(A/N: Wow. Thank you for all the reviews, favorites & follows. I'm happy that you guys seem to find this interesting. I promise to keep it at that, and even better!

So here's the thing. I'm keeping the usually evil characters nice in this story. Just a bit of change from the usual. And forgive me for the ASoIaF & other fandom references because I'm just making this up, obviously, instead of putting in real places/establishments/brands, or something.

And I might be the only person who laughed at Chef Baelish. Yes, laughing at my own joke, thank you. I'm imagining him in a chef's uniform and holding knives and cleavers and chopping his life away.

Okay, sorry.

This is just a short chapter. I might not be able to update in a few days, so I figured I might as well update fast since yesterday's post.

And moving on...)

She wanted to die.

As if the incident earlier wasn't enough for her to wish death upon herself, Gendry Baratheon had the audacity to grin like he enjoyed every minute of her ogling his six pack.

Or was it eight?

Help. Me.

Fortunately for Arya, Cersei came in at the moment Arya needed her the most. Since it was a Saturday, Cersei planned a little surprise for her. She was afraid to ask, but she guessed it involved the words mall, shopping, salon and spa.

Help. Me.

Arya had no problems with shopping, getting her hair and nails done once in a while, and getting pampered at the spa. It's not as if she hasn't done all those before. But Arya preferred doing them only at a minimum. Like when she really has to. Or at times when her mom and Sansa nagged her into a girls day out. She figured Cersei was desperate for some female interaction, what with seven males running around the house. And Cersei is really nice, that Arya found it impossible say no to the woman.

"I remember you having short hair all the time," Cersei said. "Good thing you decided to grow it out. Suits you better, actually."

They were at a hair and nail salon called Myrcella's. Cersei was obviously a regular client here, because as soon as she walked in, the staff jumped out of their seats to accommodate her needs (and wants). She decided on getting some kind of hair treatment called Macadamia Deep Repair Treatment. Arya was scared at the idea of getting anything edible into her hair, so she settled for just a trim.

They left the salon brandishing improved hairstyles and freshly-painted nails. Arya had to admit that she felt great. Cersei must have paid a fortune; waving her hand in dismissal when Arya tried to take out her own money to pay for her share. Catelyn would have twisted Arya's arm and made her insist on giving her share, but her mother wasn't here. Besides, the Baratheons looked like they literally cried and shit money so Arya let this one go.

They had lunch at this restaurant called Braavos. Cersei had been raving about this restaurant since they stepped out of the car, and Arya realized why. The food was amazing. The cuisine was a fusion of food from the east and west, and Arya found herself eating more than she normally eats, much to Cersei's delight.

"So," Cersei said, taking a sip of her hot lemon tea. "You've met my sons this morning?"

Arya was in the process of drinking lemonade when Cersei threw the question. She had to try her hardest not to spit, spray or have the drink come out of her nose. How unladylike.

"Uh, yeah. Although I don't think Gendry appreciates me mistaking him for Hot Pie." Arya replied with a shy smile.

Cersei giggled. "I was surprised at how much he's changed over the years. You do remember how chubby he was back when you were kids?"

Yessssss.

"Uh, yes," was all Arya could say.

"He lost so much weight by working out and doing more physical activities. He plays football, basketball, hockey and he does a bit of climbing as well. I'm so proud of him."

As if she needed the reminder. Arya wanted to smack Cersei's head, but of course, she can't do that.

"Maybe you and Gendry should spend time outdoors. I heard you're the outdoors-y type as well."

Okay, Cersei's really asking for a smack in the head.

"Yeah, sure. Cool." Arya replied, trying to keep a nonchalant attitude about it.

"Great! So," Cersei said, finally getting ready to leave. "Are we ready to shop?"

Arya stifled a groan.

It was almost 6 pm when they finally returned home. Despite the long day, Arya found herself still energized. She decided to go out and explore the place. She found a secluded spot at the far end of the expansive lawn. She decided to lie down and close her eyes for a bit; savoring the scent of flowers surrounding the area and smiling at the slight breeze touching her nose and cheeks.

"May I?"

Arya opened one eye and found Gendry standing there, both hands in the pockets of his jeans.

Hmm. Faded jeans. Very sexy. Arya shrugged. "It's your lawn."

She saw a smile ghost Gendry's lips as he plopped down beside her, stretching his legs in front and crossing them at the ankles. He seemed so relaxed that Arya couldn't help but stare.

Seven hells, he's beautiful.

Gendry was leaning back, his arms and elbows taking his upper body's weight. His eyes were closed, head tipped back. His hair was slightly mussed by the night breeze. Arya wanted to run her fingers through his black hair. It seemed so soft that Arya literally balled her hands into fists to stop her from doing it.

As if that wasn't enough, her gaze went down to his closed eyes (she knew they were a startling blue) and the long, thick black lashes that framed his lids. His nose…his cheeks…slightly pink because of the slight night chill. And his lips. Oh God, his lips. They were red and plump and extremely kissable.

Arya blinked a few times. Focus, Arya! Focus! But she couldn't take her eyes off his lips. Lips that were now turned up at one side she quickly recognized as a smirk.

"That's the second time today."

Arya almost jumped in surprise. Gendry was now looking at her, a smirk plastered on his face.

She looked away, but not before she saw him studying her. "I don't know what you mean."

"I think you do."

"Shut up."

He chuckled. Arya loved the sound of it.

"It was funny," he continued. "You thought I was Hot Pie."

"Well," she replied. "That was how I remember you."

He chuckled again.

"No offense." Arya added quickly.

She risked to take a look and found him still looking at her. Staring, even. Why are you doing this to me?

Gendry shrugged. "None taken." He tipped his head back and closed his eyes again. "Hot Pie's a really good friend. He's here most of the time, you'll get used to him being around. The kitchen, usually" he added.

Arya laughed. "Why is he called Hot Pie, anyway?"

Gendry laid down on the grass, his arms folded across his chest. "His family owns Doughnuts of Dorne. And the guy can make hot pies like nobody's business. They're awesome."

Hot Pie owns Doughnuts of fucking Dorne. I practically insulted the guy this morning.

"Come lie beside me," Gendry said, patting the space beside him. "I want to show you something."

Arya's heart began to thump loudly in her chest. She recently discovered that she has a little problem meeting Gendry's intent stares. His steel blues unnerve her, and she couldn't hold his stare for long. But right now she's having major problems with being at a close proximity.

You can do this, Arya. Calm yo tits.

She crept closer, positioning herself at his right side. She felt Gendry's right arm slightly touching her left, leaving goose bumps where his skin touched hers.

"You see that?" he asked, pointing a finger at somewhere in the sky. "That one right there."

He traced a pattern with his finger, but Arya had no idea what it was.

"What is that?"

Gendry laughed. "Look closely. See how that's sort of like an irregular rectangular shape? And see how this one's extended to here?"

Gendry was tracing patterns in the stars. Arya had to squint harder to be able to see what he was seeing.

"You have no idea what it is I'm trying to show you."

"No idea at all."

Gendry laughed again.

God, his laugh is doing things to me.

"I'm showing you the Big Dipper."

"Ahhh."

"Arya Stark, meet the Big Dipper. Big Dipper, meet Arya Stark."

She laughed. She didn't notice how Gendry turned his head towards her, watching her make out the little starry patterns in the sky. She didn't notice how he inched his head a little closer to hers, as if the close proximity wasn't enough for him. She didn't notice how he slightly turned his body towards hers and studied her profile.

Arya only noticed that Jon was standing somewhere in the distance, watching them both as they were lying on the grass, watching constellations.

"Oi, you two! Get in here! We're playing air hockey in the game room, if you can be bothered enough to join us." Jon called out.

Arya heard Gendry sigh. She saw that there was a weird expression on his face, although she didn't know what to make of it. Together, they walked slowly back into the house. But she noticed that the air felt different, like everything suddenly became awkward. And Gendry kept a safe distance from her as they found their way back.

What in seven hells did just happen?