This is a long one. There is some fluff that i probably should cut out but I didn't because it might hint to something later on. I like to do that in my writing. Hope you enjoy.

Chapter 28

Gendry Friday

Arya was curled around him. He wanted to pinch himself to make sure he wasn't dreaming. Of course Arya had managed to screw up his plans for the evening but he couldn't be angry about that. Not when it was his fault. As soon as he pulled that shirt over her head he had to lose himself in her. He kissed her forehead as she slept.

He hated that he was going to have to go to work; the idea of staying in bed with her all day almost made him call in sick. They only had a half day of work because of the banquet but he still had to go. If he didn't then they would be shorthanded. It always seemed to him that the whole damn city shut down for the banquet. Anybody who was anybody was heading north to Winterfell tonight. For once he was actually going to be one of those people tonight. That wasn't what was making him nervous. He could care less about making a good impression in his father's world. He was going to get to meet his brother and sister. 'At least Arya will be there.' He thought to himself as he watched her sleep. Arya made him stronger. His alarm started to buzz making Arya stir next to him. "Shut that damn thing off." Arya mumbled against his chest.

He stretched underneath her making her whine. "I have to go to work Arry."

"Uh-uh" Arya clung to him tighter.

He laughed at her. "Come on Arya please let me up." Arya just grunted and rolled away. He watched her try to sleep as he dressed. Before he left he crawled on the bed and wrapped his arms around her. "I'm going to work."

"K leave." He laughed and kissed her neck.

"I'll expect you to be ready to leave by four."

Arya rolled over and glared at him. "I'll see you there. I have to help my mom and Sansa."

"Don't ditch me Stark."

"Never, now shut up so I can sleep." He kissed her forehead again and turned the alarm back on just for fun.

Everybody was talking about the banquet when he arrived. Ignoring everybody, he went up top and started working. He was definitely nervous about meeting is brother and sister. He tired not to think about that as he let work consume his thoughts. The men around him weren't getting much work done. Every one of the guys was talking about the banquet or the lawsuit. The men were worried about the company shutting down. There were a lot of men looking for places to go just I case it happened. He talked a little bit with the guys to see what the general feel and mood was. The company would need to do something to calm fears or they may loose their workers.

When he got home from work Nymeria greeted him at the door. Arya was already taking over his life. Her clothes were scattered around the apartment and her dog was lying across his couch. The thoughts in his mind whirled around his new girlfriend and what his brother and sister were like. Robert couldn't tell him much about them.

His phone buzzed as he pulled out his suit and shirt. It was the reservations he made for tonight. He smiled to himself because the plans were ruined, not entirely but it wasn't going to be her first time. He layered the suit on and put some gel in his hair to try and tame it some. The man in the mirror he didn't recognize was back. His black hair and blue eyes some how made the suit. He wondered what his brother and sister looked like.

The phone on the bathroom counter buzzed. 'pick me up at sansa's' the text read. Arya's bossy nature made him smile. For someone who fought so hard not to be a lady she certainly sounded like someone who liked to be in charge.

'thought you were helping'

'Sansa has it covered save me, she's doing makeovers.' He smiled at her last command. This worked out perfectly for him now Arya would be with him when he met his family.

'On my way'

He gathered the bag for the night. The hotel that he was going to after the banquet had cost a lot of money. Arya would be annoyed that he had done it but there was a romantic suite, a roaring fire, rose pedals and chilled champagne waiting on them for what was supposed to be Arya's first time. It might have been cheesy and over the top but Arya meant that much to him.

Sansa's apartment was on the way and it took little time to get there. Arya was in the backroom when Sansa let him inside. "She's mad at me. I got a little carried away." Sansa said as she walked past him in her dress. He had to admit that Sansa was beautiful.

"She's mad at me for making her go."

"You got big bonus points with Mom for that." Sansa sat on a bench next to the island.

"That's good I'm not sure she likes me."

"It takes Mom a little while to warm up especially" Sansa hesitated. "Out of our class." Sansa looked ashamed or embarrassed.

"I understand. I've…" He stopped speaking when Arya stepped into the room. Her green dress fit her petite body perfectly. The bare skin of her shoulders looked like it needed to be kissed. The dark wavy curls tickled her collar bone and a light trace of makeup brought out her beautiful features. He couldn't take his eyes off of her. Arya took a careful step towards him.

"What?!" He smiled briefly when he realized he had been starting.

"You look beautiful." Arya pushed his shoulder.

"Shut up." It was a weak push for her and he could see the blush running up her neck.

He finally managed to stop starting. "I almost forgot." He pulled the old box out of his pocket and opened it. Arya peaked into the box at the little silver chain. "It has colored stones you can change out."

"You shouldn't have bought me anything." Arya stared at the looping pendant that the stones hid behind. He glanced at Sansa who had her hands clasped in front of her.

"I didn't buy it. It was my mom's."

"Aw" Sansa squeaked out and clasped her hands over her mouth.

"Gendry I can't keep this."

"Arya I can't wear it and I want you to have it. It was my mom's favorite. She would have loved you." He thought he saw a glimmer of tears in Arya's eyes and Sansa wiped away a stray tear when he glanced back up. Arya turned quickly for him to put it on. He changed the stone to a deep green to match her dress.

"Perfect!" Sansa said with a bright smile after he clasped the necklace.

"Are you sure you don't need my help Sansa." Arya played with the pendant as she spoke.

"Mom and I have it covered. You would just mess things up anyway. Go with Gendry." Sansa hugged Arya and to his surprise hugged him as well. He wasn't exactly sure where he stood with the Starks. Ned seemed to like him, Catelyn still didn't care for him apparently, Jon tolerated him at best, Robb seemed happy and he hadn't been around Bran or Rickon long enough to know what they thought. He was now certain that Sansa was on his team now.

Robert had wanted them to meet up before they all went to the banquet together. Arya lead him through the halls of Winterfell. Ned had given Robert the use of his home for the meeting. His feet stopped moving halfway down the bright hallway. "Gendry it's just down here." Arya tugged on his arm.

"I can't." He felt the walls closing in on him. His brother and sister were only a few doors down. The thought of having an actual family paralyzed him. He wasn't sure how they could actually be a family. None of them were kids so a traditional family would never happen. The other two Baratheon bastards may not want anything to do with him. After all he was the one that inherited the company not them.

"Gendry" Arya squeezed his hand. He glanced down and saw the worry on her beautiful face.

"I've never had a family Arry. What if they don't want me around?" He felt foolish saying it out loud like a scared child would.

"They will love you Gendry."

"How do you know?"

"Because I do." Arya said firmly but her face turned pink with embarrassment. His feet moved forward and he quickly bent down and kissed her. He couldn't believe that Arya had uttered anything close to those words and so quickly. She hadn't said them exactly but it was enough. He had known for sometime that he was in love with everything Arya Stark could ever be. He thought about saying those words back but decided to wait until tonight.

"I'm good let's go now. Thank you Arry." Arya leaned up and kissed him again before they continued to the room. Arya turned the knob and he took a deep breath before pushing through and stepping inside. Arya squeezed his hand when everyone stared at him.

"Gendry" Robert smiled and stood up. "I'm glad you made it." Robert's eyes settled on Arya. He watched his father's face pale.

"Robert this is Arya."

Robert stared and swallowed hard. "By Gods" Robert whispered but managed to pull himself together. "Miss Stark it is a pleasure." Robert surprised him when he kissed the back of Arya's hand. "Gendry I'd like to introduce you to your brother and sister. This is Mya."

A tall woman with short black hair ad blue eyes in a yellow dress stood and walked up to him. "Arya!"

"Mya" He watched as his girlfriend and sister greeted each other.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Mya smiled as she spoke.

Arya held up their entwined hands. "I guess I'm dating your brother." Mya laughed loudly and Robert joined.

Mya turned and smiled at him. "I always wanted a baby brother. Now I have two." He reached out to shake her hand and Mya pulled him into a bear hug. Robert was actually smiling.

"And this is Edric." Robert said when Mya let him go. Edric didn't wear the same easy smile that Mya did. Edric was about his height but nowhere near his build. Edric shifted uncomfortably and extended his hand. Gendry shook his hand but had not idea what to say, neither did Edric who just nodded stiffly when addressed. They sat around the table with Arya and Mya's fiancé and Robert started to fill all of them on his plans with the will. He saw Edric's jaw tightened when Robert mentioned the company. After all of the business stuff was out of the way they started telling a little bit about their lives.

Arya squeezed his hand and whispered. "I need to check in with my mom and Sansa whenever you think it is okay." After a few minutes of chat Arya took Mychel, Mya's fiancé down to the banquet hall so they could talk more. He liked Mya; she was funny and easy to talk to. Edric was still distant with everybody in the room. He couldn't blame Edric it was an awkward situation. The talked for quite awhile before Robert finally took them down the dinner hall.

Jon – Friday

Val had wanted the whole experience, so he had managed to get a limo last minute to pick her up in. Val was in a high rise penthouse on the expensive side of town. He found it a little impressive that she chose to work for next to nothing when she could've lived off of money from her mother's side. When the door opened his jaw dropped. Val had on a form fitting floor length red dress with a plunging neckline and a split in the side that ran all the way up to her hip. "Like what you see Stark?"

"You look amazing." He couldn't believe they actually made dresses like that. It was like something that Hollywood starlets would wear.

"I know, Thank you." Val hooked their arms and led him down to the limo. He listened to her chat about the banquet. He couldn't answer many of her questions because he hadn't been to the Winter banquet in years. When they arrived Val had them take photos; he couldn't help the horrible prom flashback that came to him.

There were people everywhere. Arya popped up next to him making him choke on his newly acquired glass of wine. His little sister looked like a woman; he had to fight the urge to throw his jacket around her shoulders. "Arya what are you wearing?"

"It's a dress jackass. Where's Andy?" He caught his sister's glance at Val.

"Not here. Arya this is Val, Val my little sister Arya." He made the introductions hesitantly unsure of what Arya was going to do or say.

"You are absolutely adorable." He grimaced knowing that Arya would hate that.

"Where is Gendry?" He broke in before Arya's temper could take over. Arya glanced around the room.

"He's talking with his dad who is introducing him to his brother and sister." Arya continued to look around the room. "There she is." Arya pointed across the room. He stared when he realized who she was talking about. Andy was stunning; her dress was more modest than Val's, but the crème colored dress fit like a glove. Every curve was outlined by the sheer fabric; her hair was moving around her shoulders as she smiled and talked with Sandor.

"Jon" Val grabbed his arm again. "Let's go find our table."

Arya rolled her eyes. "I'm going to go see Andy, Bye." Arya disappeared into the crowd.

As they walked through the crowd he tried to catch sight of Andy again. He caught Jory introducing her to some men before they found their table. Val found some women she knew and disappeared into the bathroom leaving him alone. He sat down at the table to catch his breath. There were so many people there. "Jon you're here!" Robb's voice was full of surprise as he walked over to the table.

"Catelyn invited me so I came."

"Good to see you here for once." Robb smiled looking around the room.

"At least my date is enjoying herself."

"So is mine."

"Where is Jayne?" He hadn't seen the doctor in a few days.

Robb glanced around. "Talking to Sansa about fashion still, where is Andy?"

He wondered how many times he was going to hear that tonight. "I'm not here with Andy." He pointed Val out to Robb.

"Not bad brother, but I figured Andy got all dressed up for you." Robb was watching him as he took a drink. "Touchy subject?" His brother questioned after seeing the look on his face.

"Leave it Robb."

Robb glared. "Fine, I'm going to find some more pleasant company." Robb left him alone with his drink.

He spotted Andy again and decided to go talk to her when she stepped outside alone. As he stepped outside he caught the faint scent of peppermint that he had come to associate with her. Andy was on the edge of the porch looking over the lighted gardens. "You look amazing." He let his gaze sweep up and down her.

"Sansa knows what she is doing." He held his tongue thinking about all the family members that she was talking to all but him. He made forced small talk until Andy said 'date'. His stomach twisted and his heart sank. Her having a date never crossed his mind before. When Jory waked up he wanted to crawl under a rock. He grew up with Jory who was 8 years older than him and Andy both. Andy hurried away on Jory's arm. It was like she couldn't get away from him fast enough. Val had managed to find him and bring him back to the table. When he arrived he noticed Andy and Jory's place cards were directly across from his.

Not that it really mattered Andy wouldn't look at him; she just pushed food around her plate. Jory was too caught up in talking with the security teams which irritated him. If he was with Andy his attention wouldn't be on work. He tried to get her to talk but she wouldn't and then Jory led her away. He followed after making up some excuse to leave the table. He wasn't ready to see her kissing another man. The exit wasn't close enough. He knew Jory was a good guy but he wasn't good enough for her. He splashed water on his face when he reached the bathroom. It hit him that he was jealous, very jealous. Val was dancing when he came back to the table so he was alone with his thoughts again.

Eventually Andy and Jory came back as well. He couldn't even look at Andy. He couldn't hold his tongue the more they sat there in silence so he smarted off. Andy returned his barb with one of her own, but something shifted. Andy said she missed him and his icy exterior towards her shattered. They started talking again. From the way they talked people would have assumed that they had been apart for years not days.

The speakers had finished up and everyone was mingling or dancing. Val was dancing with is brother Robb and Andy was in the corner rubbing her knee. He slowly worked his way over to her. "How is it feeling?"

"Achy but not as bad as my feet." Her shoes were sitting on the floor below her.

"So you probably wouldn't want to dance." He asked slightly disappointed that he hadn't gotten to dance with her yet.

Andy looked around the room before answering. "I don't think one more would kill me." He bent down and slipped her shoes back on her feet before leading her onto the floor. The music was upbeat tempo but as soon as they got into the rhythm the music changed to a slow dance. At first it felt like a middle school dance but as the song continued they got closer and closer to each other. His hands were wrapped around her waist and her head was almost resting on his chest. Time seemed to stand still; he didn't know how long they were like that until he heard a voice from behind him.

"Ahem, my turn." Val threw a cruel smile at Andy

"Of course" Andy left without another word or looking at him.

"What was that, Jon?" Val wrapped her arms around him and pressed her body to his.

A sudden flare of anger went through him. "What, we were dancing Val. She is my friend."

"She wants more Jon. You need to stop encouraging her." He didn't think he was encouraging anything. That was just how they were together… comfortable.

"Val, Andy is my friend if you can't deal with it we are going to have problems." The finished the dance in silence and parted ways after she said she needed to use the restroom. Jory caught up to him as he exited the dance floor. Jory was the last person he wanted to see. It wasn't that he wasn't a good guy but he shouldn't get to kiss Andy.

Jory patted him on the back. "Trouble in paradise."

He wasn't sure he wanted to say anything at all but Jory had always been good for advice before. "She doesn't like Andy."

Jory chuckled. "Of course she doesn't, if you saw how you and Andy looked together you wouldn't blame her. She is your date after all."

"Andy and I are just friends." He kept saying that hoping he would believe it eventually.

"That's what she keeps saying. I don't believe her either. That being said Jon. You need to learn to dance with the girl that brought you." He didn't now how Jory felt about Andy but he got the slight warning in there.

Val was absolutely gorgeous, smart and had been the girl of his dreams for a long time. Andy was so different and she was beautiful in a different way, funny and like nobody he knew yet somehow familiar. He was lost in his thoughts when he heard an earsplitting scream. Jory bolted through the crowd. He was taking in his surroundings as he pushed toward the commotion. There was a circle of people in the middle of the dance floor. Jory, Robb, Catelyn were kneeling around a still form on the floor. Robb was holding a sobbing Catelyn while Dr. Westerling was performing CPR. His heart stood still when he saw the ring on the man's hand. It was his family crest and only his father wore that ring. "What happened?" He demanded. Jory was on the phone and people were talking in hushed voices.

"He just fell." Andy was standing next to him. "He was dancing with his wife and fell." Andy looked worried like everybody else in the room. It took very little time for the EMT's to show up and cart this father off. Catelyn went with him.

"Jon I'm going to take a cab home, so you can be with your family." Val had managed to find him in the chaos.

"See you later." He kissed her lightly on the cheek and walked away without a second thought to find his family. "Sansa where is everyone?" His sister was the only person he was able to find.

"Heading to the hospital." Sansa was an eerie calm as she gave the staff orders and got everybody calmly outside apologizing for the inconvenience the entire time. There was only one hospital near Winterfell so he knew exactly where they would be taking his dad.

"What do you need me to do?" As much as he wanted to go to the hospital he wasn't going to leave Sansa alone. He helped Sansa get all the guests out and the staff in order before the two of them left for the hospital. Robb was comforting a distraught Catelyn and Arya was leaning against Gendry. Rickon and Bran were staring at their phones. The waiting room was eerily quiet. "How is he?" He didn't even sit down before asking.

"Stable that's all we know." Arya answered as she got up for a hug. Sansa went to their mother after a quick hug to Arya. They sat quietly in the waiting room for what felt like an eternity. His baby sister was sleeping against her boyfriend; Sansa and Catelyn were talking in hushed voices. He sat leaning with elbows on his staring at the ER door hoping someone would come through and tell them what was going on.

He felt the cushion next to him move and a hand slid into his. "Any news?"

"What are you doing here?"

"Seeing if your dad is alright. Are you going to answer me?"

Gendry answered for him. "No news yet."

He looked at her small hand in his. "You hate hospitals."

"I know that Jon." Andy said his name like she was scolding a child.

"Thanks." He knew how much Andy hated these places but he chose to believe that she came for him.

Dr. Westerling walked out with another doctor. Everybody stood up and waited for one of them to speak. "Mrs. Stark, He is stable. I'm afraid he needs heart surgery. We have been trying to get in contact with the specialist, Dr. Qyburn but he is unavailable at this time."

"How soon does he need the surgery?" He asked before anyone else could speak.

The doctor whose name he couldn't remember turned to him. "The sooner the better, we can keep him stable but he has to have the surgery. And right now Qyburn is the only one can operate on him."

"Excuse me." Andy left the group who was going over Ned's options for several minutes before she returned to his side. The Doctor was paged and excused himself.

"When do we get to see him?" Arya asked impatiently even though nobody in the group knew.

The doctor came back smiling. "Good news Dr. Qyburn is leaving tonight. He will be here tomorrow for surgery." He looked over at Andy quickly before looking back to his family. That was great news but he couldn't help thinking it was a little strange that the doctor was unavailable and all of a sudden he was on the next flight here. "We will be prepping him for surgery in the morning. I believe you all can see him but we are keeping him asleep so don't expect him to wake up tonight."

"And surgery is the only option?" Catelyn finally found her voice.

"Yes, I'm afraid so. I don't believe he would survive without it." The doctor answered patiently.

"I don't understand he has been watching what he eats. How did this happen?" Catelyn asked the room; she was still in shock or denial he wasn't sure which. His dad hated that diet. Every time Ned came to visit he tired to cheat on it. He never allowed his dad to cheat when he was around him. He looked around the room at his brothers and sisters and saw the guilty looks. Apparently he was the only one that made their father follow the diet.

They filtered in a few at a time to see their father was of course asleep and hooked up tot tubes and monitors. He was the second in the room after Catelyn who was allowed to stay. It was easier to be the one in the bed than the one waiting on news. He left the room and went to sit by Andy who was still waiting; she looked up as he got closer. "He's" His voice broke. "He's asleep."

Andy gave a sympathetic smile. "You should get some sleep too, Jon. Jory had me get everybody a room at the hotel across the street." The irritation of Jory having Andy do anything flared up. He didn't want to leave the hospital with his dad in the state he was so he sat back in the chair and waited. Exhaustion was starting to get the best of him as he sat in the chair his eyelids fell again. Andy shook his shoulder. "Jon, let's go we can come back first thing in the morning."

The room was empty when he looked around. "Where is everybody?"

"At the hotel" With one last glance at the ER doors he allowed Andy to drag him across the street to a waiting bed. He fell in the bed completely exhausted. Andy laughed at him before helping him out of his jacket and pulling off his shoes. "I better get going." Andy turned to leave.

"Stay!" Andy froze. He hadn't meant to say it out loud but being alone tonight scared him.

"Jon I don't think." Andy's face changed when he looked her in the eyes. Whatever she thought she didn't finish saying; she called the front office and waited for the knock on the door. When Andy came back she was holding a change of clothes. "There is a pair of sweats and a t shirt on the dresser to sleep in." Andy disappeared into the bathroom and he quickly stripped down to his boxers and crawled into bed. Andy slid under the sheets as far away from him as possible.

"Andy" He said quietly to the room.

"Ya" Andy rolled over to look at him. He couldn't say that if he lost his father he would completely lose his mind. After he went silent for too long Andy moved closer and he wrapped his arms around her laying his head on her chest. "He's going to be fine Jon."

He held on a little tighter and whispered. "Thank You."

He could hear her heart beating steadily when she spoke. "For what?"

"Whatever you did to get the Doctor here."

"Jon I didn't." Andy paused in the middle of her denial. "He's your dad. I had to do something."

"What did it cost you?" He didn't want her to spend her money like that.

"My sanity." Andy laughed lightly. "Dr. Qyburn is a former client. He wants another car. He's a giant pain in the ass but I'll deal with it." Jon smiled as the steady rhythm started to make him sleepy again.

Sansa – Friday

Everything was going smoothly. The caterers were set up and right on time. Security was in place and the tables were arranged so everybody could be as close to happy as humanly possible. She had just marked off the last name on the seating chart list when she saw him. Her stomach flipped as he walked across the floor. She stepped into the kitchen before he could see her. She couldn't explain why she did it. All she knew was that it was getting harder to be around Sandor. When he worked for her there was necessary distance between them, but since then the boundaries were blurred. When she closed her eyes she could still fell his heavy arm gently wrapped around her shoulders. She had kissed him too! It was on the cheek but that was the closest that they had ever gotten to a romantic situation.

"Sansa, thank God. Arya is trying to direct traffic please go distract her. I know she means well but…" Her mother's calm exterior was starting to crack. Only Arya could do that to her mother.

"I'll get her. Everything looks wonderful mother." She kissed her mom on the cheek and went to rescue the poor people Arya was directing.

A tall lean blond man caught her eye and her heart stopped. Since Sandor had told her Joffrey would be there she had been seeing Joffrey everywhere. It angered her that just knowing her would be around scared her and was grateful that her mother trusted her to certain tasks to keep her mind busy.

Arya was telling everyone how to do the last minute finishing touches that their mother would hate. "I told you we had it covered Arya." She said smiling at her sister.

"I know but I was bored so I thought I would help." Arya sat down at one of the tables.

"I love you Arya but decorating is not your thing and Mom already told everyone what to do." Arya never wanted to help with things like this it confused her a little bit.

"Mom sent you to get me didn't she?"

She sat next to her sister. "Yes she did."

"I just wanted to help." Arya pouted.

"Since when." She teased.

"Gendry is with his family and I needed something to do." Her sister was just bored that made sense.

"How's it going?" The murmurs had all ready started that Robert had his illegitimate children at the banquet.

"His sister is nice but his brother is a bit stiff. Robert was nice too." She watched as the people shuffled around the tables.

"Did you tell him?" She remembered her sister's mission from the night before. Gendry had seemed so close to her sister earlier. She hoped that Arya didn't chicken out. Gendry needed to know.

"Tell him? About the kiss." She nodded. "You were right he didn't break up with me. He was mad but he got over it." She saw Arya's cheeks flush probably her sister's only Tully trait.

"You have dirt. What happened?" Arya wouldn't look at her and kept shifting in her seat. She knew something was up. "Arya tell me." Arya mumbled something quickly. "What?" Arya mumbled again. "Arya I don't speak gibberish."

"We had sex!" Arya said loudly. She just stared at her sister before hugging her.

Arya pushed her away. "My little sister is all grown up! Was that your first time?" Arya was always around guys but never seemed to be with them romantically.

"Yes" Arya glanced at her. "You're not going to lecture me are you?"

"I'm not mother." She rolled her eyes.

"It's hard to tell sometimes." Arya mumbled. She let the jab go because she probably deserved it.

"I'm not a complete prude you know."

Arya's face scrunched up. "Eww, you and Joffrey. Eww eww eww. I think I'm gonna puke."

She laughed at the look on her sister's face but still hated that Joffrey was her first. "Don't get any on your dress. And I thought I was in love it was terrible. There was no foreplay and he was like a jack hammer for like three seconds. He was tiny too."

Arya shifted in her chair laughing. There were in uncharted territory. Sex was not something that she and her sister talked about. "It definitely wasn't terrible. It was strange but it was far from terrible." Arya finally looked at her. She was sure that her sister wasn't the only one blushing.

"You used protection right?" She hated sounding like their mother but Arya was impulsive person.

"Yes mom."

"I could get you an appointment with my doctor to get birth control."

"That would be great. I definitely want to do it again." She laughed loudly at her smiling sister.

"Can you go make sure Rickon is dressed? Mom has been fighting with him all day." It was getting closer to the start of the banquet and she needed to do a few last things.

"Sure, I'll go yell at him." Arya started to walk away and then turned around. "Thanks Sansa."

She returned to finishing the last of the tables. People began to enter the hall. Catelyn stood next to her as they greeted guests. Her father was shaking everyone's hand as they entered. As she glanced around at the atmosphere and the people it made her happy. The banquet was a Stark tradition.

Robb walked up with a date actually, which surprised everybody. Robb always came stag to the party so he could shamelessly flirt with all the girls. Jon came with a gorgeous blond, which was also a bit of a surprise mostly because if Jon had a type she didn't think that it would be her. It hit her that she actually recognized the woman. Val Rayder, The two of them used to run in the same social circles and haunt the same places. Val was always going through guys; she would find the most eligible bachelor, the firefighter that saved the day or any other guy that was in the spotlight. After the light faded or another option popped up Val would move on without another thought for the guy she left. Poor Jon had no idea what he was getting into. She made up her mind to warn Jon later. Val had left too many heartbroken men in her wake.

Her mother had placed her at the Tyrell's table so it was easy for her and Margery to pass the time. Willas wasn't there because of a business trip but Loras and Renly made sure she didn't go without a dance partner.

On her way back from the bar for the second time she came across Joffrey. "Excuse me." She tired to step around him so she didn't have to talk to him. Joffrey had a different idea. Joffrey leaned against the wall blocking her way. Immediately she fell back into her old habit in dealing with Joffrey. Her face went blank hiding all emotions. Glancing over his face she wondered why she ever liked him to begin with. Joffrey was talking at her but she didn't register any of it but just nodded when he would pause. Sandor was moving towards them at a fast pace. She briefly hoped that he wouldn't do anything to drastic. When Sandor asked her to dance she jumped at the chance to get away.

She pulled Sandor across the floor drawing strength from his touch. When she turned and looked at Sandor once they reached the corner all the feelings she had suppressed moments before came flooding back. Sandor pulled him against his broad chest. She felt safe in his arms, safe enough to let her feelings out. When her emotions were in check she slowly pulled away. "I'm sorry."

"Don't" Sandor ordered as he led her to the nearby restroom.

She was standing in front of the mirror as she wiped the tears and smeared makeup away. Arya pushed through the door and stopped short. "I'll kill him." Arya walked forward and stopped next to her. Her sister looked uncomfortable and lost.

She started to laugh. "God, you're worse at this than Jon."

"Hey!" Arya looked around the empty bathroom. "Are you all right?"

She looked at her worried sister. "You know what. I think I am." Sandor had saved her again but Joffrey couldn't control her. She had shut down but only because she had no interest in anything to do with the guy. "Can you go get my clutch? I need to fix my makeup." Arya quickly disappeared. She glanced outside the bathroom door and saw Gendry leaning against the wall. "You don't have to stay I'm fine."

"Sorry I have my orders." Gendry smiled and went back to leaning.

She rolled her eyes. For some reason she already knew who Gendry got his orders from. Arya came back. She didn't hide her smile at her sister's appearance. Arya's hair was a mess. It looked like her sister had run across the banquet hall. Their mother was probably furious. Arya stayed with her quietly as she fixed her makeup. When they stepped outside both Sandor and Gendry were waiting. Gendry managed to drag Arya away and Sandor stepped in behind her as she walked back to the banquet. "Sandor."

"Yes Little Bird."

"May I have another dance?" She wanted one she could remember without Joffrey's taint.

She smiled at him and he actually smiled back. It wasn't a smile pulled from a magazine but she knew that it was a smile that was just for her. "Yes Little Bird." She let Sandor lead her onto the floor this time. The dance was more formal this time which disappointed her a little. Sandor's size made dancing different. With her heels her head came to his chest. Strangely they seemed to fit and Sandor was actually quite good at the precise steps. Neither one of them talked but Sandor held on tight to her. When the song ended they started the next without breaking apart. Halfway through the dance she asked him. "Do you need to get back to work?" She did not want to ask but hated keeping him from work.

"Jory has it under control." She looked around and found Jory dancing with Andy and took Sandor at his word not wanting to let go of him.

An ear splitting scream went through the room. She knew who it was right away. "Mom" Sandor pushed through the crowd towards the commotion. She followed behind. Her father was on the floor with her mother kneeling next to him. She stood frozen. Robb knelt down next to his date. Sandor was pushing people back away from her father. When the paramedics rolled her father from the floor she went to her mother's side.

"The guest's." Her mother hesitated at the door.

"I'll handle it mother go with dad." Her mother nodded and hurried into the back of the ambulance. Her brothers and sister left shortly afterwards. Jon had thankfully stayed to help her wrap things up at the banquet. She calmly apologized to the guests as she asked them to leave. When the last of them left, Sandor drove her to the hospital. She waited with her family. Sandor stayed as well but not with her; he was always on the outskirts.

She finally took a deep breath when she heard her father was stable. Her mother was staying the night in her father's room and she tried to settle into the chair comfortably for the night. Sandor knelt down in front of her. "Sansa why don't you go get some sleep."

"I don't want to leave him." She argued stifling a yawn.

"You have a bed waiting for you across the street. I've made sure that you'll be notified if something happens."

She looked around the waiting room. Only Jon and Andy were still in the waiting room. Andy was holding Jon's hand as he slept. "What about them?"

"I'll tell them we're going." Sandor stood making her look up at him. She liked that he said 'we'.

"Okay." She suddenly felt extremely bad. Jon wouldn't have any parents left if something happened to their father. She glanced at Jon one more time as Sandor ushered her out and to the hotel. Sandor got the key and a change of clothes for her. She felt numb as they reached her room and sat on the bed in her dress staring at the wall. Sandor had followed her in and was pulling off her shoes. She shivered when his thumb touched her calf. She ran her hand down his scared cheek making him flinch.

"You need to sleep." Was all he said.

"I need my dad." Her voice broke and she felt like a little girl again.

"He will be fine, Sansa." Sandor said it but she didn't know if he meant it.

"I want a shower." She said after Sandor sat on the other bed. Sandor just nodded and set the change of clothes next to her before kicking off his shoes; he was staying with her.

The shower woke her up some but she still felt numb. The clothes were too big for her and the bed was stiff compared to hers. Her hair was still wet and hadn't had a comb through it. Sandor quietly moved the covers back on the bed and she crawled under them. She smiled as he tucked the covers around her. "It will be fine Sansa. You'll see." She grabbed his hand before he could pull away.

"Thank you." Was the only thing she could think to say.

"I wish people would stop saying that to me." Sandor's lips quirked up. She sat up so she was level with him.

"I mean it Sandor." She didn't know why she whispered it. They were close to each other. Sandor's hand brushed her neck and cupped her face.

"Never thank me. I do it for you." Her breath caught in her throat. He had actually said those words. She thought perhaps she was sleeping already. She licked her bottom lip like she had so many times in her dreams planning on kissing him. Sandor pressed his lips to hers. The kiss was uncertain but tender. It warmed her insides and chased away the numbness. Sandor broke apart and went to leave her side.

"Don't you dare Sandor Clegane." She knew he was going to try and run; he stopped and looked at her. "You are staying." Sandor's eyes sparkled with amusement and maybe something else. Sandor sank onto the bed but stayed on top of the covers. No more words were spoken as she cuddled up next to his warm body. Sandor let her cling to him. There was no telling what would happen between them now but the kiss proved that there was something more.

Jon – Early Saturday morning

His dreams woke him early in the morning again. He couldn't remember exactly what it was but he faintly recalled a bloody woman in white. Andy was no longer next to him. Water was running and he could hear talking coming form the bathroom. He walked closer trying to make out the words. He should probably feel guilty about ease dropping but at the moment he didn't. "What do I do Sammy?" Andy's voice was pleading. "I know I shouldn't have but he needed someone last night." His breath caught in his throat when he realized Andy was talking about him. "I know." He stumbled on a shoe when he tried to move closer. "He's up I'll call you later." Andy started to move around the bathroom but she wasn't coming out. He waited and waited before losing his patience.

He knocked slightly and pushed the door open. He felt like he was losing her and he couldn't let that happen. Andy was standing in front of the sink; she gave a weak smile. "Hey, I called the hospital. Ned is still stable. They will be prepping him for surgery later today."

"Thanks"

'No problem." He couldn't take the tension any more. He gently reached out and spun her around so she was facing him. "I'm sorry about what happened at my apartment. I never should've…"

"Jon, please don't apologize."

"Let me finish." He snapped tired of being interrupted. "I never should've stopped." Andy slowly raised her head up to meet his gaze. He sank to his knees in front of her to show how sorry he was. But once he looked up at her something came over him; he kissed her navel through the tank top. "I was being and idiot." He pushed the edge of her shirt up and exposed the pale skin underneath.

"Jon" Andy's voice was quiet. He kissed the first scar he saw and heard Andy take in a sharp breath.

"Forgive me?" Andy hadn't answered him so he moved to the next scar and gently kissed it. Andy's hand found his hair and gently entwined through it. He knew he was being bold but he couldn't sit by and do nothing as she slowly slipped away. He pushed up her shirt farther exposing a long gash from her left him to the right side of her ribcage. He let his bottom lip gently trace the mark. Andy's breathing was shallow and he could feel her grasp tighten in his hair which made him taste the end of the scar.

A loud bang echoed in the room. "Jon!, Jon!" His brother had come through the adjoining room yelling his name. Andy's hand dropped and she seemed to be pulled out of the moment.

I need to go." Andy moved past him and grabbed her stuff that was already packed.

"Andy wait!"

"I can't Jon. I really need to go." The door closed behind her before he could stand up. She was gone again.

"What the fuck is wrong with you?" He heatedly asked his brother who was standing in the middle of the hotel room staring at the door. Reality caught up with him and he remembered that his dad was in the hospital. "Is dad okay?" He asked panicked before Robb could answer his first question.

"What? Oh dad is still the same. That wasn't Val"

"What do you want?" He was pissed at his brother for interrupting and scaring him. Robb was still looking at the door. From the looks of his brother; he could tell Robb had a rough night. His eyes were red and he was wearing the same clothes.

"I did something last night." Robb finally peeled his eyes from the door to look at him. He pushed past and pulled on the sweats and t shirt waiting for him on the dresser.

"Congratulations?" What do you want Robb I need to go see Dad."

"Look" Robb held his left hand out there was a silver ring on his hand that hadn't been there before

"What the fuck did you do Robb?"

"I think I got married."

"You think? How do you not know?"

"After Jayne and I left the hospital last night we went to a bar near here to clear my head and that's where things get a little fuzzy." He wasn't sure what to say.

"Are you sure you're married?" Robb pulled a piece of paper out of his pocket and handed it to him. It was from the Faith wedding chapel, signed, dated, and paid in full. "How's Jayne taking it?"

"Better than I am. What the fuck am I supposed to do?" He was trying to figure out what he could say that would help.

"Don't tell Catelyn. She has enough to worry about right now and I would take this to dad's lawyer and get it annulled." Robb looked away from him and sat on the bed. "What now?"

He could tell Robb was having a hard time processing everything but it could've been the hangover. "I'm not sure I want to. I mean I know it wasn't planned but Jayne is amazing."

He sighed. "All right take some time to think about it. Who knows it might be the best mistake you've ever made." Robb smiled at him before jumping up to hug him. He was still encased in a bear hug when Robb spoke.

"Why was Andy leaving your room?" He had hoped Robb would forget in the state he was in.

"Let's go see dad." He pushed his brother off of him and ignored the question.