10 THINGS SHE HATES ABOUT GENDRY
Hey guys, just updating this real quick before going to class !
Chapter 12
The week went by uneventfully, the Stark girls were still living the perfect love stories with Gendry and Jon, and there were also Myrcella and Brandon. The boys were planning a triple date for their girls soon. But today, Jon and Gendry had let their amazing girlfriends go home after classes, while they rushed to the mall to find a present for Eddard. They were invited tonight for the game at the Starks', and still had no idea what to get him. Jon was driving, while Gendry just ended a call with Oberyn, as he was fishing for advices.
-I don't know what he prefers so DVDs and CDs are a big no. I was thinking a good bottle of wine ? he said to his partner.
-It might be very expensive, but we keep the idea. Clothes are a big no too. And flowers. Maybe a book ?
-Same as DVDs and CDs, Gendry replied. Ooooh, I have an idea !
-Spill it, Waters, Jon smiled.
-I'm sure he's drinking coffee, Arya makes his every morning. What about different kinds of coffee, different things to taste and try, you know ?
-Great, I know just the place ! I've discovered this nice coffee shop when I arrived, I know they do sales too, Jon exclaimed.
-Perfect. Let's not forget a little something for our girls too. For Sansa, find her a big bouquet of flowers, with lots of pink. Arya told me she's always dreamed of a guy giving her that.
-You're a life saviour ! Jon laughed. And what about you, what will you get for Ari ?
-I prefer to call her Arya, Gendry smiled. And I'm not sure. I know she likes winter roses but we all know she's not the type to wait for huge flower bouquets. So I'm thinking about something that has to do with fencing, or a vinyl record of some old rock. I'll see what I find.
They arrived in the mall's parking lot and hurried to the shops, first taking some coffee. Then they found a music shop where Gendry found a vinyl record from 1983, Piece of Mind by Iron Maiden, an original from the first edition. Then they got the flowers for Sansa, a mix of roses, peonies, tulips and snapdragons, all in different shades of pink.
-Okay, let's run to my house and get ready, Jon smiled. You're coming, or you prefer me to drop you at your house ?
-Well, I think I'll go home if that doesn't bother you. I'll shower and change, and I'll drive by myself to the Starks. First to arrive waits for the other ?
-Deal, Jon smiled. Let's go, I have to drive you home.
He dropped Gendry at his house before driving back home. He hopped in the shower and took time for himself, eager to make the best impression on his girlfriend's father. He dressed up with a dark blue shirt and black jeans, combed his hair as well as he could and took care of his small beard, checking it three times in the mirror. His phone rang and he quickly picked up.
-Yeah ?
-Jon, it's Gendry.
-Yo, mate, what's up ?
-I don't have any ironed shirt left ! We didn't have time for laundry this week, and all I have left is old sweaters !
-Okay, calm down mate and drive to my house, I'll find something for you in the meantime. What size do you wear ?
-Large, I think. I'm pretty much built like you.
-Perfect, I'll find you something. Now hurry.
-Sure. Thanks a lot.
Jon chuckled as he put down his phone and went to his closet. He found three shirts that should fit the man, a white one, a black and grey checked one, and a light blue one.
Soon after, a car pulled up in the driveway and Gendry hurried inside the house, politely greeting Jon's mother before running upstairs to see his friend. He had already showered so he just used some deodorant and put the light blue one on. It went pretty good with his dark jeans. He rolled up the sleeves, messed his hair with his hand, and the look was complete.
-Well, I've kept the flowers in some water, and the other gifts are in my car, Jon enumerated. We're ready, and supposed to be there in an hour or so. So, let's chill for half an hour, and maybe calm our nerves. I don't know about you, but an official dinner as Sansa's boyfriend with her father is giving me the cold sweat. Like, dinner with Eddard Stark, the Eddard Stark !
-What about it ? Gendry frowned. Yeah, he's the father of our girls, but what's the big deal ?
-You haven't heard about him ? Jon's eyes widened. He was in the army when he was younger. Then he met Catelyn, married her and left the army for her, transferring in the police. He's one of the best police officer Westeros have ever had. It's because of him that criminality has decreased highly in Flea Bottom and King's Landing more generally these past years.
-Wow, I had no idea, Gendry whispered.
-Yeah. The guy's a tough cookie.
-I've talked with him last Friday when I went to pick up Arya, he was really nice, you know. Well, maybe a bit rough, though very polite, but he's not a bad guy. And we're together in this. And the girls will be on our side. Let's chill a bit.
They went to sit in the living room and talked calmly for the next minutes, mainly discussing the game they were about to see. They said goodbye to Jon's mother and went to their cars. They drove for the next twenty minutes because Jon wasn't living very close to the Starks' house. Jon parked his car behind Gendry's. The latter came and helped him with the gifts. Gendry held the vinyl record and the coffee bag, Jon held the flowers. They walked to the door, and Jon rang the bell. They shared the same nervous look before Sansa opened the door and smiled to them.
-Hi baby ! Hey Gendry, how are you doing ?
-Hi babe, Jon smiled as he leaned forward and pecked her lips lightly.
-Hi Sansa, Gendry smiled. I'm good, thanks, how are you ?
-Good, thanks. Are these for me ?
-Yes, Jon said as he handed her the flowers.
Sansa gently took it and smelled the flowers, smiling widely.
-I love it ! Thank you Jon ! she exclaimed before kissing him. But what is it for ?
-Just because I wanted to give you a little something, he shrugged.
-Arya is not here ? Gendry asked as he was standing awkwardly in the entrance.
-She's coming, don't worry.
-I'm here ! a voice boomed from upstairs. I'm here, sorry.
A cannonball ran down the stairs and nearly tackled Gendry to the ground.
-Hi, girlfriend, he smiled as he hugged her back.
-Hi, boyfriend. Ooooooh, is this what I think it is ? she said as she eyed the record in his hand.
-Absolutely. For my beautiful rock star.
Arya jumped up and down as she held the record against her heart, and then kissed Gendry passionately.
-Ugh, tone it down Ari, Sansa joked. Dad will have a heart attack if he sees that.
-Did someone call me ? Eddard's voice came from the kitchen. Are they here ?
-Yes, daddy ! the girls answered.
-I'm coming, get them to the dining room !
-Well, you heard the captain, drop your stuff somewhere and to the dining room ! Arya smiled.
The boys pulled the chairs for the girls just as Eddard was coming with what looked like a steaming hot plate of cheesy chicken Alfredo pasta bake. They stayed up to shake Eddard's hand and sat down next to their girlfriend.
-It's good to have you over, boys. It had been quite some time since I cooked such a big plate, or had guests here.
-It's good to be here, thank you for inviting us, Jon answered with a smile.
-Yes, and this plate looks delicious. And smells amazing too, Gendry added.
-I hope it is, I spent some time making it, Eddard joked. I never spent so much time in that kitchen before. Anyway, pass your plates and let's dig in !
They ate the whole plate and sighed in contentment.
-Mr. Stark, this was the Seven Heavens in our plates, Gendry smiled.
-It was absolutely delicious, Jon added. The best Alfredo pasta I've ever eaten.
-Thanks, boys. I'm glad you liked it. Now, there is some salad, and for dessert we have… Arya, what did you make again ?
-Dad ! she hissed.
-Oh, right. Oops. I wasn't supposed to say that Arya made the dessert. But now that we all know, care to tell us what you did ?
-Baked apple roses, she mumbled.
-Darling, don't mumble, your old man can't hear you, Ned carried on with a huge grin.
Sansa was openly chuckling while Jon and Gendry were trying very hard not to laugh, their faces turning redder by the second.
-I did some baked apple roses, she said clearly and harshly. I'll go get them.
She jumped from her chair and strolled angrily to the kitchen. She came back with five small plates skilfully balanced on her arms. On each plate, two beautiful golden roses made of pastry and apple slices, covered with caramel, and one ball of vanilla ice-cream was presented, with a leaf of mint for decoration. She placed one in front of everyone and sat back down. Eddard chuckled but said nothing as they all dug in. Gendry let a little moan of pleasure out after the first bite and turned bright red of embarrassment.
-Wow, Arya, this is… very good. It's delicious, really.
-Yeah, Jon added. I love it. Nice job.
Sansa nodded with a smile, and Eddard gave his daughter a 'you see ?' look. She shrugged and ate her dessert, only giving the others a thankful nod for all the compliments they were giving her about her cooking. After that, they all quickly cleaned the table and the kitchen. Arya insisted that she could do it herself but Gendry jumped to help her without asking and Jon insisted so in the end everyone helped and it was done in a heartbeat.
They all moved to the living room and settled in the couches and armchairs. Eddard set the TV on to the right channel and they made small talk until the game began.
The Winterfell's Wolves did win the game, and since Gendry and Arya had a bet going, he had to 'surprise her with a romantic gesture at school'. Sansa laughed loudly at that one, knowing Arya would feel utterly embarrassed. Jon and Gendry had shared a knowing look, the latter silently asking for help. Then the boys left to go home.
School on Monday was uneventful, they just all hung out together at lunch, waving hi between classes in the hallways and such. It soon had been more than two weeks since the game. Arya had been twice to Gendry's house for dinner, and she had had five other dates with him, either at his place, hers, or in town. Same for Sansa and Jon, and for Myrcella and Brandon.
Robb had finally grown the balls to ask Bella out, tonight, so Gendry was assigned to babysit Angelica for the end of the afternoon and evening, because the parents were out of town with horses for a competition, Cara was sleeping over at some friend's house, and Rickon and Lommy were too young to be trusted with a young child for so long. Gendry had protested strongly since he had already told Arya he would take her out to the movies later. So as soon as he was told this he grabbed his phone and hurried into his room for privacy.
-Hello ? his girlfriend answered at the third ring.
-Hey baby. Can I speak to you ? I mean, am I interrupting something, or… ?
-Nah, it's all fine. What's going on ?
-I have to babysit Angelica for a long time today, I'm so sorry I can't go out with you as I promised.
-It's okay, I understand, she replied in a calm voice. Do you want me to come over and we can babysit her together ?
-That'd be great ! But you're sure it's okay with your dad ?
-Yeah, don't worry. I just have to finish writing my History essay.
-Well, what if I take Angelica with me, we come to pick you up and go take an ice-cream or something ? It would be nice for her to have some time out of the house. Then we go back home, have dinner, get her to sleep, and as soon as Bella and Robb are home I'll drive you back. Unless you want to stay, but that's another matter.
-Sounds great, let's do this ! Meet at my place in half an hour ?
-Got it. See you soon baby.
-See you soon, handsome.
Gendry put the phone back in his pocket and went downstairs to find Angelica.
-Angie ? he called. Angie, come here princess, I have good news !
The small and light footsteps of the little girl were heard and the next thing he knew, she was jumping into his arms and holding onto him like a koala to its branch.
-What is it Gendry ? she asked with her adorably high-pitched voice.
-Well, you're staying with me today, and Arya suggested that we go and have some ice-cream, the three of us, out in town.
-I love ice-cream ! she squealed. Can we go ? Pleeeeaaaase Gen I want to go !
-Yes, princess, we are going. Go and put a sweater, a jacket and some shoes on. I'll wait for you in the living room, alright !
-Okay.
She left to her room, jumping in excitement. He hurried upstairs and slipped his feet into his shoes, grabbed a denim jacket and met with his niece downstairs. He walked with her to his car, carrying the baby-seat with him, and settling it on the backseat for her. The drive took twenty minutes as usual, and he helped Angelica unbuckle herself and kept her in his arms as he crossed the road and went to ring the door of the Starks' house. Arya was the one who opened it, and Angelica jump from Gendry's to her arms, surprising them both.
-Well, hello there, little one, she smiled. Hey handsome.
-Hey baby. You ready ?
-Sure. Let me just grab a jacket.
She put Angelica on the floor and put a leather jacket on before following them outside. They rode to a nice ice-cream place Gendry knew, and sat down in a small booth in a corner. Arya was on one side, and Angelica was on the other, chatting happily about the ponies at home, while Gendry had went to the counter to order.
-Well, well, well, isn't that my dear Ari ? And what do we have here ? Your illegitimate daughter ? Oh wait, no, how could she be your daughter, since no one would ever want to sleep with you ?
Arya's fists instantly balled up and she stiffened. Why was that prick always around ? Then her eyes landed on Angelica and worry started to settle in. Joffrey couldn't know.
-Who are you ? Angelica asked, tilting her head on the side, not knowing at all what was going on.
-Don't speak to him, Arya told her as gently as she could. He's not a good person.
Then she turned to Joffrey.
-Leave us alone, she growled. Be lost.
-But I want to get acquainted with that charming little baby here, he countered with a fake smile.
-I'm not a baby ! Angelica pouted.
-Angelica, what have I told you ? Arya immediately chastised her with a small frown.
-Oh, I can see the famous blue eyes of the Waters on her, Joffrey carried on. Those are almost as famous as my family's blond hair…
Joffrey frowned then and zeroed his stare on Angelica who was still giving him a glare for calling her a baby.
-Who is-
-Get away from them, a hard-male voice ordered coldly. And be lost.
-Gen ! Angelica smiled.
-Arya, can you go and wait in the car ? he asked as he handed her the keys, his eyes not leaving Joffrey. Angie, go with Arya and listen to her. Be a good girl, okay ? I'll join you in a few minutes. I just have to speak with my friend here.
Angelica nodded and jumped from the chair. Arya got up and grabbed the tiny girl, holding her close to her chest. She nearly ran away to the car and quickly locked Angelica and herself inside. Gendry arrived three minutes later and got behind the steering wheel. His jaw was tensed and his fists clenched around it. The whole ride home was silent. Hen they reached home, Gendry went inside quickly, so Arya took care of Angelica, slowly walking back inside.
-Gen is angry ? Is it my fault ?
-No, little one, it is not your fault. This boy at the ice-cream shop, he is very bad. Never approach him, okay ? Gen is just mad because he came and talked to us. Don't worry, I'll talk to him. Go to your room, and put away your coat and your shoes.
Angelica nodded and walked away. Arya went to the kitchen and found Gendry there.
-I'm sorry, she whispered.
-It's okay. He guessed it right. But he won't tell a soul, he's too afraid of his reputation. And he knows what's coming for him if he can't keep his mouth shut.
-You should go and talk to Angelica, she suggested. She's afraid you're mad at her because she did something wrong. I can take care of dinner if you want.
He walked to her and hugged her tightly, giving her a quick kiss.
-You're perfect, he sighed. I'm terribly lucky to have you. And incredibly grateful, and glad, and proud. I'll go talk to her.
He gave a last kiss to his girlfriend and hurried away to find his niece.
Sooooo... what do you think ? Tell me in a review ! See you soon lovelies !