when they get home"
"If they're still awake. Arya and I are going out tonight"
"Like a date?"
"Of course. I really need to take her out on a proper date. I never had the time before, I've been wanting to ask her that. The last time we went out was with you and Sansa."
"Where are you taking her?"
"Well, there's a place in Flea Bottom that I like going to with Anguy and Hot Pie. It's an underground art scene. They mostly have performance arts and visual as well. I think Arya will like it. They try to have different themes every month. They tried it weekly but you know most of the artists in Flea Bottom are poor."
"I think Arya will really like that. Man, I would like to see that, but it's your date. I don't want to interfere"
"Maybe you could take Dany there when you get back from Winterfell"
"Why would you think I would ask Dany out?"
"What, you don't like her?"
"Well, I do. But you know, it's just that…"
"Excuses Jon. Just ask her out, stop being such a pussy"
"I'm not being a pussy, I just haven't gone out on a date for a long, long time"
"Ah… it worked out for me. I have been single for five years before Arya came"
"Really?"
"Yeah, I think your sister is more experienced in relationships than we both do"
"Oh definitely"
"Anyway, I better get showered now. I can't see what else to do. I'll just tidy up a bit here. You want to use it?"
"Nah, I think I'll look for houses today"
"Okay suit yourself"
He went back to what he was working on and started cleaning up as Jon walked back in the house.
At the Stag Industries building, Arya found herself hanging out in her father's office, playing with her phone. She's starting to get bored waiting for Sansa, when finally Ned came in,
"Little Wolf, came to visit your old man?"
"Not really. I'm just waiting for Sansa"
"That hurt."
"Oh please. I always see you dad"
Her father sat beside her,
"So what are you and Sansa up to?"
"We're going shopping"
Ned laughed really well on her words,
"Alright Eddard Stark stop laughing at me!"
"I'm so sorry sweetling, I just didn't see it that one day my daughter Arya Underfoot will be shopping with Sansa"
"Well dad, I need her help"
"What for?"
"Because Gendry's taking me out on a date tonight and I have nothing to wear. And since she's the expert on these girly things, I might as well give it to her. Besides, she loves dressing me up."
"Well, that's very considerate of you"
"I can be really nice when I want to Dad"
He chuckled,
"Oh I know. So where's Gendry taking you?"
"I have no idea. He said it was a surprise. But I already have an idea that it involves art. Like the coffee shop we went to the first time we met."
"That's nice isn't it?"
"Yeah I think so. Oh dad, Jon, Sansa, and I have been talking. We're thinking why not just get a house here in KL, we're thinking of just moving in to one house. I know Uncle Robert doesn't mind, but we're not his kids, and we want him to have his own time with his son. What do you think?"
"I would allow it. Only if we're buying it"
"Buying? But Jon and I don't have a job yet"
"I know. I'm buying for you three"
"Dad!"
"Think of it as my graduation gift to you"
"Okay, first of all I am not the only one who's going to live there, so it can't be a graduation gift"
"Yes it can, it will also be my gift to Sansa for being strong and getting out of her relationship with Joffrey, and a gift for Jon for finally having the balls to follow his passion"
She did not know what to say. Her father is going to buy them a house in King's Landing as a gift. She could not help but hugged her dad tightly.
"You're the best dad in the world!"
Finally Sansa came in, she let go of her dad and ran to Sansa right away,
"Guess what?"
"What? What's going on? Dad?"
"Remember when we talked about renting a whole house?"
"Yeah?"
"Well, dad's buying us one!"
Sansa squealed and ran to their father and hugged him,
"Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh my God!"
"Alright calm down. I really expect this reaction from you, but if you tell Jon about this and he started squealing like you I will definitely change my mind"
They both laughed,
"Now off you go with whatever it is you girls are doing"
She and her sister both walked out of their father's office and went out of the building,
"Where are we going Sans?"
"There's plenty of stores in the Red Keep Mall, they have great dresses and shoes as well."
"Lead the way Lady Sansa"
They took a cab going to Red Keep Mall. When they got there, Sansa almost drag her from store to store trying to find the right element for her.
"Alright little wolf, do you have any idea where Gendry's taking you?"
"I think it would be something that involves art"
"Okay, so you need to have a dress that suitable in an art gallery, but not too glam for an underground art, it can be casual but can also be suitable in a fancy place. I think I have an idea, I just need to find the perfect dress"
They walked all around the mall until finally Sansa settled into one store, she sat on a chair while her sister rummage every rack,
"Perfect!" Sansa exclaimed,
She watched as Sansa called a saleslady and talked to her. When the saleslady walked away, Sansa walked over to her,
"You are going to love this dress. It's suits you well, it can be casual and very appropriate as well. And it's not too glam?"
"So it's still glam?"
"Shut up! Just trust me on this okay little wolf?"
She sighed,
"Yes"
The saleslady came back with a dress in hand, she laid it out and it showed a showed a multi-colored graphic print sleeveless dress, she was a little unsure about it, and was about to say something…
"Put it on" Sansa demanded
With the tone in Sansa's voice, she tried not to argue about it, "She's the expert on this, let her do it" she thought, and so she took the dress and went to the fitting room. When she got there, she took off what she's wearing and carefully put on the dress that Sansa chose for her. Once she got it on her, she looked at herself in the mirror and was surprised with the effect on the dress on her body. It was a really nice dress; it wasn't as glam as she thought it would be; she thought it would be too colorful, but the colors doesn't make it all too loud, it hugged her body nicely but not too fitting and it wasn't too short. It was only mid-thigh short, with a round neckline, it was still a conservative dress, but not overly covered. She twisted her body looking at herself on the mirror, and thought that she can definitely wear this with sneakers. "Not bad! Sansa's awesome with this!" she thought.
"Come out here, I want to see it!" Sansa said with her voice a little louder than usual
She came out and saw her sister standing up with her hands clasped together, smiling at her,
"Oh you look wonderful little wolf! What do you think of it?"
"I think it looks really nice."
"Not too glam I hope"
"No. Not at all! I mean I could actually wear this with sneakers!"
"That's what I thought. And I am glad you think that way because I got you this!"
Sansa sat down and pulled something from a shoe box, she showed it to her and it's a pair of royal blue wedged sneakers, with spiked studs on the side.
"Oh that is beautiful!"
"I know right? Why don't you put it on, let's see what it looks like on the dress"
She took the shoes from her hands obediently and wore it, she stood up and turned to her sister,
"So?"
"Perfect!"
"Wait, what if it's a fancy place?"
"Oh don't worry about that, I also got you this low heel pointed shoe. No need to wear it anymore. I already know what it would look like on you. Here's the thing though, you wear those sneakers but bring this with you. We'll put it in a shoe bag. If you see it's a fancy place, take off the sneakers and just wear this. Now wear this…"
Sansa handed her a short leather biker jacket,
"I know you love your leather jacket, the one you lent me, but this one's shorter and it suits well with your dress. If the place is too fancy just remove it and leave it in his car. I also got you this awesome clutch back with skulls on it!"
She handed her a black chained clutch purse with punk skull studded.
"Oh my god this is amazing!"
"Yes. Yes. I know I am amazing!"
"I meant the purse"
She saw her sister pouted, but she couldn't help but smile and gave Sansa a big hug,
"Well you are amazing! You should do this for a living!"
"Hmm. I think so too! Alright Little Wolf! I think we covered everything!"
"Let me pay for it first!"
"Don't worry about it"
"What?"
"I already paid for it!"
"But you shouldn't have!"
"I should. I know you don't have a job yet. Think of it as my graduation gift for my baby sister!"
"Why does everyone keep on saying that?"
"Saying what?"
"Think of it as my graduation gift! I mean, I didn't even invite everyone during my graduation"
"It's not important Arya. You graduated, you finished school and that's what's important!"
"When did you become so nice?"
"I'm always nice…when I want to!"
She laughed at her sister's words,
"Now let's go, we still need to go to a salon! Wait."
"What?"
Sansa ignored her question and called the saleslady. Suddenly the saleslady came up to her and started removing the tag on her dress. Placed her former clothes in a bag as well as the shoe boxes.
"Okay let's go!"
She followed Sansa outside of the store and was lead to a salon called "The Iron Throne," she watched her sister being greeted by the people who work there, and called for someone. Then a short woman with dark hair and dark eyes came to them,
"Arya, this is my usual stylist Shae. She also owns this salon and Tyrion's girlfriend"
"Nice to meet you" Shae said with an accent that she recognized
"Nice to meet you too. Are you from Lorath?"
"Yes I am! How did you know!?"
"The accent. I knew someone from there too!"
"Now enough with the chit-chat. You can do that while she works on you, follow Shae" Sansa said
"Come with me" Shae added
They followed her and had her sat on one of the chairs.
"Now what would you like to do?" Shae asked her
Before she could say anything, Sansa beat her to it,
"Shae, I want you to emphasize the wave on the bottom of her hair, but before you do that, I want dark blue to light blue ombre. As for her makeup, make her gray eyes pop, and then use light lipstick!"
Then her sister whispered to her ear,
"Trust me on this little sister! You will love it!"
She sighed,
"Alright I trust you"
Shae worked on her hair and makeup diligently, she checked on the time and it was already seven in the evening. Then her phone buzzed, she looked at it and showed on the screen Gendry's name and picture,
BABE WHERE ARE YOU? – GB
WITH SANSA. CAN YOU JUST PICK ME UP AT YOUR DAD'S BUILDING? – AS
SURE. I'll BE THERE BY 8:30PM - GB
I STILL HAVE STUFF TO DO WHEN WE GET BACK THERE. SO JUST VISIT YOUR DAD FIRST THEN I WILL COME GET YOU IN HIS OFFICE – AS
AS MILADY COMMANDS – GB
DON'T PUSH IT BARATHEON – AS
She chuckled at her last message. She waited for everything to be finished, giving all her patience to Shae and Sansa.
Gendry looked at himself one last time in the mirror. He was wearing a slightly fitted gray button down shirt and folded the sleeves up to his elbows, some dark jeans, and boots. He finally made it out of his room and went downstairs only to be greeted by Renly,
"Wow nephew! You look great!"
"Thanks Renly!"
"And where might you be going?"
"I have a date!"
"Ohhhh! With Arya?"
"How did you know?"
"Oh please! Like you both can really hide it! So who won the pool?"
"Oh Gods! You too?"
"Of course! So who won?"
"Dad did"
"Ugh!"
"Who did you bet on?"
"Jon"
"Sorry Renly. I guess the old stag is unbeatable. Oh by the way, is it alright that I go to my dad's office?"
"Yes. I don't see anything wrong with that"
"Well, I'm just worried. Coz, you know I am the 'lost' son and now I'm back"
"Fuck 'em all! It's your dad's office and building. Do what you like! Now go!"
"Thanks Renly! Laters!"
He walked out of the house and into his car. He drove straight to the Stag Industries building. Once he got inside, he slowly walked and looked around. He has never been inside, but now he knows why people say it's the best establishment in all KL, the building was massive and very nicely designed. After few minutes of checking the whole place out, he went to the reception,
"Hi! I'm here to see my Robert Baratheon?"
The receptionist, with a name tag 'Ros' eyed him suspiciously,
"May I ask your purpose of visit sir?"
"I just want to say hello. Can you just ring him or something?"
She eyes him suspiciously, but continued to smile at him
"I'm sorry sir, but I need to ask for your ID? And your actual reason to see him?" Ros said still skeptical about him
He pulled out his wallet and took his social security ID and handed it over to her, she wrote something on a piece of paper then typed something on the computer and gave him back his ID,
"Now, Mr. Waters, I will ask you again, what is your business with Mr. Baratheon?"
"Ma'am I just want to see my father. I have a different last name on my ID because I haven't got my new one. I am Gendry Baratheon and I want to see my dad. If you don't want to believe me, please ring him and he will tell you"
Ros rolled her eyes at him but grabbed the phone and dialed some number; he thought for a second that he have made a mistake, but he watched as Ros made a phone call but not taking his eyes away from him; she was trying to talk, but with how it was going, it seems like she's being interrupted and he can hear his father's loud voice on the other end of the line, he saw her eyes grew eyed as she looked back at him. Finally she hung up, and stood up, got out of the reception desk,
"Sorry about that…Mr. Baratheron, I just need to make sure we know who's visiting,"
"It's okay. I understand. Sorry if I didn't tell you right away"
"Please follow me sir"
He followed as she was led to the elevator, she allowed him to get in and pressed the penthouse button, but left the elevator immediately, he waited until he reached the top floor. When he got there, he went over to his dad's assistant,
"Hi! I'm here to see my dad"
"Through the door sir"
"Thanks"
He opened the office door and went inside; he was welcomed by his father,
"Gendry! I didn't expect to see you here"
"I know. Well, I'm picking up Arya, and since she's still with Sansa, I decided to visit you"
Robert placed a hand on his back and guided him to an arm chair,
"You look very handsome son! Are you guys going out on a date?"
"Erm, yeah. I haven't really taken her out on a proper date and we've been together for almost two weeks now."
"Good. Do you need anything? Money? My name?"
He laughed at his dad's offer,
"No dad. I think I'm good. As for the money, I think you have given me more than enough. As for your name, I already have it."
"So, where are you taking her?"
"To Acorn Hall. It's a place I used to go with my friends. I think Arya will really like it. Well, we'll have dinner at the Peach first"
"I haven't heard of that place, Acorn Hall"
"It's where artists from Flea Bottom go to. It's a whole building and each floor provides different genres. There's also music from some of the local musicians. Very underground"
"That's great. Now let me give you a fatherly advice, if that's alright with you,"
"Erm, sure dad"
"Don't hurt that girl or Ned will have your head."
"Yes dad. Thanks"
"You're welcome. It's the least I can do. But seriously son, I've made many mistakes; I know how it hurt me that Lyanna was taken from me, but I know it was not a good reason for I was not a good husband to Cersei. Just don't do what I did, I know you won't."
He just nodded,
"Oh and dad, you told me yesterday that a professor will come over next week?"
"Yes, why? Did you change your mind?"
"No. Of course not. I want to finish my studies. But erm… it's just that…"
"Spit it out boy!"
"Sorry. Can we move it?"
"Why?"
"Well, because Jon invited me to visit Winterfell. And I was hoping I could go. I haven't been out of King's Landing my whole life. I never really had the luxury or the money to travel."
Then his father looked at him with sad eyes,
"You'll leave your old man?"
"What? No! I'm just going to visit"
"I'm just joking son. Sure, I'll call the professor. We'll reschedule. Maybe if I can have the luxury of time, we can both travel together. When will you get back?"
"Well Jon, didn't say anything. But I will be coming back with them, I'll let you know. Also, I won't be leaving in a couple of days. Jon said I'm supposed to be his surprise for Arya. So don't say a word to her."
Robert laughed,
"I won't. Now Gendry, I'm sorry to do this, but I need to get back to some of the paperwork here. You can stay here if you want until Arya gets here."
"Oh. Sure. I'll just stay here and wait. I won't bother you"
He allowed his father to go back to whatever business he is doing and just sat there. He took out his phone and checked that it's already close to 8:30PM; so he, decided to text Arya,
ARE YOU READY YET? I'M HERE AT DAD'S OFFICE – GB
YES GIVE ME FEW MORE MINUTES OKAY? I'LL BE UP THERE – AS
ALRIGHT. SEE YOU SOON – GB
He put back his phone into his pocket, and waited patiently, when someone knocked at the door, he immediately stood up and went to it, without asking permission from Robert who is now busy diving his head in the pile of papers on his desk. He slowly opened the door, and his breath was taken away. Standing there was Arya, all dolled up for him. She looked rather different, with her hair and makeup but still Arya; he has always known that Arya is beautiful, but now she has this certain glow that made her even more beautiful. Her hair has blue dye on the curls, same blue as his eyes, and it matches the blues on her dress and her edgy sneakers.
"You can close your mouth now Gendry!"
He finally snapped back into reality,
"I'm sorry. It's just that…erm…sorry. Just…wow!"
"Thanks, you don't look too bad. Come closer"
Then as he did, Arya gave her a peck on the lips. He turned around and immediately called his father's attention,
"We're going now dad!"
"Have fun you two!"
"Bye Uncle Robert!"
He immediately grabbed her hand and went out of Robert's office. They walked towards the elevator; he slid his hand on Arya's waist as they wait for the lift to take them to the ground floor. When they got out of the elevator, they passed by the reception as they got out of the building Arya bumped to another woman red hair, he immediately pulled Arya to him, as the woman looked at them, it was Ros,
"I'm so sorry Miss Stark"
"It's fine. No worries" Arya said
"Sorry" Ros said again and then looked at him
Then immediately Ros almost ran out of the building without making a second glance,
"That was weird" Arya asked as they kept walking out of the building
"Yeah super weird. Here we are."
She was about to open the car door when he beat her to it and opened it for her,
"Stupid!"
He just snorted and went over tot the driver's seat.
"So where are you taking me?"
"I told you it's a surprise"
"I'm never gonna get it out of you huh?"
"Nope."
Gendry drove them to some restaurant she hasn't seen or been to yet. As she was sitting in the car, she eyed carefully what it looks like, "It doesn't seem fancy, good!" she thought. Gendry stepped out of the car and opened the door for her, she did not say anything or called him stupid, but just allowed him to make him feel like a gentleman around her. As she stepped out, Gendry placed his hand on her lower back and guided her to the entrance of the place, when they got in, she breathed in the surrounding, and it wasn't fancy at all. There were some families eating, men drinking, it's like every type of people are there.
"You think I'd take you to some fancy place huh?"
"What? No! I don't think you would like the idea of fine dining. And besides I don't like fine dining."
"You don't?"
"No. Sure the food is fantastic… in taste, but not in quantity"
He chuckled and took her to some table, and they settled there as they sat across each other,
"This place looks like they serve awesome food. There are a lot of people here, it means food is good. How did you find the place?"
She noticed that Gendry was trying not to look at her, when he finally did; she noticed that there is a certain sadness in his eyes,
"Erm, my mum used to work here as a waitress"
"Oh"
She didn't say anything else, she couldn't. She felt like her heart is going to break thinking that five years ago, Gendry's mother dried and he struggles working two jobs to pay for medical bills and surviving; for some reason she felt guilty as her problems back then were not as big as his. She reached his hand,
"Hey, you okay?"
He kept looking on the table, when he finally looked at her again; he took a deep breath,
"Yeah. Erm, yeah. Sorry I just spaced out"
"It's okay. Even if you don't tell me, I know you miss your mum"
"I do. I really do."
There was an awkward silence between when a waitress came,
"What can I get for you?"
She looked at Gendry,
"What's good to eat her Gen?"
Gendry ordered for both of them and waited for their food to come. She noticed that Gendry is back to himself,
"You know, you really look good tonight"
"Well you have to thanks Sansa for it"
"She really did a great job"
"So you mean I don't look good enough with my own clothes?" she teased
"What? No. Of course you look good all the time. Especially in the morning, when you have a messy hair, wearing your large shirts"
"Shut up stupid. I never look good in the morning"
"Well I find you beautiful in the morning, nothing you can do to change my opinion about it"
She felt the heat crawl to her face,
"I'm blushing aren't I?"
"Yeah you are" he chuckled
"You're turning me into Sansa! Ugh! You insufferable git!"
He just kept on laughing.
Their dinner went well; they talked about their childhood, their hometown. They feel like they're getting to know each other really well, they laughed and teased each other. When they had finished their food, Gendry paid the bill and led Arya out. They got to the car, and drove away from the Peach.
"So where are we going next?"
"You'll see" he said as he smirked at her
"Idiot!" she muttered
She watched the road and the lights of the streets as Gendry drove. They were silent the whole ride until Gendry stopped. They got out and she observed, they stopped at a building, it was old but there were graffiti on the wall. She turned to look at Gendry,
"What is this place?"
"You'll see, come on"
"Is this where you murder me?"
Gendry put his arm around her and kissed her on the temple
"Yes, now shut up and just walk"
She giggled at him, yes, she giggled, but like Sansa would do it, they walked to the door step and Gendry opened it, they went inside and she was definitely surprised. She saw people walking in and out of hallways,
"What is this place?"
"This is called Acorn Hall. This is where artists of Flea Bottom come together and exhibit their work, because none of the posh galleries would accept them."
She looked around, there were no actual doors but just archway on each room, they went to the first room where there's a soft music playing. They went inside and sat on the floor just like everyone, Gendry sat behind her as he wrapped his arms around her waist, she placed her hands and arms on it and leaned her head on his chest. She listened to the soft plucking of the guitar as the singer delivers the lyrics clearly,
"My featherbed is deep and soft,
and there I'll lay you down,
I'll dress you all in yellow silk
and on your head a crown.
For you shall be my lady love,
and I shall be your lord.
I'll always keep you warm and safe,
and guard you with my sword.
And how she smiled and how she laughed, the maiden of the tree.
She spun away and said to him,
no featherbed for me.
I'll wear a gown of golden leaves,
and bind my hair with grass,
But you can be my forest love,
and me your forest lass."
The words filled her with utmost affection to the person behind her as the strings of the guitar fade. After the singer has finished the song, there was just silence except the beating of Gendry's heart that she can hear. She looked up at Gendry and he lowered his face to kiss her forehead.
"Did you like that Arry?"
"Yeah. He's really good!"
"Yes, he is. I'm glad you like it. Now come one, there are so many things to see here"
They got up and went of the room only to be led by Gendry to the stairs, she noticed that each room covers a different type of art movement. She explored every art pieces, watched every performers with much excitement and delight. "This is totally different in Braavos!" she thought. They walked along the halls; eyes wide open in every surprise in each room. When they have finally finished visiting each room, they walked out of Acorn Hall and into Gendry's car. She was high on art, music, and definitely Gendry. He showed her something that she hasn't explored.
As Gendry drove them back to the mansion, she still could not help but smile; she glanced and reached for him to give him a peck on the cheeks,
"I had a wonderful time"
He looked at her as he pulled over the garage,
"I'm glad you did. I knew you would like it."
"That place was amazing!"
She closed the gap and gave Gendry a kiss only to be kissed back with so much fire and passion. She held him close until she felt his lips on behind her ear, her neck, and collarbone. She moaned at the sensation of his lips. He pulled back and she felt cold upon it,
"Not here" he said
He immediately got out of the car and she did as well, Gendry grabbed her hand as he ran to the door, she laughed at him for she has never seen move so fast. They went in and ran upstairs until they reached her door. He kissed her once more, lingering, soft, and gentle. He leaned his forehead on hers, just looked at her with his blue eyes. She twisted the door knob as she led him inside. She wrapped with her arms around his neck,
"Stay with me tonight"
"But… your dad's here. We can't"
"Of course we can't stupid. I am just asking you to stay here. Just to sleep, I'm leaving tomorrow and I will terribly miss you. I know it doesn't sound like me, but I know I will."
"Okay. Only if you promise not to take advantage of my body," he smiled
"Oh please, it would be the last thing that I would do"
They both chuckled,
"I'm just going to change, and I will be back here okay?"
"Okay"
She watched as Gendry left her room, while he's gone, she went to her closet and changed to her college shirt and just her knickers, then she washed and remove her makeup. She got out and made it to her bed, when her door opened and Gendry entered.
"Turn off the lights"
Gendry did what he's told and made his way to her, he lifted the blanket and lay down beside her, extending his arm so she can lay her head on his chest and him wrapping his arm around her.
"How long will you be staying in Winterfell?" he asked in a soft voice,
"A week, I hope"
"You're not sure?"
"Well I really don't know what's going to happen. To be honest I really miss my home."
"I understand"
"Do you miss your home?"
"Well I do miss my old home, the one where I lived with my mum. If you're referring to my crappy flat, then no. Besides I don't get to stay with you there"
"Stupid" she muttered
"Go to sleep I'll wake you up tomorrow"
"M'kay"
She rested her head on Gendry's chest comfortably and drifted off to sleep while Gendry ran his hand through her hair. Tomorrow she and her siblings will travel the road to Winterfell. She will definitely miss Gendry.