Game of Thrones: Shot Through the Heart

Chapter 11 of my Game of Thrones story, enjoy.

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Now onto the story.

Disclaimer: Game of Thrones belongs to George R.R. Martin.

Chapter 11

Arya sighed; shaking her head. She had followed through on her plan after her mother had told her about the issues with pregnancy test. As such she had taken another and, sure enough it turned up negative.

'Still, I can't be completely certain. I guess it's time to take mum up on her offer.' She pondered to herself.

Making up her mind she left the bathroom, discarding of the test, heading downstairs. She found her mother having just finished clearing away the lunch dishes. Arya bit her lip, she'd hardly eaten anything for lunch, always afraid of morning sickness suddenly springing up and making a trip to the hospital unnecessary for confirmation.

"Mum." Arya called out, getting her attention. "I um, I took another test."

Catelyn straightened up and listened as Arya explained what had happened and what she wanted to do. Catelyn agreed and soon she and Arya were in the car, driving to the hospital. Catelyn could see the apprehension in Arya's face and thought carefully, wanting to put her daughter at ease.

"Arya." She said finally, deciding to let her heart do the talking. "Don't be afraid, don't worry. No matter what happens, no matter what the result is. I'm here for you, I'm sure we all will be."

Arya smiled lightly, looking calmer. "Thank you mum, I…I'll be fine."

She smiled back and soon they made it to the hospital.

Catelyn sat waiting; doing her best to stay calm; she hoped Arya was okay, despite everything she said, she couldn't help but feel concerned for her daughter's mental state. Arya had insisted on taking the examination alone, so Cat sat out in the waiting room. Luckily she knew Arya was in good hands while he wouldn't be doing so alone, the Stark family's doctor, Dr. Luwin was going to be helping in carrying out the examination. Finally, after an anxious wait, she saw Arya emerge and approach her. She stood, watching Arya's expression and body language for any hint. It was then Arya smiled widely; her expression one of relief.

"The second test was right mum, I'm not…I'm not pregnant." She said breathlessly.

Catelyn smiled and hugged her. "That's great sweetie, you sound…you sound happy."

Arya nodded. "I am, I mean, I was scared, I wasn't sure I would have been…ready for it."

Catelyn nodded in understanding and they left, heading for home, ready to share the news. When they arrived they realized the rest of the family was indeed waiting for them, all of them, they were seated in the living room, Gendry was with them, looking as apprehensive as Arya had felt not all that long ago.

"Arry?" he asked worriedly as the others all looked up as they entered.

Arya took a deep breath and revealed the results to them. There were gasps of surprise before they all hurried to hug her, in the end she found herself seated on Gendry's lap, both of them hugging each other. Arya felt immensely relieved, and very hungry, she could hardly wait for dinner.

Bran knocked on the Reeds door; he was here to see Meera, speak with her before they went to his family's for dinner. The door was answered by Howland Reed.

"Ah Bran, good to see you again." He greeted him.

Bran smiled back. "Same to you Mr. Reed."

Bran stepped into the house and Howland shut the door behind him. Jyana came down the stairs and smiled when she saw Bran.

"Hello Brandon, Meera will be down soon." She told him.

Bran smiled back. "Thank you."

It was then he saw the look exchanged between the two of them.

Howland turned to him. "Bran; we need to talk for a minute, before Meera comes down."

Bran nodded; he had a feeling he knew what was coming, these were his girlfriend's parents after all. They went to the living room and all sat down.

Howland sighed for a moment and then finally spoke. "I know you're a good person Bran, that you'd never intentionally hurt Meera. But, we need you to promise us that you'll look out for her."

Bran was surprised by this, he didn't expect this. "I…"

"I know it sounds strange, given how outgoing she is, but…" Jyana paused and considered for a moment. "This is something new for her; and she might feel apprehensive about it. She's never exactly been…confident in her appearance. But usually it's not mattered."

Bran finally understood now; he nodded. "I see what you mean now. I promise, I'll do everything I can to help her."

They nodded and finally Meera arrived and soon they were heading to Winterfell. Bran was thinking carefully about what he had been told.

To say she was nervous would have been an understatement. Meera was trying hard to keep herself calm, but while she had met the Starks before, things were different now. This was the first time she'd be seeing them as Bran's girlfriend. As if sensing her worry Bran spoke up.

"Don't worry Meera, you know my family." He told her. "Just relax, they still think of you the same way."

Meera bit her lip. "I…Are you sure, I mean, things are, kinda different now."

Bran nodded. "Of course; trust me, you'll see. Oh yeah, something you should know, remember how Arya was acting, the day you introduced me to Melwyn?"

Meera nodded, she remembered that clearly and had been worried about her ever since. Bran had informed her about Arya's worries in regards to her possibly being pregnant.

"Well, she went to hospital for an examination, it turns out it was a false alarm."

"Oh?" Meera was surprised by that. "Is she…?"

Bran nodded. "She's fine about it; we all are, in Arya's own words, she wasn't ready to be a parent yet. Gendry will be joining us too, by the way."

Meera nodded in understanding and they continued the drive to the Starks house. Meera smiled now, she was happy for Arya's sake and, considering what Bran had just told her about his family and how they wouldn't treat her any different. She hoped it was true, just the thought that things might still be the same was comforting to her.

They finally arrived and entered the house. The rest of his family were all preparing for dinner.

"We're back." Bran called out.

Almost immediately everybody's attention turned to them. Meera swallowed nervously and waiting as Bran continued to speak.

"I hope we're not late."

Catelyn smiled. "Not at all Bran, it's good to see you again Meera."

Meera managed a smile in response. "Thank you Mrs. Stark."

From there things seemed to become simpler. Soon Meera found herself sitting at the dinner table, next to Bran, enjoying her meal along with everybody else. She carefully observed Arya and Gendry, noting the obvious relief between them, as well as the fact Arya seemed to eating rather quickly.

"So, how's your father Meera?" Eddard asked her. "I've not had a chance to see him in a while."

Meera replied, noting that so far, Bran had been right. "He's doing well, Mr. Stark."

She paused and then smiled as Bran took her hand under the table. It looked like things wouldn't be as worrying with their families as she had feared.

End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.