ARYA POV:
Arya woke up with strong arms surrounding her; she didn't even need to open her eyes to see who it was: Gendry.
He said it last night: "in the end the core remains; just Arya… just Gendry" And he was right. Being in his arms, after all these years and all that has happened? It felt right! Like it was her dutiful place to be by Gendry's side.
But all was not hearts and flowers…
Was it too late? She tried to tell him last night. She had… uhm… responsibilities, alliances that could not be broken easily. Had she learned nothing from Robb?
At the moment Gendry was spooning her from behind. One of his arms acting as a pillow for her head and the other one wrapped around her stomach. His breath on the back of her neck and his lips touching her collarbone making her shiver, to what Gendry reacted by huggingSomeone is having happy dreams.
She needed to get out of there. He was the one who came clean yesterday; she on the other hand had a lot of things to figure out.
What time was it? Shit!
Reaching for her phone on the night table she saw one missed call and a text message:
1 Missed call 4:17 am: Young Griff
I miss you… A*
Feeling sick to her stomach she carefully disentangled herself from Gendry's arms and went to the kitchen for a glass of water.
What are you doing Arya? In bed with one guy while another waits for you in Braavos?! I'm a douche; she chastened herself.
Gendry was a hard guy to crack into showing his emotions and last night he did it willingly. He had come clean about his past, told her up front that he wanted her and asked her if she had a boyfriend. If she recalled correctly her exact words where 'I'm alone at the time being'… Great! That's up there with 'it's not you, it's me!'
Alone on the kitchen she found herself distracted looking around at Gendry's apartment. Nothing fancy, minimal furniture, it fitted him just perfect. Her eyes found the small hallway that led to the bedrooms. It was filled with pictures, the only thing that gave the apartment some warmth.
Photographs with Tobho, Hot Pie, all of her siblings, her father, even one with Catelyn! A couple of pictures with men she didn't know, they seemed the most recent but many of the frames where occupied by yours truly.
"Sensing a theme?"—Gendry asked leaning by his door frame. She would never get tired of shirtless Gendry. Did she really sleep with that? God Lord!
He casually walked up to her with his usual but never on purpose display of power. He was a big guy with a toned body, his lack of shirt displaying up and front those sinful muscles and impressive v cut on his lower abs. Gendry stood behind her and wrapped his arms around Arya leaning his head of the top of hers.
"If I couldn't have you at least I could see you…"—He said nodding towards the pictures.
Them on their graduation day, on each other's birthdays and other milestones. Many of them were just random pictures of them goofing around, eating or just hanging out. It was just too perfect.
Nervously she shied away from his embrace; it was just too much – too soon. He noticed.
"Sleep well?" was all she could say. A slight frown marred his face but was quickly replaced with one of his dazzling smiles.
"Like a baby… can I persuade you into sleeping with me on a daily basis?"—Wooooow, I guess that since he finally established that he wants me it isn't really necessary to beat around the bushes!
Did I just giggle? Kill me now!
"So how did you sleep?"—He asked her while leading them to sit on the living room couch.
Why was she blushing? It's just a question, she need to get it together, it's not like they actually did something last night.
"Pretty good…" was all that she could say. Arya was suddenly hit by Gendry's confession. Yesterday was a dream filled with words and touches she had longed for years. Today? She felt like the biggest hypocrite on earth. Of course Gendry had picked up on her mood.
"Arya?..."- Don't look at me! Don't look at me! Don't look at me! Dammit, put a shirt on!
Ever so gently Gendry brushed her hair out of her face.
"Arya don't overthink it. I was the one that came clean last night. The ball is on your court but I'm not going to push you to do something you don't want to do. Whenever you want to talk I'll be here, ok?… Right now I'm pretty relaxed after a good night's sleep with a gorgeous girl who is currently in front of me looking damn good in my t-shirt if I may say so myself"—
"What is it with men and women who wear their shirts?"
"You tell me; I was missing a few after you left you know…"—Gendry said smirking at her.
So this was it? They felt so at ease with each other. Both lounging in the couch; Arya had leaned back so Gendry pulled her legs up to his lap.
Talking nonsense for a couple of minutes, with her mind clear of the guilty thoughts she was having earlier, Arya began to wonder if this was what you were supposed to feel when in love. Wasn't she already in love? You can't just throw 3 years of relationship away that easily! But then again everything was natural when it came to Gendry. She felt a calm that she didn't know she needed and not that she needed someone to care of her but still; she felt safe whenever he was near. He was the one who wanted to take care of her, she didn't need to walk around eggshells and check in every 15 minutes unlike you know who…
Was she to run into Gendry's arms just because he finally decided to get his act together? Setting her love life aside; she couldn't just come back to the North. Not only did she have school, her job and friends but she really did like Braavos and after living alone away from the family she decided she liked the freedom and independence. Maybe now that they were on good terms she would talk to Sansa and ask her what she thought about the whole thing. She made a mental note to call her later.
"Aren't you supposed to be at work? It's almost 8 o'clock!" Not that she minded crashing all day in the apartment with shirtless Gendry's hands on her legs.
"I don't have to clock in everyday at HQ. I do have to do the rounds over various construction sites but I think they can survive a few hours without me"—
"Sure, just like yesterday with the gazebo? Good luck on them showing up to work"
"Hey, don't talk smack about my crew, they're actually pretty good and besides; that gave me the rest of the afternoon and a sleepover from you. I should give them a raise!"—
Don't blush, don't blush, don't blush… they're just words for God's sake!
"Are they the men on your pictures? That's an odd mix of characters"
"Yeah. Not exactly who you would think as model workers but they really are great guys, they have been working together for years; kind of like a brotherhood. Trust me when I say you're not going to find a harder working crew than them. Which reminds me…"— Gendry sat up and left for the bedroom but came back quickly with his cell phone.
"Come here you!"—He said lifting Arya up like a little doll, sitting her on his lap.
"What is up with the manhandling Waters?" She tried to sound indignant but Arya's body lighted on fire every time Gendry touched her.
"Come on, give us a smile. Aaaaaaand there! See? That wasn't so hard!"—He said after he took a picture of them with his cell phone.
"This way I'll have a new picture with you to put on the wall!"— He's too cute for his own good; Arya thought.
"Gendry I look awful! My hair's a mess and I think Winterfell sucked the tan from Braavos out of me the moment I sat foot off the plane!"
"You're not the type of girl who fishes around for compliments so stop it. You look beautiful! That and you have to admit we do make a pretty good looking couple"—He said laughing while handing her his cell phone.
You know what? He was right. Smug bastard! They did look good together. But what surprised her the most was that when she closed the photo gallery; the back screen popped out displaying yet another picture of them together.
It was an old one and not particularly her favorite. It was Christmas night, they were posing in front of the chimney and she was wearing the infamous oak tree dress.
"Seriously? Of all the pictures we have together you have this one on your cell phone?"
"What can I say? Every time I'm having a shitty day I just look at that pic and a smile appears on my face"—
"Gendry I look like an oak tree! In fact I remember Mom put us in front of the chimney instead of the Christmas tree because I looked like one of the branches"
"An oak tree but a nice one! You look great! See? I have another one in the main screen."—
Just as Gendry said another big picture appeared on the main screen of his cellphone. This time it was Gendry's prom; although she went out on a date with Edric that night. A thought occurred to her…
"How come these pics aren't on the wall with the rest of the pictures?"
"Well I know how you get when you put on a dress. Well, that was before you left for Braavos because you sure were comfortable in that little blue number on Saturday…"—He mumbled not so very happy the last part. "But truth be told I don't like people ogling you. Pictures with short dresses stay on my cell phone. You have no idea how much I want to take down the one that's on the living room back at your house with goody two shoes Dayne"—
"You're jealous of an old picture with Edric? You're quite the green-eyed big monster aren't you?" Arya went into a laughing fit. If only they would have come clean with their feelings none of this would have happened. She didn't even wanted to go out with Edric that night; her mother had forced her into it.
"You can't blame me! He had you and I didn't but that's the past. You're sleeping in my bed and sitting on my lap. The end."—
"And wearing your t-shirt. Don't forget about that." She couldn't help teasing and flirting with him a little.
"Damn strait!"—He said proudly.
In matters of seconds to the mood changed. Out with the playfulness and in with the want and need.
Breathe, just remember to breathe!... There was no mistaking where this was headed.
Blue to grey… Gendry's eyes were heavy with need, her heart thumped fast and she knew then and there that she wasn't going to stop Gendry. He was looking at her hungrily, zeroing on her lips. As a habit she bit them which seemed to cause a reaction on Gendry because his eyes turned black. His strong hands caressed her back, one sneaking behind her neck and holding her in place. This was it! After many years she would finally know what it would be like to have Gendry's lips on her.
It's not like Arya was a newbie in the kissing department but this was a different level all together. Gendry hadn't even kissed her yet and she already wanted more.
"Gendry you perv! Get your greasy paws off my sister!"—Jon's voice came booming behind the door while the doorbell rang.
A startled Gendry jumped making Arya fall to the ground on her ass.
"You are aware that the door is locked right?"
"Yeah, of course! Sorry Arya I…"—Gendry was white as Ghost.
"Oh shut up and stop whispering, we weren't doing anything wrong!" Arya's ass was sore and she was annoyed as hell. Gendry was still on shock mode so she got up and opened the door. Nice timing Snow!
"Good Morning Baby Sis!"—Said a strangely cheerful Jon while plopping himself besides Gendry on the couch.
"What are you doing here Jon?"
"Here I am picking you up to take you for breakfast and finally get my share of Arya time and all I get is attitude? That hurts little Wolf"—Jon said in mocking tone completely oblivious on what he interrupted. Gendry had recuperated from his mental coma.
"How did you know she was here?"—He said adjusting very discretely his shorts. Good to know I'm not the only one affected.
"It's Arya! She doesn't exactly have many girlfriends to go on slumber parties. Besides, it was a dead giveaway since you weren't at the office. Robb texted me. His ass got dragged early to the office by Dad, apparently Stark Industries is on lockdown till they control the whole wedding fiasco"—
"It's ok. We slept in since I helped Gendry on a job last night. Give me 10 minutes and we'll leave" It was the truth but it was hard to swallow since the wine bottles from last night were still on the table.
Arya went inside Gendry's bedroom to change but she remembered she left her dirty clothes inside of Gendry's truck. She heard the door close.
"Here!"—Gendry said handing her a bag with her clothes freshly laundered. At some point he had washed them. Hot and thoughtful.
"Thanks!..." Was all she could say. The awkwardness was present again.
Gendry just sat on the bed rubbing the back of his head; he always did that went he was heavy in internal struggle. She went inside the bathroom for a quick change. When she got out Gendry was putting on a pair of jeans. God he was gorgeous! He had an amazing body and had this whole 'man's man' attitude going on. With his scruffy unshaven face he looked like the freaking Marlboro Man.
"Thanks for the clothes and for yesterday all around. It was nice spending time with you again Gendry" It was the truth, no need to lie about it.
He mumbled a 'no problem' but stopped Arya just as she was going to open the door; grabbing her by her shoulders and turning her around. The movement was so violent she felt dizzy but that could have easily be the effect that was Gendry lips on hers.
He kissed her! After all these years, after sharing the same bed he chose to kiss her right now? With her brother in the other room? And we are not talking a PG13 kiss people, this was a proper one!
Arya's head was held in place by Gendry's hands, hers were busy clawing at his chest when she felt Gendry pressing her against the wall. He was kissing her like there was no tomorrow and this was his last change. Hard but not forceful but definitely demanding as his heart was beating wildly in his chest.
He had her pinned against the wall with his hips, Arya didn't mind but she was having trouble with her neck trying and failing to be on his eye level. Frustrated she yanked Gendry by his neck and as if they've been doing this for ages Gendry scooped down and lifted her up, she wrapped her legs around his hips and kissed him even more madly if it was possible.
Her hands found his hair and scratched the back of his head with her nails making him growl and bite her bottom lip. Surprised Arya opened her mouth and was greeted by another wave of lust as Gendry plunged his tongue inside. In matters of seconds their tongues were dancing and hands were wandering on each other's bodies.
Arya was sure she would faint when Gendry finally stopped kissing her and looked straight at her. His eyes betraying him since he obviously didn't want to stop, his huge bulge pressing her core made sure she was aware of it.
"I won't stop!..."—Gendry's voice had always been deep but right now it was hoarse as he caught his breath. "…once we go out that door I won't stop. No more friendship bullshit! I want you, I'm done pretending. Your brothers, your father? I'll deal with them but I want you. I know I said I wasn't going to push you but I need to know Arya. I've finally had my taste of you and I'll be dammed if I'm going to let it out of my life!"—
He didn't wait for a yes or no from her. It was a silent agreement that she would have to tell him what she wanted. Thank God Jon was outside because she really didn't know. Arya was truly confused and if she stayed one more minute in the room with Gendry she was sure her confusion was going to be pounded away from her in bed.
"Go… I don't think Jon would appreciate my current state!"—He said finally setting her down on the floor. His pants looking a tighter than usual.
Gendry had literally kissed her words away. She couldn't form a proper sentence which he noticed and was smirking like a bastard.
"Stupid!" She wasn't fooling anybody; she wanted him to keep kissing her even more than he did.
Gendry gave her one last scorching kiss before pushing her out of the room. Jon was waiting for her in the lobby so she had to exhort a great amount of willpower to not go back into the bedroom but in the end she decided against it and took the stairs down, that way she would have an excuse to look flushed and not look like she had participated in a hot make out session.
She needed fresh air and thankfully Jon was going to provide her with just that.
"Your carriage waits for you My Lady!"— Said Jon proudly showing off his vintage two seater Harley Davidson.
"Oh my God! I can believe Uncle Benjen actually gave it to you!"
"Yep, he said he felt like an old man with mid-life crisis riding it around. Once I started going up the ranks he gave it to me as a present and I've been fixing it up. What do you think?"—
"She's beautiful Jon, you've done a great job. Love that you kept the black; very fitting. I actually have one myself; we should take one of those bike trips together!"
"You have a motorcycle? Since when? Does Dad know?"—Jon was on Big Brother mode.
"First of all yes; Dad knows! And second; what the big deal? I can drive and it was a gift. She's my second child after Nymeria of course."
"Arya who the hell gave you a motorcycle? Wait… are you back with Edric?"—Well, if she could talk to someone it could definitely be Jon.
"Why must everyone assume that every new toy that I get is from Edric is beyond me. Let's go ok? I'm hungry and I promise you I'll tell you everything."
"Ok!"- Jon mumbled already brooding. "Here, Uncle Benjen specifically told me it was yours"—He handed her a small helmet, it looked a bit old, all black with a tinny blue rose on the back. Arya immediately put it on and they were off.
The ride was magnificent. Being a good little soldier Jon never went beyond the speed limit but you could still feel the power of the motorcycle. When they were little both of them used to lust after their late Uncle Brandon's bike; later owned by Benjen, it was fitting that it ended up at least in Jon's possession. Before they knew it, they had arrived at IHOP and ordered the most disgusting combination you could have in a pancake.
"So… you have a motorcycle?"—Asked Jon, obviously starting with the 20 questions.
"Yup, my beloved Needle! She's a BMW K1300s"
"A BMW motorcycle is a very expensive gift Arya!"—
"Yes, Mother!...". She mumbled. Out with it Bro, we all know what's coming next!
"So? Who's behind the gift Arya Lyanna?"—Jon responded her mocking Catelyn's tone.
"Nothing" She shrugged. "It was a gift from my boyfriend. Or ex-boyfriend. We're on a break"
"BOYFRIEND?!"—He said spluttering milk all over the table.
"Yes Jon, I'm a girl; who likes boys" It was really annoying coming back home and seeing people's wild reaction to that fact that Arya had become quite popular with the opposite sex. First they pushed her into dating and now they wanted to lock her up in a tower.
"Again, does Dad know?"—
"Of course he knows! Seriously Jon, if you're gonna ask questions at least go for logical ones"
"Sorry but you have got to give me some consideration. You left a little girl and now you're back dating, have your own bike and well, you're not so little anymore."—
"Life goes on outside The Wall Jon. We've both been busy. I can't tell you how much I missed being with you."
"I know Little Wolf, I've missed you too…"— Jon said sitting up to go across the table and sit beside his sister, hugging her. "And you're right about the questions so let's get to it! Who is this guy that goes around handing out fifteen thousand dollars gifts?"—
"Ok… His name is Griff"
"Griff! Griff? What kind of name is Griff? Sorry, not judging"—Jon said holding his hands up in surrender after getting the evil eye from Arya.
"It's a Tyroshi name"
"What does he do and please tell me he isn't 50 years old"—
"He actually works with me on gravesites. And no Jon, he's not somebody's father. He has your age actually!"
"That's still old! What about Edric?"—
"Ugh, what about Edric?"
"Besides Dad; he was the only one who got to see you over these past three years. We just assumed that he went to visit you because you were still together. You aren't exactly an open book so after seeing you leave with him on Saturday…"—
"Nop! Nothing there; just buddies. Would you please pass around that piece of information? It's really starting to get on my nerves"
"Ok-ok! Noted. So what's up with the status? You said you didn't know if it was boyfriend or ex-boyfriend"—
"Things got a little intense before I came back…" That comment made Jon's demeanor change in seconds, looking at her in the eyes.
"How intense? Does this guy treat you badly? I refuse to let another sister…"—
"Wow, stop Jon! Breathe! I don't take shit from anyone and he definitely isn't Joffrey so it's ok. It's just that Griff has had a hard time in life so he goes by 'live life like there's no tomorrow'. That means that he gets intense, starts making a bunch of plans and expects me to just go for the ride. Before I came back I said we needed a time out and he just didn't take it too well. This really is the first time we've been apart in three years."
"I'm sorry Ar, but I'm just hearing you have a boyfriend and that it's actually serious, you can't expect me not to be overprotective. You are still my baby sister."—
"I know that…and you'll always be my big brother; old big brother! What's up with the gray streaks?" For a guy under his thirties Jon had a lot of gray hair. You couldn't help but notice it since it made such a contrast with his black curls.
"Don't know. Stress I guess. Margaery wants to dye it but I'm putting my foot down on that one"—Jon said running his fingers through his hair.
"Thank God but joking aside, I get where you're coming from and thanks. I really want to enjoy my time here in Winterfell before I go back to Braavos and have to face Griff again. By the way, you think we can keep this between us? There is already enough drama in the family to drag my love life into the mix"
"That seems like a plan. Come on; let's eat cuz I'm starving!"—
The rest of the breakfast meal was fun. Jon telling her about life in the Military, his relationship with Margaery and asking her questions about Braavos, in his defense; Jon didn't ask again about Griff but Arya knew that the topic was not closed. They finished their breakfast, paid and left the restaurant deciding to take the long way back home and enjoy riding together. It was a little bit past 10 in the morning when they arrived back at the Manor.
"Here you are safe and sound my sweet wolf"—
"Wait, aren't you coming inside?"
"I'll come back in a while. First I have to hunt down Margaery. Breakfast alone with you came with a price. My whole net worth to be exact. I gave Marg my credit card so she could go shopping therefore I'm going back to town to manage to save at least two dollars in my back account"—
"Ah the things we do for love… See ya later Soulja Boy!"
The house was empty. Rickon was at school, Bran had told her he was going to spend the day at Meera's house and her Mother was out doing charity of some sort. After taking a nice hot bath Arya just stayed in her bedroom deciding to call her sister Sansa. They hadn't talked since she left and she had promised she would call once she broken up with Joffrey, moved out of his place and was settled in her dorm room.
Arya called three times and nothing. No response. The fourth time was strait to voice mail. Sansa was probably in class so she decided to text her instead.
Hey Sis, are you a free woman now? Call me back! AS*
After waiting for a while for Sansa's response Arya dozed into sleep. A little nap wouldn't hurt her, especially if she was dreaming about kisses and a dark haired boy.
…
"Cough it up Baby Bro"
"Bullshit! You totally embezzled me out of my house"—
"First of all; no cursing. And second? Do your math work Asswipe!"
The rest of the day was uneventful. Waiting for dinner; Arya found herself playing Monopoly with Rickon inside the family room.
"This game sucks! Let's play something else"—
"Don't be a sourpuss Rick, let's finish the game"
The more time Arya spent around her family, the more she began to notice how much she had missed them. Was she starting to get second thoughts about Braavos? Or was it that Gendry's kisses were so good she was already thinking about changing her zip code? Suddenly shouts where heard outside the room. The door flew open and was quickly closed; the newest addition to the family made her appearance.
"Oh... Hello, I didn't know you were here. I'll just go."— Said Jeyne Westerling or Jeyne Stark, the details were still blurry.
"Hey! Wait up. It's cool, stay here"—Said Rickon getting up from the floor where they were playing. "Hi! I'm Rickon, I'm Robb's brother. Contrary to popular belief I am the youngest, not the Baby. Comprendes?"— Rickon had attitude, you had to give him that. Two more years and he was going to be bigger than Gendry, more handsome than Robb and even cockier than Theon. Northern girls won't even know what hit them.
"Of course young Rickon. I've heard a lot about you!"—Said the shy girl extending her arm and taking Rickon's firm handshake but her eyes never left Arya.
Physically Jeyne was pretty, not exactly Robb's usual big hair, big boobs and minimal clothes but still pretty. She was tall, slender with long brown hair and brown eyes but Arya knew appearances were worth shit. She herself had proven that theory many times in the Free Cities so she was more interested to see what was inside her Good Sister's head. She married her brother so that was interesting…
"Hey, I'm Arya. I'm sorry that after all this time we didn't have a proper introduction"
"Hello Arya, it's ok. I'm the one who should be apologizing. Please believe me when I say we never meant to cause any trouble."—
The three of them sat in the living room; it was obvious that Jeyne felt uncomfortable. The Stark family was a tight pack so any new addition was going to be scrutinized. Luckily for Jeyne that she was with the most laid back of the family members.
"So Jeyne where are you from?"
Jeyne's face showed a side of relief, it was clear she was expecting the full Spanish inquisition.
"Far west; from The Crag"—Replied the girl still not comfortable for big chunks of conversation. Thank God she married Robb instead of Jon; they would have had to learn to interpret grunts and moody stares.
"The Westerlands? That's nice; I've always looked for an excuse to go; now I have one!" Jeyne seemed to warm a bit more to Arya's response.
"Robb has told me a lot about you…"—
"Sorry, wrong Sister. You must mean Sansa, she's in Kings Landing" It wasn't a secret that Robb preferred Sansa as Jon preferred Arya.
"He has talked to me a lot about Sansa, I was hoping to get to know her better but Robb talks about you as well. He calls you 'Kick Ass Girl' and you he calls 'the Little Juggernaut'!"—Said Jeyne to a laughing Rickon.
That was interesting, especially since things weren't exactly peachy with Robb. On many occasions Robb had accused Arya of being an overachiever and rubbing it in their faces, basking in Eddard's preference of her over the other children.
The door opened again, this time it was Robb who entered the room. Seeing Jeyne he took a bee line straight to her and sat down by her side. Jeyne immediately opened her arms and cuddled him like a baby.
"Why did I have to go to that party? Why did I have to sleep Roslyn?"—Robb mumbled from Jeyne's shoulder.
"I guess Dad is still pissed off at you?"- Rickon asked.
"Yeah. Apparently Old Man Frey is having a field day with us. Saying that we broke an agreement. Telling the public not to trust Stark Industries since we have no word. The associates are starting to get worried"—
"What did you expected Robb? Walder Frey has been leaching off the engagement you had with Roslyn for years, through that he got a lot of good business, without it he's bound to lose some money and he is going to hit us hard. Everybody knows he's a vengeful coffin dodger"
"It's 2016 Arya. You can't force anybody into marriage. Roslyn didn't want to marry me as much as I didn't want to marry her!"—Robb was frustrated and his tone showed that he was also pissed off.
"Well the moment Roslyn and you decided to play doctor in the woods you got both Starks and Frey's involved! We're public figures; you are going to lead the company one day. When are you going to grasp the enormity of it all?"
A shouting match was right behind the corner so Jeyne held Robb by his arm while Rickon got up and stood behind Arya whose temper preceded her.
"I ended a fabricated engagement to a girl I hardly saw and married the woman I loved. Roslyn is a big girl; she understood it so I could care less about what her family thinks. As for us? Stop with the dramatics Arya. This will blow down in a few days. There isn't going to be a celebration so you can just go back to your fun and sunny Braavos. It's not like you care about what happens here anyway"—Seethed Robb.
"You know what Robb? You're right! That's exactly what I'll do because I only came here for the engagement party and now that we are being so honest with each other I can say that I came here only because Roslyn called me and told me she wanted me here. God forbid my own Brother who didn't even talk to me in three years would pick up the phone to call me. So yes, I'll go back to Braavos, I actually run the Free Cities branch so I guess part of Stark Legacy will be salvageable once you take charge."
They were just words but Robb felt as though Arya had slapped him. Jeyne just held her head down guilty of her involvement in the whole issue but Rickon was the one who was in shock. Out of all the family you could always count on Arya to have your back but the words that came out of her mouth ever so fluently were spiteful and meant to hurt. This was the new Arya; the one that had learned you can control your anger and direct it at those who hurt you.
Without glancing back Arya left the room. Walking pass Eddard's office she heard their parent fighting.
What an inconsiderable trust fund idiot! Arya was yelling her lungs out once she was in the safety of her room. How can Robb be so thick headed? How could he be so selfish? It will blow over in a few days my ass!
Arya called Edric to ask him what was going on in the PR front and it wasn't good. Walder Frey was telling it like it is; the future of Stark Industries looked bad. An inexperienced kid with no word was bound to fail. The timing didn't help either. Start Industries was knee-deep helping Baratheon Corp. whose numbers were fire engine red. A bad rep didn't help anybody at a time the economy was failing and people were losing jobs.
So you don't love the girl! So what? Marry, buy two separate houses and have affairs. It's not rocket science. We are talking about the family business. The Stark Family and the thousands and thousands of families who depends on their jobs!
Arya knew this story very well, it was the same story only with different characters and it didn't end well. So taking deep breaths, she started up her computer. She made herself relax and did what she had to do days ago login into her Skype account. He answered at the third ring.
"God I have missed those grey eyes…"—
"Hello Aegon!"
GENDRY POV:
Today as been a mighty fine day. Who wouldn't be walking on cloud nine after waking up and kissing the most amazing girl in the world?!
Not that Gendry was considered a bad boss, he was the absolute opposite! Workers loved him and talked about how finally someone was picking up the slack in Baratheon Corps. But after today he was surely to be loved by all with no exceptions.
Over at Flint Cliffs Gendry was in such a good mood he practically rebuilt the old tower they used as a haunted tourist destination playing by himself with a bulldozer. He managed to have a civil conversation with the construction crew over at Skagos actually making some progress and even wishing them a good day at the end of the call. And finally in Greywater Watch he fixed the pipeline in matter of minutes and was giving Bran a ride home in return. All in a good day's work!
"Did you eat one of Jojen's brownies?"—Asked Bran.
"No. And neither should you. You should cut it with the experimentation Brandon, cut it before you turn into Jojen. That kid's brain is full of smoke!"
"Hey, I know my limits, don't worry… I'm asking because you have a really disturbing smile on your face. It's like carved in Joker style"—
"Just in a good mood I guess…" He was high on Arya Stark, that's what.
"So… blue winter roses; Arya's favorites"—Bran said staring at the bouquet in the back seat. Gendry said he wasn't going to hide his feelings. Why not do a test drive on how he was going to be received by the Starks as a suitor for Arya?
"I know, they're for her. I was going to get some for your mother as well but I thought it would look to needy. What do you think?"
Bran just looked at him and said nothing for a couple of minutes. His opinion really mattered. If Gendry could get Eddard, Jon and Bran on board with him he was happy. Sansa and Robb were still 50-50 and Catelyn still adored Edric so that was a lost cause. He could win Rickon over with food and video games.
"So…you finally decided to grow some balls and ask my sister out?"—
"Ouch Brando! Thanks for the compliment…but yes, I'm going over to your house to ask her to go on a proper date with me. What do you think?"
"I'm glad about your balls, God knows anyone who dares take a shot at Arya is going to need them… that said? Don't fuck it up!"—
"Thanks' for the vote of confidence"
"I mean it Gendry. I like you like a brother but Arya is my actual sister; bloodline. I'm not an idiot, she had a crush on you and part of it made her leave for Braavos. But she's back now, confident in her own skin. You mess with her head and I'll throw Summer at you!"—
"I won't!" Gendry said trying to sound as confident as he could. A few minutes passed in silence when he decided to talk again. "Why do you think I'm going to quote unquote 'fuck it up and mess with her head'?"
"I don't think you're going to fuck it up Gendry…"—Bran sighed. "…But I do believe you have the ability to get inside Arya's head and it unnerves her. Whatever you do; let her go at her own pace. She may have come back from Braavos all Zen like but it's Arya. She's a wolf that one! The minute she feels trapped or coerced into something she doesn't want to do she'll bite back."—
"Yep, that's our Ar all right" Very animalistic when kissing as well… Mind over gutter Waters!
"If it makes you feel any good I feel happy for you. I really do think you deserve each other."—Said Bran.
"Thank Bro… please feel free to share that with your Dad and Brothers if you see them reach out for guns".
They both laughed and drove all the way to Winterfell in a happy state of mind. Don't forget that Bran was also high on love; Gendry didn't miss the sappy goodbye between him and Meera.
They arrived at the Manor just in time for dinner, Gendry parked his truck right in front if the main doors out of giddiness, he couldn't wait to see Arya again but when they entered the house it was deserted, not a sound or sight to be found. At the moment the only one missing was Sansa so it was strange to see the house so silent.
Bran went up the stairs to see if they were in their bedchambers and Gendry headed for the family room when he saw the door slightly opened.
With their backs to the door Robb was sitting with his newly bride Jeyne. She was crying and Robb was holding her and telling her everything was going to be just fine. He decided to give them privacy so Gendry went to the kitchen. This time he found Catelyn crying over the phone.
"Oh I don't know. I don't know the girl... Yes, Eddard has been in and out of meetings all day… Yes, thank you so much Petyr"—Catelyn turned around and saw Gendry, composing herself getting in Mom Mode. 'in a second' she mouthed to him that dinner was in 15 minutes, he nodded and left the kitchen.
What the hell happened here? Did somebody die?
Gendry was already up the stairs to Arya's room when he decided to back up and head to the Big Man's office first. He wanted to do things right and at the same time find out why everybody was crying.
Gendry knocked on the door but heard nothing. It was at the fifth knock that the heard a very tired 'come in'. Once inside he found Eddard Stark with his hands on his head looking down at his desk, there was a bottle of scotch on top.
"Eddard? Sir?" He said clearing his throat.
Ned finally reacted and lifted his head up and froze. His eyes went wide and for a second he look lost, even scared.
Neither of them said anything, Gendry confused as to what to do while Eddard just looked at him, muttering a faint and quite frankly weird 'the seed is strong'.
"Eddard… Sir, are you ok? Should I get you some water? Something to eat?"
"No…no thank you. That won't be necessary Gendry."—Said Eddard finally recuperating from whatever the hell happened to him. He gestured him to sit on the chair and poured him a drink.
"Scotch on a Tuesday? I don't think Mrs.S is going to like it very much"
"Nobody likes us Gendry. Nobody! But you'll learn to live with the consequences of your actions; so might as well drink to it."—Said Eddard lifting his glass up and running his hands through is hair. Gendry had an eerie sense of déjà vu of the time Eddard sat him in this very office the day Arya left.
"Did something happened? Robb's wife is crying in the living room and Catelyn isn't doing so much better in the kitchen"
"The news of Robb's marriage isn't giving us a very good image. We're taking hits from all angles. I do feel for the poor girl though, she doesn't deserve it"—
In a space of two days Robb Stark went from Golden boy to Manwhore with an engagement wrecker wife while Stark Industries was on the tip of everyone's tongues.
"I don't think it was done properly but I agree with you Sir. I've meet her a couple of times and she's a nice girl"
"I agree…"—Said Eddard, suddenly seeing the flowers he bought for Arya. That odd fleeting look in his eye came back. "You didn't go to the office today. Robb told me Arya was to blame"—Eddard said taking another sip of his drink.
"Yes Sir, we spent the day together. She went with me for a charity job over at Hornwood but I finished late so she stayed with me and slept inside the guest room of my apartment." When he was little Gendry's Mom used to tell him that is ears went red when he lied, He pray to the Old Gods, the New Ones and the ones that don't exist that it isn't true.
"And the flowers? I assume are for her…"—
"Yes Sir. I know they're her favorite so I came over to give them to her and ask her out on a date" Gendry's whole life could be summarized in that little sentence.
Eddard took a deep sigh and closed his eyes, reaching for one of the desk drawers. This is it, he's going for the gun!; Gendry thought but his panic was quickly dissipated as Eddard took out a Cuban cigar. After offering one to him which Gendry politely declined, Ned stood up, lit it and opened one of the windows letting a very welcomed breeze into the room.
"She's something else that one isn't she?"—Eddard seemed to be talking by himself so Gendry just nodded and said nothing. "The day she was born I knew she was going to be trouble. I remember my Father saying that lighting stroke twice the day she was born, I only had to look once into those gray eyes and I knew he was right. She had my eyes. Lya's eyes…"—
Eddard was obviously talking about his late sister Lyanna. Gendry had never seen a picture of her but everyone said she was utterly beautiful, she died young in a car accident.
"Everybody said Sansa was the one that was going to give me gray hair but I never doubted for a second that was going to be Arya's job. Sansa was always boy crazy but I knew that Arya was the one that was going to drive men mad"—Eddard had come down from dreamland and was watching him again, talking directly to him. "Arya has no business here in the North Gendry. She only came back for the engagement party that was originally arranged for Robb and Roslyn. With that out of the way I expect her to leave shortly, she has her classes and job there."—
"Of course Sir, I wouldn't get in Arya's way not even for a second. I was goi…"
"Have you talked to Arya Gendry?"—Eddard asked him cutting him from speaking.
"Yes, last night" He told Arya that he was going to deal with whatever her family threw at him. This was the time.
"Gendry Arya has a boyfriend back in Braavos. Did she tell you that?"—
"Yes, currently on a break. She's thinking things through" He didn't like were this conversation was going. Calm down Gendry; he told 're talking to Arya's father.
"He's a fine, young man. He's had a hard life but rose in the adversity and I personally know that he adores my daughter and would do anything for her."—
Is it possible to get drunk with 2 sips? Maybe Eddard drugged me! Is he really going to say I'm not enough for his daughter? I've had a hard life, I've rose from adversity, I fucking worship Arya and would anything for her!
"Eddard… Sir? Before I let my imagination run wild I am going to need you to say what is on your mind" Gendry couldn't take out the rage out of his voice and Eddard certainly noticed it.
"Gendry you're a bright young man. I've raised you and loved you like my own. You're a good looking kid and don't have problems with women. Why don't you direct your attentions towards…"—
"So you're finally saying that you don't want me to date your daughter?" This time it was Gendry's turn to cut Eddard from mid speech.
"Gendry I…"—
"That you consider me one of your own but not good enough to date your daughter?" That was the thing about Gendry, his tempter. Once the lid flew out there was no turning back.
"Don't put words in my mouth Gendry"—Eddard said in a menacing tone.
"Why?" Gendry seethed.
"Why what?"—
"Why don't you want me to date Arya?" It hurt. Those words coming from the man he considered his father hurt Gendry, deeply.
"It's nothing personal Gendry. I've told you; she already has a boyfriend."—
"She broke up with him! What's next?!" Gendry was full screaming by now.
"Now you cut that tone with me Gendry. I've known from personal experience that nothing good comes from that fury of yours!"—Eddard spat. This wasn't going to end well.
"You raised me, taught me how to be a proper man. I have a room under your roof and break bread with your wife and children. Tell me, tell me why I'm not enough for her!"
"I don't have to justify myself to you! Nothing good ever came from a boy like you liking a girl like her!"—
"Like me? Say it… Say it! Tell me you don't want a lowlife bastard for your daughter!"
"Enough! If this isn't proof enough that you two shouldn't be together I don't know what is. You've certainly proven yourself to be a true Bar…"—
Shouts were heard outside the office, a booming voice coming closer. Suddenly the doors went wide open and Robert Baratheon stood in front of them.
Tensions were high and it seemed that at a single movement someone was going to throw a punch.
Just like Eddard earlier, Robert looked at Gendry liked he had seen a ghost, blinking quickly as if he fell asleep. He gained some sense when he saw the Blue Winter Roses on Gendry's hands. Before he could react Gendry was shoved to the nearest wall and Robert was screaming in his face.
"You won't take her! She's not for you!"—You could smell the cheap liquor coming from Robert's mouth within a mile.
"Robert, let the boy go!"—Said Eddard trying to pull Robert from him.
"I've come to make amends. You won't take her! I let it happen once, I'll be damned if I let it happen again!"—Robert screamed so loud you could hear the wolves howling inside the kennels.
"I don't know what the hell you are talking about but you are going to take your hands off me Old Man. Right. This. Instant." Gendry's voice came out deep, low and like a growl. He was already riled up from Eddard's conversation so he wasn't going to take any crap from a drunken fool that was taking his own company to the ground.
Eddard and Robert stood back and looked at him like a caged animal; both men were built for their age but not a match for Gendry. He stood tall at 6'6 and was built like a brick after years of playing sports, working at a garage and taking up construction.
"Wait a minute! That truck outside? I've seen it before"—Said Robert, Eddard looked panicked trying to hold him by his arms again. "You're that kid that's trying to make a fool out of me, trying to run my company. Who the hell do you think you are? Do you know who I am? I'm Robert Baratheon! Nobody tells me what to do especially some punk ass bastard from out of nowhere!"—
BOOM! The punch was heard but not seen…
Robert Baratheon was lying on the floor with possibly a broken jaw.
"I don't think… I am running your company since you; all mighty Robert Baratheon do nothing but drink your sorry ass to death!"
"You son of a bitch!"—Robert roared and went after him. Punches were thrown; they were shoving each other side to side, Eddard and Robb who had suddenly appeared; tried to push them apart. This was single handedly the worst way to go to a girl's house and asked her on a date.
"Let go of me Ned! I'll kill him, I'll kill the Bastard! You're fired! Not only are you fired but you'll never get to see her again. Never!"—Robert was uncontrollable.
"You can't fire me, you can't afford to fire me and not you nor anyone else will stop me from seeing Arya!"
By now everyone was there. Catelyn looking at the scene with horror, Jeyne clueless but scared, Bran and Rickon were actually making bets on who would win and Arya just stood there trying to figure out what the hell was happening.
"Robb! Take him out!"—Eddard screamed to Robb but even Robb, who was pretty built himself, was no match for Gendry; he was like a raging bull. It was only when Arya stood in front of him that Gendry snapped out of his rage bender.
"Gendry let's go"—Arya said cradling his face with her tinny hands. "Gendry? C'mon, let's go outside"—She said as if talking to a child. Her voice and touch soothed him but Robb still held him by his arms preventing another fight. He calmed down enough to walk outside the Manor.
"Waters what the hell happened in there?"—Yelled Robb but Gendry couldn't form a proper sentence. He was so pissed off he couldn't talk. Arya's knowing eyes; that were currently piercing at him, were the only thing preventing him from going back inside and beating the crap out of Robert Baratheon and possibly Eddard Stark.
"Robb? Drive him home, he's in no state to be driving and I don't think it's best for him to stay here"—
"I can't leave Jeyne alone!"—Robb protested but was ignored by Arya who never broke eye contact with Gendry.
"Earlier my anger was directed at you, not at Jeyne. I'll apologize to her and give her company. Take Gendry home."—This time it wasn't a question but an order. Robb flinched a bit at his little sister's brusque tone but said nothing asking Gendry for his car keys.
There they stood again… just Arya – just Gendry. It was amazing how a day that started so perfectly and held so much promise ended up in shreds.
Gendry went to touch Arya's face but she pulled away with her arms folded across her chest in a defensive mode. Gone was the playful Arya from this morning. Gone was the girl with passion in her eyes that accepted his kisses. The cold and stoic Arya stood in front of him.
"I bought you flowers… There inside your father's office." Was all he could say.
"Go home Gendry"—Was her reply. Turning her back on him and getting inside the house.
The ride back to his apartment was a blur. Robb talking, demanding to know what happened back at the Manor but Gendry ignored him. He was lost in thought looking in his cell phone the picture he took in the morning of Arya and him.
Was it a dream? Did he really imagine it all? Finally baring his soul to Arya? Finally tasting her lips? Gendry felt lost. For the moment the only evidence of his brief time of happiness was the picture he had on his cell.
Of picture of them together, looking happy… looking in love.
The part where Rob met Roslyn? Again a reference to the prequel: The Strength is in the Pack / Chapter 12
Sooooooo here's the deal: I would like to know if you've been listening to the songs that serve as titles for the chapters. I'm a very musical person so I like to choose songs that can express what the characters are feeling so you can understand them better. That being said? The next chapter is called " Papercut" by Linkin Park. Look it up, listen and tell me what you expect of the next chapter.
This chapter is a long one but I really enjoyed writing it so I hope you like it.
Again; thank you for your support and after you read my latest chapter I hope you'll have a great weekend ;)
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Song: Was it a dream by Thirty Seconds to Mars