New Horizons Chapter 10: Gas Panic!, an a song of ice and fire fanfic

Song: Gas Panic! By Oasis.

GENDRY POV:

Robert Baratheon…

Robert Baratheon's illegitimate son…

Gendry Waters…

Baratheon…

Son…

Illegitimate…

"This is bullshit!"

"Gendry calm down. First we need to get Dad out so we can know what is going on"—Placated Jon.

"I am calm!" Gendry was everything but calm.

"This is just some tabloid bullshit. Is Bran a coke addict? Have you two joined the porn industry? Hey Jeyne, are you pregnant? No? I thought so. I am not Robert Baratheon's son!" He spat.

"C'mon Gen, calm down. I'm sure there's a logical explanation for it all"—Robb chipped in.

"I AM CALM!" He screamed throwing a chair across the room and missing by mere inches Luwin's head that had just entered the room.

"How is it that no one managed to find out you where Robert's son is beyond me. It seems that throwing things is in the DNA"—Said the old man. He was the only one that was looking at Gendry with sympathy. Other than Arya; who was radiating anger, everyone else was looking at him like a madman. Sansa and Jeyne were actually afraid of him.

"So you knew? Is it really true that Gendry is Robert's son?"—Arya sounded more disgusted than he was.

"I know about Gendry's origin but that is not my story to tell"—Luwin replied.

"My life is not a story to go on telling and getting plastered all over the news by you people"

"Well I suggest you calm down or you will be spending your first one on one with your father in the same jail cell"—Said Luwin.

"Father? Father? I don't have a father!" He roared.

This wasn't the first time this happened…

Growing up Gendry had anger issues, many of then tied up to the unresolved issue that was his father. His mother died when he was little, he was passed around from foster home to foster home when he finally ended up with Tobho. To suddenly say that he has a father and that it was none other than Robert Baratheon didn't sit well with Gendry. He hated the man.

"I can't believe I didn't notice. The eyes, the built, the repressed fury…"—Catelyn gasped.

"Don't you fucking compare me to that damned man!" He yelled at her.

Gendry felt suffocated, he felt every eye on the room on him and he wanted out. Jon tried to reach for him but his reaction was to push him over.

Count to ten Gendry. You can do it… 1… 2… FUCK!

He was sweating, hyperventilating when he felt her touch.

"Gen…breathe, come on. Breathe with me"— Arya's voice was like the light at the end of the tunnel, the only thing that could make him calm down again.

She walked with caution towards him, he could see Robb trying to catch her, preventing her from getting closer to him.

He thinks I would hurt her? I would never lay a hand on Arya! Shit, did I push Jon to the ground?

"It's ok Robb, Gendry won't do anything stupid!"— She said as if reading his thoughts. "Hey Handsome!"—Arya said while gesturing him to lower his head, she always said that his height annoyed her.

Gendry did as she said and he found himself pressing his forehead against hers and throwing his arms around her body for comfort, instantly relaxing because of her scent.

"C'mon, let's go"—Arya softly said while tugging at his hand to which he responded.

Stepping out of the family room Gendry was rewarded again with stares and hushed voices, he wanted to yell at them but Arya had his back glaring at people, very subtly telling them to fuck off.

Before he knew it Arya was heading inside the men's bathroom.

"What are you doing?" He said alarmed at what Arya could stumble upon.

"We can't go outside since it's swamped with press and you sure as hell won't go back to the family room to possibly punch one of my relatives."—

"I'm sorry Arya… I'm a mess. I.. I… What can you say? How do you react to something like that? I mean… is it even the truth? All I have is a press article" He said while sagging down on the floor. To his surprise Arya sat on his legs and began to massage his temples.

"Gendry don't go all Hulk on me but… I think that it might be true."-

"Of course! Because everything the press says is true! I guess Bran is the new Walter White."

"Well I guess someone is getting his humor back…"—Arya said while punching his chest. "…I mean… I don't mean to be as blunt as Mom but you do kind of look alike."—

"Arya…" He warned her. He wasn't even going to breach the subject. He wouldn't even know where to start.

"All I'm saying is that we should wait and talk to Dad. He has to know what the hell is going on. All these reports on the entire family and now the police charges? It's not a coincidence Gendry"—

It all seemed shady but right now he didn't care. He had a massive headache, it was 2.30 in the morning and if he could have just ignored his cell phone and the front door he would have been on his third to fourth orgasm with Arya.

"Why couldn't we just stayed in bed?" He said while nuzzling her neck.

"Gendry I…"— She was about to say something important to him when Robb opened the door.

"Hey…"—Robb said testing Gendry's mood and also taking notice of his baby sister sitting on his friend's lap inside the bathroom floor of the police station. "… We won't be able to see Dad tonight so we're leaving in a couple of minutes"—

"Are you sure? Can't Luwin try something else?"—Arya asked while getting up. Immediately Gendry missed her warmth.

"He's staying here and said he'd call if something came up. For now we just have to wait and go home. Edric wants everyone back in the family room so we can exit the station together."—

"Sure. I need to go to the bathroom first. Come with?"—Arya asked while reaching for Gendry's hand. His heart swelled with joy to see that she needed his touch as much as he needed hers.

"Actually I need to talk to Gendry real quick"—Replied Robb.

Arya gave him a questioning stare but only left after Gendry gestured her that it was fine with a shrug. He also needed to pee.

"So you where scary back there…"—casually said Robb while taking a leak. You can't get more 'guy' than this.

"I know… I'm sorry; I'll apologize to your Mother, Jon and everybody else. I got carried away."

"It's ok, we all understand"—

After they finished their business and washed their hands, they were about to leave when Robb stopped at the door.

"I feel like I have to say something…"—

"About what?" Gendry groaned. He was in no mood for any more surprises.

"I'm not Jon Gendry. I can see what's going on between you and Arya…"-

Ok, not exactly what he planned on doing. Talking to Arya's brother about their possible relationship in a urinal inside a police station.

"It's Arya Robb… Was there really another option for me?"

"Cut the romantic crap Waters. I have shared hotel rooms with you. Don't tell me you were thinking about my sister when you were ringing someone else's bell!"—

"Actually…"

"Just shut up Gendry…"—Robb said with a little more anger than he wanted. "I know you're one of the good guys but she's still my little sister and we have to talk about this. Are we clear?"—

"Cristal" Well that went well… kind of.

Back inside the family room, Edric was giving orders.

"I'm going to give a quick statement for the family. Luwin will be there with me so while we gather the press you all will be able to get to your cars with no problems. Gendry?..."—Edric hesitated while everyone turned to look at him. Arya squeezed his hand.

"I know you brought her but just in case it would be good if Sansa went home with someone else."—Ahhh, yes. He was supposed to do something with Sansa breaking up with Joffrey. Sorry, wrong Stark Girl.

"I also need someone from the family to stand with me at the press conference. Arya?"— Of course he'd need Arya!

Gendry stood possessively in front of Arya which made her roll her eyes at him. As always Bran was the logical one.

"I think Robb should go"- He said. "After all; he is the one to inherited Dad's position one day. Mom is in no condition to face the media. Why call Arya? The press hasn't got a hold of her, why expose her?"—

"Because he wants her by his side…"—Snickered Rickon.

"Of course… I just lost my focus for a while, thank you Bran!"—Edric said while still throwing longing glances at Arya.

"Well let's do this. Robb come with me. Jeyne, you look tired, please go back to the Manor and rest."—

"I got her"—Offered Thoen "I can drive both her and Sansa."—

"Catelyn would you like…"—Jon tentatively asked Catelyn.

"Of course Jon, thank you. We need to go and rest as a family. Meera, Jojen? Stay at the Manor, I'll call your father and notify him… Gendry?..."—

Gendry hadn't dared to look at Catelyn in the eye after he yelled at her.

"I assume you'll be staying in your room in the Manor? You are family…"—She said.

It was supposed to be a caring statement but Gendry only wondered if Catelyn said he was family only because of the whole Robert scam. He was pissed off again. Thankfully Arya spoke first.

"Of course he is. We'll see you there Mom"—

….

30 minutes later after leaving behind an extremely nervous Robb at the police station, they were back at Stark Manor.

"Jon please stay in the main house tonight"—Catelyn said. You had to hand it to the Starks. When in danger they closed off and were a tight impenetrable unit.

"I don't mind sharing my room Marg, you can stay with me."—Offered Sansa while Margaery who had went back to the Manor after the party nodded while clinging to Jon.

"That would be perfect. Jojen and Meera can stay in the guest rooms"—Said Catelyn.

Everyone had a warm bed to sleep on except Theon. He would normally bunk with Robb but that was out of the question since he now had a wife to share his bed and room.

"It's ok. I'll go sleep in the guest house"—Said Theon shrugging off.

"Take Gendry's room!"— Piped in Arya. "He normally sleeps with me so it's no problem"- Aaaaaaand cue in the hard on.

Everyone agreed since it wasn't out of the norm for Gendry to sleep in Arya's bedroom; they used to do it all the time growing up, watching tv or talking till they fell asleep. Arya smirked obviously thinking about a repeat of earlier activities back at his apartment.

Walking up the stairs they were interrupted by Rickon.

"Soooooooooo fun night uh?"—He said while following them to Arya's room.

"You could say that. I'm going to change real quick"—Arya said while heading to the bathroom. Gendry lingered thinking how he was the one that was supposed to take that dress off…

"OUCH! What was that for?" Rickon had smacked Gendry in the head.

"Snap out of it Waters, stop eyefucking my sister!"—

"Eye what? I wasn't doing anything!" Deny – deny – deny!

"Really? Want to explain why Arya's hair and makeup was a mess and how you had your shirt backward when you guys arrived at the police station?"—

BUSTED!... Rickon just laughed. "Chillax Waters…if that even is your last name. Just no funny stuff on my roof. Shaggydog will hear you and come and eat your balls!"—

"Got it; no funny stuff"

"Good. See you two kids tomorrow!"—Rickon said heading out to his room.

"What was that all about?"— Arya came out of the bathroom with nothing but an old tshirt of his.

"Would you please give my mind a rest?" Gendry sulked "Now you'll have me all night thinking about what you have underneath!"

"That easy. Nothing"—

"Fuck me" He yelled plopping on the bed besides Arya.

"Hey Shaggy… are you hungry?"—He heard Rickon yell in his room.

"Fun stuff, balls. Got it!" He yelled back.

Today was nothing like he imagined it… He was supposed to spend Arya's last day in Westeros trying to talk her into having some kind of relationship, even if it was a long distance type. But then he got called in early for work, she had the party, then the whole matter about her father's arrest and subsequently Roberts; his supposed daddy. The image of Arya naked on his bed seemed like a figment of his imagination.

"Did today really happen?" He asked her while snuggling under the covers.

"Yup, the good – the bad and the ugly!"—Arya said while getting comfortable in his arms. They fitted perfectly. "Just try to sleep ok? Tomorrow seems is going to be quite eventful"—

"Arya?…"

"Uhm?..."—She said already half asleep.

"Please don't leave me…"

Arya mumbled something but by then she was sound asleep in his arms.

…

It's safe to safe that Gendry could not sleep. It was 4 am in the morning and he had massive headaches in both of his heads. If you catch my drift? Wink – wink.

First he couldn't sleep because of the whole Robert thing. It just had to be a cruel joke! But at the same time whoever wrote the whole article knew about him, where he was from, is closeness with the Starks, they even published pictures of Sansa and him. Of course he wasn't remotely interested in Sansa and the pictures were hardly condemning as it was Gendry helping Sansa take her groceries out of her car and talking in public. But publish and embezzle them with pretty words and any idiot would think they were having a torrid romance… His other headache was caused by Arya and her lack of underwear. God damn Woman will be the death of me!

He forced himself out of Arya's bed and went to the bathroom to change into something more comfortable since he collapsed in the bed with his shoes on. Emptying his jeans pockets he got a good laugh after finding Arya's thong, she didn't seem to miss it so he tucked it back in.

He wanted Arya bad. After all the shit he endured today and after finally having a good taste of her Gendry was positively sure that a couple of rounds in the bed with Arya would fix his life. They could come and tell him his father was Jesus Christ resuscitated and he wouldn't care if he got the chance to finish what he started back in his apartment. But sadly he was surrounded by her brothers and 3 of their wolves so he was going to have to suck it up and embrace his blue balls.

Giving Arya a quick kiss, Gendry went down the stairs… At first he was headed for the kitchen since he didn't eat dinner but he wasn't really hungry so he found himself inside another room he spent a lot of time in; Eddard's office and was surprised to find Catelyn sitting on the desk.

"I'm sorry… I didn't mean to intrude."

"It's all right Gendry. Please come in. It's obvious we both came to find some kind of solace in my husband's personal cave"—

"Have you heard from Luwin?" He asked while taking a seat in one of the chairs.

"Nothing… I don't want to be a pessimist but the more time passes the more I don't like all of this"-

Gendry took his time to watch Catelyn. She hadn't washed her face so she was still sporting makeup from the party, her hair was in a messy ponytail and he was positive that she was wearing Eddard's shirt. Like mother like daughter. He smiled.

"Would you please pour us a drink? I think I need one…"—Gendry's eyes went wide but Catelyn was quick to elaborate.

"Oh don't think I don't know what you and my husband do after you finish with the paperwork. There is no mouthwash that can erase vintage scotch. Try to remember that when you marry"—

"Yes Ma'am" Thank God Arya likes scotch; he thought.

"My husband is in jail… What is keeping you awake?"—Catelyn asked while sipping the drink he served her. She subtly addressed the elephant in the room.

"My boss got busted with his best friend that is also my boss and turns out is my father… Oh, and I'm also dating your daughter."

"Well aren't we the luckiest pair!"—She said while raising her glass as a toast.

They sat in silence for a couple of minutes when he decided to speak.

"Do you think it's true?..."

He caught Catelyn off guard but quickly recovered, looking at him fondly.

"I remember the first day you came over with Arya. Do you remember it Gendry?"—

He nodded. How could he forget? He met the entire Stark Household the first day of school. Although they were in different grades he bonded with Arya the moment he saw her and went back to her house after school to play video games. He was greeted with an army of brothers, a pack of wolves and a mother's judging eyes.

"It's funny but the moment I saw you I saw Renly, not Robert!"—

"What?" He wasn't expecting that. He knew who Renly Baratheon was; Robert's younger brother, a notorious party boy that dates one of Margaery's brothers. He's supposed to manage the image of Baratheon Corps but Gendry has never seen the guy.

"You see… we all grew up together. And just as you can tell a Tully by their red hair and Starks from their hard demeanor you can tell who's a Baratheon from miles. The first time I saw you other than notice a much older boy bringing my daughter home from school; I saw your blue eyes and black hair, your impressive height and square jaw line I swore I saw Renly; you are somewhat close of age. Of course years passed and you became part of the family so I guess I didn't notice but looking at you now Gendry, really looking at you?… I honestly have my doubts"—

Gendry was floored! He wasn't expecting Catelyn to be so honest with him so taking in all these little details was hard.

"I'm sorry to be so bold but may I ask you about your mother?"—

"It's alright. She died when I was five. There really isn't much I remember. She had blond hair and had a pretty voice, she used to sing to me a lot and dance whenever she could. I think it was cancer that took her away but I'm not sure. My papers got mixed up when I got in the system."

"No mention of a father? Anything?"—

"Like I said; if she did mention something I was too little. We were all we had to each other and there's no father named in my birth certificate"

Catelyn remained silent and lost in thought when she excused herself to go and fetch something but got back quickly.

"Take a look at this…"—She handed him and old picture that was like looking at a costume party.

In his hands was a picture that showed Jon with an actual smile on his face while hugging Sansa who was all decked out in seventies fashion. Next to them was Jojen sporting a small beard and looking awkward as always, but the main focus of the picture was Gendry himself. In the picture he saw himself with a long thick beard and was happily laughing while he held Arya in his arms.

But really looking at the picture it obviously wasn't them! Aside from the clothes that were from an entirely different era, Jon and Sansa; although they still cared for each other, were never that close and Jojen always hung out with Bran or alone. Arya seemed taller while he had never let his beard grow. Gendry was Gillette's best client.

"What you see Gendry is what I told you… A Tully, two Starks, a Reed and a Baratheon. You instantly know who is who! And minus the beard what do you see?"—Catelyn asked

"I see Arya and me… Robert and Lyanna?!" Well you have to admit that in the photo Gendry really did look like Robert when he was young. And no wonder Robert was obsessed with Arya, she was her aunt's doppelganger.

Then came the million dollar question…

"Do you think he knows?" He asked. Catelyn was deep in thought but was sincere in her response.

"Who, Robert? That man lost his mind years ago so don't count on it… Whether Robert Baratheon is or isn't your father I think Eddard must know! The resemblance is uncanny and from the work point of view my husband does a thorough background check on his employees. I doubt you were the exception seeing that not only you work for him but you are one of Arya's favorite people in the world"—

Catelyn fell silent letting him absorb and think about what she just said.

He must know! How could he not? Eddard has always treated me like a son but at the same time he is loyal to his friend. Has he been taking care of me all these years because of Robert? To pick up is mess like he is doing with the company? I am just another casualty of the train wreck that is Robert Baratheon?

"Please don't jump into conclusions Gendry. Let's just try and get some sleep and hope to have good news in the morning."—Catelyn said while standing up and much to his surprise; giving Gendry a hug. "You're a good boy Gendry. You are loved and part of this family. No matter what happens you best remember that"—

After Catelyn left he just sat there urging his brain to find some kind of logic in all the chaos but it was worthless. He needed to talk to Eddard himself to find out what was going on. He didn't even contemplate talking with Robert, which would not be Hallmark family reunion.

After the clock stroke 5am he went back up to Arya's room. She was a vision sound asleep in her bed. Gendry couldn't help but notice her luggage by her desk; packed and ready to leave for Braavos. She's leaving today… He shuttered.

That was really the worse news of it all. Should he wake her up? Beg her not to leave? Make sweet love to her and tell her that she owned his heart? Gendry went to bed and snuggled Arya from behind. She faintly mumbled his name and leaned in to his touch.

No matter what happened; his life was going to change tomorrow. Arya was going to leave yet again and this time Gendry didn't think he was going to be able to stand it.