Game of Thrones: Not So Different – Arya
Chapter 16 of my collaboration story, enjoy.
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Disclaimer: Game of Thrones belongs to George R.R. Martin.
Chapter 16
Arya fidgeted nervously, wondering if this was such a good idea.
'Gods, listen to me, what is wrong with me, I should be...this never used to bother me, except being irritating...' She reflected. 'It's only now, that I'm not actually being pressured to dress or behave a certain way while at something like this that I actually feel...worked up about it.'
She shook her head at that, carefully checking herself over in the mirror. She had slight dark shadows under her eyes; sleep was still difficult, but apart from that and the scars on her wrists, there was literally no visible sign of her previous suffering.
She was dressed up in a pair of black skinny jeans and a white oversized T-shirt that actually belonged to Gendry. Her family had decided, as something of a delayed celebration, to host a big dinner at their house, and even encouraged them to invite their loved ones.
Arya smiled lightly at that; while it would be somewhat nerve-racking, having such a large crowd, she was sure she could handle it. It meant she would get to see Talisa and Ygritte again, as well as have Gendry over. Not only that, but Lancel was coming too; she hadn't seen him since the coffee shop visit and was interested to see how he was doing.
In addition they would finally, thanks to the new level of acceptance from the family now, have Meera Reed joining them as Bran's girlfriend. Shaking her head, Arya composed herself and headed downstairs, ready to begin.
It was a strange feeling, Arya admitted; sitting at the dining table, with Gendry at her side. They held hands under the table, but otherwise acted normally. Before all that horrible stuff that happened, something like this would be unthinkable.
Looking around she grinned and nodded in greeting to Talisa and Ygritte, Robb and Jon's girlfriends respectively. She also nodded, smiling lightly when her gaze turned to Lancel, seated by Sansa's side. Finally, while observing the rest of the family, her gaze landed on the young woman next to Bran. It was Meera Reed, a woman five years Bran's senior, like Gendry was with her.
She was somewhat short in stature, slender with curly brown hair and green eyes. She had an easy-going smile and seemed quite relaxed. Something Arya was sure was certainly helping Bran do the same.
The meal was enjoyable and Arya almost wanted to laugh at how much food their was. After so long, both during her dark time and her time in the institute, her appetite seemed to have returned in full force and she practically devoured her food; much to Gendry's amusement.
"Honestly, Arry." He said teasingly.
Arya just rolled her eyes. "Whatever; it's a happy time, so just celebrate."
He laughed; as did the others who heard and soon they were all involved in cheerful conversation as they ate; laughing and joking with each other.
A short time later, her curiosity getting the best of her, Arya slipped out of the dining room, having seen Lancel and Sansa leaving earlier and went looking for them. She soon found them standing just outside the back door, in the garden, enjoying the night.
"Hey." She said softly, getting their attention. "Hope I'm not interrupting?"
They both shook their heads, smiling.
"Of course not." Sansa replied. "What's up?"
Arya paused for a moment and then answered. "Just wondering, how you're getting on Lancel, you know, being back in real life and all?"
"It's good, I guess. One step at a time." He replied honestly.
She smiled lightly and nodded. "I see...Well, all we can do is keep trying."
Lancel nodded in agreement with that.
After a moment she replied. "Well; I'm doing pretty good; there are still some things I'm not so sure about but; one day at a time, right?"
Lancel also nodded at that and finally; with a knowing wink at Sansa, Arya turned and left, heading back inside, seeking Gendry.
So it was, some time later, that Arya and Gendry lay on top of her bed. They simply held each other; not really saying anything yet. They just lay together, Arya had her head resting on Gendry's chest, using him as a large pillow.
Finally she broke the silence. "Gendry, thank you."
Startled by her sudden words, Gendry replied. "Um, no problem, but...what are you, thanking me for?"
"Everything; you saved my life; guided me out of that...dark hell and now, now that we know the truth about who was behind it all; you kept me from losing it completely." She explained.
"Ah, well; I'm glad I could help. I just hope that before long, you'll be completely back to normal." He replied. "After all; you wouldn't be you without your usual badass attitude."
She laughed. "Oh I can manage that still; but I do see your point; enough of the talk, c'mere."
With that she moved and, without hesitation, pulled him closer as they then kissed deeply.
End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.