10 THINGS SHE HATES ABOUT GENDRY
Hey guys, sorry for the delay, I'm having a hard time finding some time to write and publish these days ! Last chapter before the epilogue !
Chapter 13
That was it, Arya thought as she looked at the scenery outside the plane's window. She was currently experiencing the bittersweet feeling of going to the university of her dreams, without her boyfriend. Gendry and her had agreed to give the long-distance relationship a chance.
She settled in her dorm, it was a week before the beginning of classes, so she decided to wander around the city for a few days, savouring her freedom yet thinking a lot about the handsome young man she had left in King's Landing. Two weeks after the beginning of classes, she was hanging out with Daenerys, the only friend she had made here – they shared a dorm and the girl has stayed alone through all classes the first day and when they got to their fencing class she beat the Seven Hells out of everyone except for Arya who resisted long enough for the both of them to decide to end it on a tie – and they were walking around the docks with their mocha frappucinos in hand when a voice made Arya freeze on spot.
-You're wearing your favourite dark red combat boots because they remind you of home, your real home, Winterfell. Same for this slightly see-through white tank top with the blue winter roses drawing on it, that I bought you on our seventeenth date, at the mall. These black ripped denim shorts are new, and greatly complimenting your legs. You're not wearing any makeup like always and your hair are left down under this cap of the Winterfell's Wolves that I bought you at the game between them and the King's Landing's Jousters when we went to see them on our one month anniversary. And I can even guess that you have a dark blue lacy bra. Did I forget anything ?
Daenerys was turning around to see where the voice was coming from. Arya just turned on her heels and her eyes immediately zeroed on the tall and muscular figure that was leaning on the wall, hiding his face under a cap. He walked up to her and gave her a wide smile.
-Hey there, Cupcake.
She squealed loudly and jumped into his arms, locking her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck as she attached her mouth to his.
Once she had kissed him passionately for a sufficient amount of time, he explained how he had been fighting these past few weeks to get a paid internship in one of the finest forging and repairing company of Essos. Arya was ecstatic to hear that he was moving in the same city as her, Braavos. She introduced him to Daenerys, and after some talk they discovered that Gendry was hired in Khal Drogo's company, Drogo being Daenerys's boyfriend. Daenerys left to go back to the dorm and study a bit, leaving the two lovebirds alone.
He was staying in a very cheap hotel at the moment, but Arya quickly found them a nice, very small apartment. The door opened on a room where there was a very small kitchen corner, a couch, and a low table. Then there was the bedroom where the only stuff that fit was the bed and a medium sized cupboard. The last door led to the bathroom, which actually was made with a sink, toilets, and a tiny shower cabin. It was awfully tiny to live in, even for one person, but there was no happier people on Earth than Arya and Gendry in it.
The first year had not been that easy, but they managed to get through it. For the summer, they decided to travel around Essos for a month, and then go back to King's Landing for three weeks to see their families again. Going back to Essos for the next year had been tearful but since they were together, they were okay.
The second year had been good too, Gendry got a good job in Drogo's company. They thought about moving into a bigger apartment but decided against it because they preferred to save some money to go on trips on weekends and holidays. And they liked their tiny piece of heaven, even if they could barely fit together in the shower, and even if it smelled in the whole apartment when they cooked something.
The third year had been a bit more complicated. There was this student who transferred from Yunkai, Daario Naharis. The guy was insanely hot and he knew it. He was a cocky, arrogant player, who had great skills as a swordfighter, and was doing acting studies. He had taken an interest in the Stark girl and openly flirted with her all the time. She had told him that she was not interested, and then let the comments slide as she knew he was always like this. She often hung out with him after classes because Daenerys had stopped fencing and they didn't have any other classes together. Drogo had fallen terribly ill and they knew he was not going to outlive this, so Daenerys spent all her free time in the hospital next to him. Once, Arya had told Gendry to join her and other students who were having a party on the docks, and when he showed up he made a huge scene in front of everyone because of the jealousy that had been building up inside of him. Seeing his Arya laughing and side-hugging Daario had unnerved him greatly. They nearly broke up because of that one, and Arya had run to Daario's place for the night.
She had stayed there for about ten days, going to classes and burying herself in studying. Then one day, Daario came back from grocery shopping, sporting a brand-new shiner on his left eye. He had shrugged it off as nothing and went to the kitchen with a mysterious smile. About half an hour later, the doorbell had rung and he had asked her to get it for him. She had opened the door and revealed a very bad looking Gendry. Unshaved, eyes dark and heavy with lack of sleep… He seemed to have just showered though because his hair was still slightly wet. He had put on a dark blue shirt, her favourite, and had this immense bouquet of winter roses in his hands.
-Hey, Cupcake. No, don't close the door, and please don't say anything. Allow me first. I've been an idiot. I was so insecure about not being good enough for you that when the good looking and self-assured guy came around and started flirting with you, even only as a friendly game between you two, I was so afraid of losing you, the most important thing in my life, that I let my jealousy blind me. It's not an excuse for all those horrible things I said to you that day, but I least you can understand. I'm so sorry, Arya. Truly, deeply sorry. I didn't mean the things I've said. I don't even think them ! By the Seven Arya, these past few days have been torture without you ! And I don't say that just because I can't find any pair of socks that match. I need the small curled up body that snuggles against me in the cold of the night. The only one who knows my favourite order in every single take out restaurant of this town. I need this beautiful girl who plays the guitar for me when I beg her, I need the funny girl that I took out horse riding years ago, the only one who knows everything about me. So, if that girl, no, that amazing and gorgeous woman that I love with all my entire being think that she can forgive me for being a stupid bull, well, our home is only waiting for her.
He pushed the bouquet in her hands and took two steps back. She was still rooted to the spot, eyes wide, mouth slightly agape. Finally, she regained her composure and closed her mouth.
-You had written that down before or it was an impro ? she asked in a small, shaky voice.
-Impro, he answered honestly.
She let the bouquet fall toward the floor and had ran to him, burying herself in his wide, warm chest as he closed his arms in a comforting embrace around her.
-Don't ever, ever, ever do that again, she growled. Never leave me alone again, you understand ?
-I promise, Cupcake.
She had kissed him and let him inside. Daario had been cooking for three, and the two men got to properly talk for the first time, and actually appreciated each other. In the middle of the meal however, Arya phone had rung and she had picked up without looking at the screen.
-Hello ? Hey Dani. Darling, what's wrong ? WHAT ?! Oh, by the Seven… I'm so sorry. I'm-I don't know what to say. I'm with you. No, I'm at Daario's. Wait, just a second.
She had turned to her friends, looking pale and distraught.
-Daenerys's on the phone. Something happened. Can she crash here for the night ? We don't have the room at home.
-Sure, Daario immediately nodded.
-Okay darling, come here, we'll be with you. You need me to pick you up ? You're sure ? Okay. Yes, of course. Yeah, see you in fifteen.
She had hung up and turned to the two guys that sat worried at the table with a deep and heavy sigh.
-Drogo died. He passed away this morning, and she discovered it when she went to visit him as usual. I'm the first one she called.
-May he reach the Seven Heavens, Gendry had mumbled with sadness.
He had a good friendship with his boss, the guy was really nice and taught him many things. Daenerys had arrived in tears, and they had done their best to keep her focused on something else. Eventually they had fallen asleep, all of them huddled together on the couch.
The next day, Arya had gone to classes, getting the work for Daenerys as well. Gendry had gone to the company building to help with all the paperwork, now that the company was leaderless. Daario said he didn't care about the classes and had stayed home with Daenerys, taking great care of her. She had spent about a month staying nearly lifeless in Daario's bed, him taking the couch for sleeping. The only time she got out of the apartment was for Drogo's funeral. Then the lawyers told her he had arranged for her to inherit the company, with the guidance of an old friend of his, Barristan Selmy. So, Barristan was running the company in her name until she finished her studies and felt able to take the reins.
The following summer, Arya, Gendry, Daario and Daenerys decided to do a forty days long road trip in Westeros. They took the plane and arrived in King's Landing on a Friday evening. Eddard came to pick them up at the airport, and had driven them to his house.
Gendry stayed in Arya's room, Daenerys called dibs on the guest room so Daario ended up on the couch in the living room. Sansa was out with Jon to some date but said they'll be back for dinner, and had no idea Arya was home with her squad.
Jon wanted to stay in King's Landing with his girlfriend after graduation, so he decided on taking a part-time internship under one of his father's colleagues' supervision. He wanted to get a job in the army, but wanted to be sure it was what he wanted for his life. When his day as an intern was over, he was picking Sansa up, then drove her to a small mall. He had a little job in a bookstore there. Three hours a day, he had to move around big boxes heavy with books, fill the shelves, and make sure the shop was kept clean and tidy. Sansa just sat at one of the table and did her school work. Then he was driving her home, unless he was taking her out on a date.
But now Sansa just finished high school, with great grades, and had great news to tell her family. They still believed she was going to study law at Red Keep University and become the best and most badass lawyer out there.
So, when Jon came in that evening, carrying a laughing Sansa on his back, he stopped short when he saw a shirtless Daario standing in the kitchen, chugging down cold water. Daario turned to them with his million coins' smile, and waved.
-Hey Arya ! he called without taking his eyes off of them. Am I allowed to flirt with the smoking hot red haired girl standing in the hall ?
-Paws off my sister, Naharis ! a playful growl came from the backyard.
A bunch of heavy footsteps were heard and soon everyone was in the hall. Arya hurried to hug her sister.
-Sans' I'm so happy to see you. Seven Hells, what happened to your hair ? Did that Marg bitch cut it as a prank ? I swear to the Seven I'm going to kill that slutty witch.
-Calm down Ari, Sansa laughed. I cut it myself months ago, I prefer it that way.
-You look beautiful anyway, Gendry smiled. Nice to see you again Sansa.
-Hey Gendry, she went to hug him. Good to see you too. You've tanned, it suits you.
-Okay, so, guys, Arya smiled, meet my younger sister, Sansa, and her boyfriend Jonathan Snow but call him Jon. Daario, before you start anything stupid, they're serious, Jon's a great guy and right for her, and she's off limits so don't even try. Sister, future bro-in-law, meet my best friends, Daenerys Targaryen and Daario Naharis.
-Daenerys Targaryen ? Jon repeated. Raeghar's little sister ?
-You knew my brother ? Daenerys's eyebrows shot up in surprise.
-He was my dad's best friend, and my godfather. Last time I saw him was for my seventh birthday.
-Yeah, then the plane crash happened. He talked about you often. Nice to finally meet you, she smiled.
-Same here, Jon nodded. You look a lot like him. And I heard about… Well. I'm sorry.
-Thank you, she whispered.
Arya put her hand on Dani's shoulder but she knew the pretty blonde was alright now.
-And Daario Naharis. Flirty, kind of hot, big ego, great at fighting, right ? Sansa smirked.
-Well, I'm honoured to see my reputation extends that far, the man laughed.
-Okay, now that we've meet everyone, Sansa frowned, I need to ask. Why are you boys shirtless ? Even you, dad ! And why is Arya only in a sports bra ?
-Oh, we've been playing soccer in the backyard, Gendry answered. Ned was goalie, and teams were Westeros against Essos so far. You guys want to join ? Pizzas are here in an hour, the guy said.
Arya was about to laugh at him for asking Sansa if she wanted to play soccer, but Sansa beat her to it.
-Sure, let me just go upstairs and change. What team do I go in ?
-Why don't we change and do a girls against boys ? Daenerys said.
-Ooh, I'm in ! Jon grinned. Let me change as well.
They ran upstairs as Arya turned a questioning stare to her father.
-Haircut ? Playing soccer ? What happened to the sweet, girly and always good girl that my sister was ? I mean, I can appreciate the change, but what happened ?
-Jon, and you leaving happened, baby-girl, Eddard smiled. She grew up. She's still very girly and all, sure. But she grew some strength, willpower, and dare I say more brains. She's a good girl, but I'm glad she now knows how to throw a punch.
-WHAT ?!
Gendry and Arya were both astonished. Even Daenerys and Daario were surprised, because of what they heard about Sansa from Arya.
-Guys, we're ready, Sansa said as they ran down the stairs. Come on, we have some asses to kick.
A shocked Arya followed her to the backyard, and they started the game.
An hour later, the girls were doing some stupide dance moves as a victory show off, and Eddard was laughing at the boys' disappointed and shocked faces. Pizzas arrived and they piled around the table and shared a nice meal.
-So, Sansa, Daenerys smiled. I've heard a lot about you from your sister. Good stuff, don't worry. She told me you just graduated with the honours, congratulations.
-Thank you, the redhead smiled.
-So, when you'll be at Red Keep, you'll still live here or you're taking a dorm there ? Gendry asked.
-Actually… Sansa blushed.
-You're accepted at Red Keep ? Daario repeated. Woah, good job, congratulations ! That's awesome. Arya forgot to tell me you got in. But that's great. I least I'm sure that not all Stark girls are stupid.
-Hey, watch your tongue there Naharis, I can still outshine you in classes and on a ring, Arya laughed.
-Whatever, Daario shrugged. But Red Keep, that's big news. We're all rooting for you.
Sansa was getting more and more uncomfortable under their gazes, and Jon grabbed her hand and nodded.
-Actually guys, I'm not going to Red Keep, she mumbled. Before the shouting match starts, give me a chance to explain. Yes, I have been accepted at Red Keep and that's what I've wanted my whole high school. But I was actually torn between this and a fashion school. Fashion was a too uncertain choice so I focused on Red Keep. But you know Jon's mom works as a stylist in the biggest fashion company of Westeros, Blizzard. I've never talked with her about me wanting to go in the fashion industry because I don't want anyone's help.
She took a breath, and looked more confident now.
-Just a week ago, we were dropping something off for Jon's mom in Blizzard's building here. Jon was with his mom inside her office, and I couldn't help but look around at the clothes and I started sketching on my notebook where I draw all my ideas. Then, the very one and only Renly Baratheon stormed out of his office screaming at some poor girl that had no fashion sense. From what I've got, she was an intern there thanks to her daddy's connections but was out of place. So, Renly kicked her out. He noticed me sketching and asked to see my drawings so I showed him. Next thing he said was "Come back on Monday and we'll see if you got wat it takes".
-And ? Gendry pressed on.
-Of course, I went back, and they left me with a bunch of old clothes and stuff and a model, and asked me to make her a 'different dress' in three hours. I showed them my work and he said that I was starting my one-year internship by the end of September. And that I better come with a bunch of ideas after that summer. So… I'm going to Blizzard and not Red Keep after the summer. I'm sorry dad I didn't tell you earlier but I was just… overwhelmed. I mean, out of the two dreams I had for my future, I get the craziest one !
-Wow, Sansa… Arya said. I'm so damn proud of you, sis' ! You're going to kill it there. I'm totally rooting for you.
The others congratulated her as well. Then she turned to her father, unsure of his reaction.
-Is it really what you want ? It's a tough thing to work in, fashion, he said calmly.
-Dad, I've been offered an internship that is impossible to get without connections, just out of some sketches and a dress made out of nothing. I want this.
-Well, you would have been a great lawyer, I know that, but I bet you'll be even greater as a stylist, designer, or whatever you call it. But you better be awesome and have your clothes shown off in every fashion show of Westeros.
Sansa's smile could have blinded people, it was so bright and enthusiastic. She jumped up and nearly tackled her father to the ground in joy.
-Thank you !
-Hey, Sans', dad, what about this ? You know me and the guys are going on a kind of random road trip to the main cities of Westeros, right ? I think Jon and Sansa should come with us. I mean, I've just heard than Brandon and Myrcella were coming because we haven't seen them in so long. What do you think ?
-I know I can, Jon smiled. It's up to my girlfriend.
-If dad's okay, Sansa smiled as she gave him the Puss-in-Boots look.
-Okay, leave your old man for the whole summer, sure, he smiled as he shook his head. You guys better take great care of my girls.
-YEAAAAH ! the young ones cheered.
-Sans', Jon, you better pack tomorrow, we leave in two days at first light, Arya told them. We don't have anything planned except for the cities we're going to, but that's the point, so… And not too much make-up, just pack the minimum.
-What cities are we seeing ? Jon asked.
-Storm's End, Sunspear, Highgarden, Pyke, Riverrun, The Eyrie, White Harbour, Winterfell, Bear Island. We spend three full days in each place except for Pyke where we spend only two. We have one full day of driving between each city so we're not rushing or anything. Then, from Bear Island, we have a four days' drive home, stopping in Thorren's Square, The Twins, and High Heart, Daario explained. At least that's the plan.
-Alright kids, tomorrow is going to be a long day, packing, getting the cars here, preparing stuff and checking things over, Eddard announced. So, you go upstairs and call it a night, I'll take care of this mess of pizza boxes. No, actually, Daario, you're crashing downstairs on the couch so you got to help me. Lucky you.
And that was the last chapter before the epilogue ! Hope you liked it. See you soon !