Hello FanFic Friends!
There is going to be a lot of movement in the next chapters so for those who know Westeros Geography I have to say that I've moved places a bit for the sake of the story.
I am super happy for your feedback. As always I hope you like what I write so enjoy…
Song: Promises by The Cranberries.
GENDRY POV:
"I can't feel my ass. Either it fell off or it passed the point of absolute pain"—
"I can't feel my ears if it makes you feel any better…"-
10 hours of nonstop driving would affect anybody but 10 hours of nonstop driving listening to the constant bickering of Jon and Margaery was enough to make you take a turn and drive over the nearest cliff!
"Let's change seats!"—
"Marg by now where you sit is not going to make a difference on your ass being sore or not"—
"Of course it does; I've dented my seat. C'mon Snow, move already!"—
For Christ sake they were annoying! They had been at it ever since they got inside the truck. For ten strait hours Margaery bombarded everyone with questions while Jon tried (with no success) to reassure her that everything was fine and taken under control; which of course it wasn't. As of 10 am this morning capture warrants were issued for: Robb Stark (embezzlement and financial fraud) Sansa Stark (attempted murder, possession of a dangerous animal and destruction of private property), Brandon Stark (Drug smuggling and illegal immigration) and yours truly Gendry Waters for corporate espionage as well as assault on employees.
"Sans, you really should take a sip of water…"—Arya had tried to no avail to get Sansa to drink water; the only thing that Gendry had inside his truck, but Sansa was closed off, silent, not even uttering a word since leaving the Police Station, not that he blamed her, Gendry was doing his best Jon impression while he grunted and muttered in response to anyone who dared talk to him.
Robert Baratheon was officially his father. Not only was he his father but apparently at some point someone had tried to kill Gendry because of that and which was how he ended up in the North under the protection of Eddard Stark… Just a normal happy every day Sunday story for ya'.
"This is borderline ridiculous. Gendry; catch up with Edric. We need to stop."—Arya ordered quite frankly making him grumpier.
Gendry was a wanted felon and son to a despicable man… yes; half of Arya's family was wanted by the law, her father was an inmate in Harrenhal prison and her sister was a victim of physical and psychological abuse but hey; they were all on the same boat! No need to snap at him every 10 minutes. She had been swearing like a sailor and throwing dirty looks at him all day.
"I'm going here on 180 miles an hour. What do you suggest My Lady? Casually drive on the other lane while you chat with your little friend?" He spat. Arya had the ability to piss Gendry off like no one and after all the shit he learned today he wanted to punch something… badly. He needed a break from everything Stark pronto.
"Don't call me a Lady!"—Arya growled. "We need to stop. Honk at him or something. I can't call him since he took all our phones and Sansa looks like she could use some fresh air"—
"AND PEE! Margie needs to pee!"—Whined Margaery out back.
"And Jon needs to not kill Margie…"—Jon muttered.
"I heard that Snow!"—
"I meant you to hear it Tyrell"—
Apparently Theon was thinking the same thing since they saw his blue Camaro pass them and honk furiously at Edric's Mercedes signaling him to park. The caravan of outlaws consisted of four cars; they all parked by the side of the road with their passengers immediately running outside to stretch their legs.
"Theon what is it? We can't just stop for some sightseeing!"—Yelled an exasperated Edric.
"Then don't look at my dick Dayne! We've been on the road for 10 hours straight, I need to piss. If I parked you guys would have left me stranded in the middle of nowhere."—Graciously said Theon while going to the nearest tree to urinate.
They were a mess… Catelyn didn't even get out of the car, Sansa only showed signs of life by going over and sitting beside her. They were both just staring at nothing in particular with lost eyes; Jeyne was standing awkwardly next to the car not knowing what to do. Jon was heard yelling to Margaery who had ventured into the forest to go the bathroom. Bran and Jojen went to smoke (hopefully) cigarettes while Meera was explaining to Rickon why he couldn't eat some mushrooms he saw nearby. Arya had yanked Edric to the side and where having some kind of heated conversation.
Gendry had chosen to stay inside his truck, zoning everybody out at least for a couple of minutes and you know what he thought about? Marriage! Yup, tying the knot! Why? Because he adored Arya Stark, he worshiped the ground she walked on but the last hours he wanted to kill her. He supposed that was what the whole 'for better or for worse' meant. The few times they had spoken since leaving the police station that morning where dedicated to insult each other. Arya was the first to snap saying he was being overbearing asking her every five minutes if she was ok, then told him to mind his own business after he asked Sansa how was she holding up and then came the kicker; after he resigned and chose to keep his mouth shut, she told him that 'his silence' was even more annoying. He just couldn't win with her! Of course he lashed out and told her to be more understanding seeing she was one of the few that was unscathed from the whole drama with the police charges, that she could have least have the grace to shut her own mouth and stop bitching about not having her phone, since that was all she was doing.
Sadly for Gendry; who was lost in his internal debate, the doors were unlocked. Didn't Thoros leave a bottle somewhere? He thought. Great… I'm already turning into Robert.
"Where the hell are we? We haven't seen a car in miles"—Said Robb while getting inside his truck.
Seriously? These bloody highborns take pride in their lands and their origins but didn't recognize their own mother's birthplace?
"We're in the Riverlands" Gendry shrugged.
"How can you tell? The last traffic sign I saw was 'you are now leaving Winterfell' and that was 7 hours ago. I think Edric is lost and doesn't have the nerve to say it"—
"We'll I don't know if he actually knows where he is leading us but we're definitely in the Riverlands it's just that we took the old road that no one ever uses anymore. I've done a couple of jobs here. I ride the machinery trough these roads, it's faster and I don't need any permits"
"So does that mean we're headed to Great Uncle Brynden's place in Riverrun?"—Piped in Rickon while getting inside the truck.
"It seems like it. Although it's a pretty stupid move. We're wanted by the law; don't you think they'll come searching our families and friends?" It seemed young master Dayne wasn't that smart after all. A small detail that made Gendry smile.
"I told him that but it seems that Edric is planning things as he goes along… Robb get out of my spot!"—Said Arya opening the door to the driver's copilot. An idea sprung into Gendry's mind.
"Actually stay right where you are Robb! My truck is getting a bit stuffy. I think we should trade places, no one likes to be holed up with the same person for hours and everyone is on edge." That was the best gentlemanly way Gendry had found to say to Arya that he wanted either to murder her or fuck her brains out. None of them really an option so telling to her ride with someone else was best. Yes, he still had a severe case of blue balls…
He could tell that she was hurt and pissed off and he was also filled with a quick air of happiness to see that Arya considered the passenger seat of his truck her spot but they needed some time apart.
"Can we do that? Edric's taste in music freaks me out. I call dibs on Gendry truck!"—Said Rickon.
Everyone seemed to think it was a good idea but didn't seem to come to an understanding on who was riding with who and found themselves arguing at the side of the road. The clock was ticking, the sun was setting, he needed to eat something and sleep. That alone made Gendry yell out.
"Just shut the hell up!… All of you! Sorry Mrs.S" He apologized to a battered Catelyn. "Edric where are we going?" He asked in his no nonsense tone.
"Riverrun. It was the farthest place I could think of where we could clear our heads and regroup before having the cops on our necks"—Edric answered.
"We still have at least 4 or 5 hours till we get there so we need to get our asses on the road. Same cars, different passenger and we are going to have to give the drivers a break" Gendry practically lived in his truck but the stress and no sleep was affecting him. Edric was used to have a chauffeur so he must be feeling cramped after driving for so long, Meera seemed tired as well and although he wasn't at the party; he suspected that Theon had pulled one of his all nighters. If Gendry wasn't so tired he would have asked Theon to swipe cars since he was driving alone and he craved some peace of mind but he could easily have an accident, he opted to give that option to another person that seemed to be more fitted for some alone time.
"Arya take Theon's car… Theon ride with us, you can catch some sleep in the back seat. You as well Edric." He said throwing a bone to the blonde.
"What about me and Jon?"—Asked Margaery completely oblivious to the fact that Jon wanted to kill her as well.
"Actually Jon is driving my truck and I'm riding shotgun. Rickon already said he was riding with us. Care to drive Edric's car and ride with Sansa, Catelyn and Jeyne?"
"That's actually a great idea. God knows I've had my fair share of testosterone for today. I'd love some girl time"—Margaery replied with the most utter grace but sticking her tongue out at Jon.
"Thanks. Then it's all sorted out. Robb? Drive Meera's car and we're good to go" That was the advantages of being an orphan; you took your decisions and stuck with them. Big families meant different opinions and no quick agreements.
Everybody started to change cars when Arya took Theon's car keys and stomped inside it. He needed to reassure her that he wasn't dismissing her.
"Arya don't be like that. 5 more minutes together and we were going to slash each other's throats."
"I'm sorry but you rearranged everyone so I would stay far away from you. I can take the hint"—
"An hour earlier you told me to shut and I quote 'my motherfucker mouth up' and you even smacked me in the head for no particular reason"
"Well I'm sorry ok? There's too much going on and I had cabin, er; truck fever"—
"It's ok… you want me to ride with you?"
"You would? I know you hate other people driving your truck!"—Arya tried to sound understanding but she was giving him huge puppy eyes for him to say yes. Since he didn't have Arya; Gendry concentrated his affections on his truck. Only Hot Pie had driven it and it was only one time because Gendry was too drunk to function.
"No problem. I'll probably sleep all the way anyway" He was lying, he was crying on the inside but at least it was Jon behind the wheel. Just to make sure, he ordered Rickon to change places with Bran. Rickon as a copilot shouldn't be allowed under any circumstances.
Edric was going to program his GPS so Margaery would know where she was going but Catelyn said it was ok since she knew the old road so she would give instructions. After signaling to Jon that he was going to ride with Arya they were off.
Everyone was already on the road but Arya lingered back and gave him a sweet little kiss on the lips when he was seated next to her.
"Not that I'm complaining but what was that for?"
"Just because…"—Arya shrugged and began to drive. "Go to sleep you stupid Bull. You're grumpy when you're sleep deprived"—
Gendry didn't need to be told twice. He was fast asleep in matter of seconds not before giving her a proper kiss in return. 'For better or for worse'… Doesn't seem that complicated!
….
"Wake up block head!"—
"5 more minutes…" He grumbled while reaching for her with his hand.
"We're almost there and take your paws off me. I'm driving, we can't cuddle and you hardly fit in the car!"—
"What hour is it?"
"10 o clock"—
Gendry reluctantly opened his eyes and saw that it was pitch dark outside, he had to blink a couple of times and sit up since he was a bit disoriented. He had managed to fall asleep but Theon's vintage two seat Camaro was not made for people of Gendry's size. He looked like a giant at the kids ride in the carnival.
"Where is everyone?" He looked ahead and through the rearview mirrors but saw no one.
"We finally made it to the river road. I can follow it to Riverrun so I kind of stepped on it. We have a good 20 or 30 minutes lead."—
"You stepped on it? Arya we were already going fast, are you trying to kill us?"
"Don't be such a sour puss. The road is clear and it's a cool car. It's been a while since I actually drove"—
"Ahh… Miss Stark probably is used to have a personal driver back in Braavos" Gendry laughed, he thought he could get back to teasing Arya since they were both in better moods.
"I'm not Miss Daisy you idiot! First of all I like to walk and secondly I have a bike."—
"How in the world did you manage to get your father to buy you a bike? How in the world did you manage your mother to agree to it?" Arya was already living alone in a foreign country so a motorcycle wasn't exactly the safest mode of transportation.
"I didn't, it was a present from my boyfriend… ex-boyfriend!"—She quickly corrected.
"Ohhh…" Was all Gendry could say. He still felt that there was a lot going on with her and that guy in Braavos but he decided not to ask her. Edric traveled a lot to see her; barely taking his eyes off her. Gendry will have to play nice with the kid and ask him about the ex-boyfriend. You know: The enemy of my enemy is my friend.
Lost in his internal debate Gendry didn't realize that Arya had parked the car besides the river and turned off the engine. The night was windy with clear skies. The moon shined above making the Red Fork waters seem like a velvet sheet.
"We have time till the others catch up. We can rest a bit…"—Arya said while shrugging for no particular reason. Gendry knew something was on her mind.
"You know… take away the police and your family and this could be an actual date" He said in a sarcastic tone. Arya did not laugh.
"Why did you breakup with your girlfriend?"—He froze. Soooooooooo not where he thought this conversation was going. In a matter of seconds he was a blubbering sweaty mess. How can he possibly tell Arya that?!
"I don't know… we just weren't compatible" He mumbled, looking outside the window.
"It took you a year to realize you weren't compatible with the girl you were dating? I call bullshit Waters, spit it out!"—Arya said while crossing her arms and lifting her eyebrows. He wasn't going to get out of this one.
"Does it really matter? It's in the past. I already told you that I want you. Only you. It has only ever been you!"
"You know about my ex-boyfriend… It's only fair that I know about your ex-girlfriend"—She huffed.
"Ohh really? What's his name?" He could at least find out something before he spilled the beans.
"Griff. Quid pro quo Waters. You get to answer the same question as well"—
"Jeyne. What's he like?" Griff? What the fuck is a Griff?
"Back up; you were still dating Jeyne Poole?"—They both made a face; back in high school he didn't actually date Jeyne Poole. It was more of a… exploration of interests. At least on his part!
"Hell no! Jeyne Heddle; Willow's older sister. Hot Pie kind of set us up"
"I remember her… she was pretty."—She said in a small voice but quickly put herself back together. "So why did you guys break up?"—
"Tit for tat; you still haven't answered my question."
"What's there to know? He's tall, not like you since you're a freak of nature but he's still tall. He loves to surf and is pretty outdoorsy just like me. We fence together as well"—Is he pretty? Has a good body? Is he better in bed than me? Fuck he was so whipped.
Arya stopped talking and looked at him expectantly. He knew he had to say something since he knew the basics about her ex, anything else would be prying. Arya was right all along; he was stupid.
"Jeyne's cool. She works at her mother's inn. She's nice and all but I always knew she wasn't the right girl for me. I guess she knew it as well. After a while she broke up with me" Please let it go, please let it go… shit, she's still looking at me!
"And?..."—Arya urged him on. He knew if he didn't talk she was going to hit him.
"Ok… so I possibly did something in bed that pissed her off"
"What do you mean that pissed her off? Did you do something kinky she didn't like?"—
"What the… NO! Nothing like that! Wait, what do you mean by something kinky?"
"Focus Waters and spill it out already"—
"I may have said another girl's name in bed… during actual sex."
"Oh my God! You're an asshole!"—Arya barely managed to say since she was laughing her ass off. "That is so Gendry. How could you say another girls name during sex?! You're so stupid it's adorable"—Well its better than have her get angry at him but Gendry was quickly annoyed by Arya.
"Actually I said your name…"
"WHAT?!"—Well that made her stop laughing.
"What do you mean you said my name?"— Arya said with her eyes wide.
"It was Valentine's Day and everybody was all loved up. I was miserable since I hadn't hear from you in ages, let alone saw you so I kind of got drunk, Jeyne came over to my place and well you know. One thing led to another, I still had you on my mind so…"
"Wow. You really are an asshole"—This time she said it without laughing.
"I know…" The car was filled with awkward silence I mean, how could you top that? He couldn't blame Arya is she thought he was a player.
"Why my name?"—
"What do you mean 'your name'? I think it's pretty obvious…" It's you! It's always been you, those other girls meant nothing! Again silence…
"Gendry I'm not used to this"—This was it. They weren't even together and she was breaking up with him. "You confuse me and I don't like it!"—
"What do you mean I confuse you?" Now he was confused.
"I can't think strait when you're around and when you're not I miss you. You treat me like a lady which I hate but I don't really hate… And don't get me started on the PDA. I want to kiss you all the time. I'm turning into Sansa for God's sake! Did you know I pulled up because I wanted to make out a little before we get to my Uncle's house?"—
"You did?!" His face lighted up like a Christmas tree. Arya was quick to pull the plug by hitting him square on his shoulder. "OUCH! So you don't like public display of affection but violence is ok?"
"What I'm trying to say is that you're making me fell all weird. I was in a relationship for three years and I've never felt like this before. It's uncomfortable not to know how to act!"—
"Babe…I'm not going to force you into anything." He said reassuringly. Gendry wanted to hug Arya but giving the nature of the conversation it wasn't a good idea.
"See? 'Babe'? That's what I mean! What's with the names? But goddammit you look adorable and it makes me want to jump you!"— Do it, do it, do it, please do it! "It's just that I don't know what this is. We have the whole mess with Dad and the police. Don't get me started on me going back to Braavos. I wish I could fix something, then I could get some kind of peace of mind"—
"Arya…" He said in a loving tone, making sure she heard every word he said.
"I am not going to pressure you into anything. You have a lot going on; we have a lot going on. Whatever is going on between us can wait. You just got out of a relationship and even if it kills me; it really is best if you take time for yourself. I've waited years for you so I'll wait again" He meant every word.
"But I like making out with you"—Arya pouted
"Hey… You don't see me complaining"
"Gendry… last night was… amazing"—Arya said while lowering her head. He could still see her blush but he wasn't going to tease her. He just held her hand and gave it a kiss.
"Not entirely amazing since we didn't get to finish it but it was pretty damn good if I may say so myself"
He was rewarded with one of her rare smiles and his breath left his body. She was too damn beautiful for her own good.
"I like it when you say my name…Well… more when you say it to me"—Gone was the insecure Arya, in came the sex kitten. She straddled him and began to play with his hair.
"And as much as I like to say it and have your body pressed up to mine I really think it's best to cool off a bit!" Gendry could not think he'd be protesting Arya coming on to him.
"So you're saying I can't kiss you?"—Arya asked looking insulted but still in a playful manner.
"I'm saying you shouldn't but I'm not going to stop you"
Gendry heard the honk of his precious truck by the road…
"Stop smooching … I mean snoring and get rolling, Robb's the last one and he's back by 10 minutes. Get your asses back on the road!"—Yelled Theon.
"Ugh… talk about mood killer"—Said Arya while starting up the car.
"You're not the one with a tent in your pants" Muttered Gendry while trying to adjust his dick.
"You're going to be in my room tonight Waters. And that's that!"—
"Yes M'lady… but try to drive slow will you? I need some time to take down my hard on"
Arya laughed.
….
Forty-five minutes later they arrived at Riverrun; ancestral home of the Tully's and very much closed castle.
"Isn't there a doorbell or something?"—Asked Margaery.
"That's odd. There was always a guard at the gate"—Said Catelyn.
The main gate was huge and locked. If you could manage to see through it you could see that the house was dark with no lights on.
"Did Great Uncle Brynden know we were coming?"—Asked Arya.
"I couldn't exactly call and risk telling people over the line where we were going could I?"—Replied Edric.
The bickering started again while Gendry inspected every part of his truck.
"Don't worry; the only bodily fluid you'll find is Edric's drool. Can I say the same for my car?"—Smirked Theon.
"Not in the mood Theon. Go play with your dick somewhere else"
"Jeez…no need to be a sourpuss. I was just joking. But talking about dicks? If you value yours you should tone it down with Arya. The guys are already pretty stressed out about Sansa"—
Bran and Rickon were his recent allies in Gendry's quest for Arya's heart but Theon; other than Hot Pie, was the only one we knew about it ever since the beginning. Nosy bastard once got him drunk…
"Did Jon say anything to you?" He said looking around, hoping no black curls were after him with a knife.
"No, he could catch you balls deep in Arya and he would still have no clue!"—Smirked Theon.
"Watch your mouth Greyjoy!" He growled.
"Sorry, sorry! No bad mouthing our Little wolf but seriously Bro. I'm glad you finally spilled the beans but your timing sucks. Jon doesn't suspect anything but remember he carries a gun and Robb is already on the lookout for you. I guess he needs to vent off all of his Joffrey issues"—
"Great…and I'm the scapegoat!"
"Hey… don't hate the messenger"-
"Gen, come give me a hand!"—Yelled Arya.
"Speaking of the hot little devil…"—Theon smirked.
Gendry gave him a smack on his head but the guy was right. He had to talk to Jon.
"What's up?"—He said while walking to the side of the stoned gate.
"I need a boost up so I can climb the gate and see if there's anyone home"—Said Bran.
"Brandon please be careful!"—Pleaded Catelyn.
"Don't worry Mom, I never fall!"—Bran replied.
"Ok Brando… ready to go on 1, 2, 3…"
Gendry lifted Bran up and he began to climb like a monkey. He was over the gate in less than 5 seconds.
"Hey Jon… you're good with guns right?"—Bran yelled on the other side.
"Uhm… yeah, why?"—Jon muttered unsure of what his little brother was talking about.
"Because I have a shotgun pointing at my face"—
They all heard a gun click.
ARYA POV:
It all happened in a matter of seconds. Gendry lifted or practically threw Jon over the gate who already had his gun out as they all braced themselves for the worse.
"Ahhh… it's you! Ned's boy!"—They heard over the other side.
"Brynden?"—Catelyn called white as a ghost. We'll at least there wasn't a gun shot.
"Cat?"-
The gate opened and Brynden Tully stood tall with a shotgun in one hand and a scared to death Bran in the other.
"For God's sake woman. Reign in your children. I nearly killed this one for trespassing"—Yelled the old man.
"Reign in my children? You nearly killed a boy! Gun laws were made for people like you!"—Exclaimed Catelyn while inspecting Bran to see if he had a scratch. "Brynden; mind if we take this inside? We're in a delicate situation and the children need to rest"— pleaded Catelyn.
"I see that you brought your kids as well as Ned's"—Said the Old Man while walking towards the house.
"'Ned's kids'?"—Murmured Meera walking besides Arya, who quickly responded.
"Uncle Brynden says we're half / half. Robb, Sansa, Bran and Rick are Tully's while Jon and I are Starks. Suppose it's the looks."
"Where is Ned? He didn't leave his pups with me so they could eat all my food did he?"—
"Uncle Bry haven't you seen the news?"—Said Sansa, speaking for the first time in more than 12 hours.
"Sansa? Are you sick? I didn't even notice you were here since you'd normally talk my ear off the first five minutes"—
Brynden Tully was Catelyn's Uncle, head of the house since her father's death and lived in Riverrun with the youngest of the Tully children; Edmure. The ex-military was an old man pass his 70's but don't let that fool you. He had the body of a forty year old man, the spirit of one in his twenties and a tongue that was ageless. Nothing seemed to get pass him and the more he knew you the more blunt he was. A very firm believer of the term: tough love.
"Uncle… can you open the garage? The guys need to park the cars inside" Asked Robb.
"Just leave then in the driveway. I don't think I'm expecting another large family tonight"-
"Uhm, we'd prefer the garage sir. We need the cars to be out of sight"—Explained Edric. The comment made Brynden turn around and take notice to his new visitors.
"You're all tired, some with red eyes from crying but all with bags under your eyes. Cat I don't think I have ever seen you and Sansa with wrinkled clothes in my life! The boys aren't fighting and Arya hasn't insulted me. Edmure called me a while ago so I know he's fine. Something is wrong… Did Eddard die?"—
"WHAT? NO! YOU'RE CRAZY! GOOD FORBIT!" Cried everyone.
"Well the man ain't here and you all look like you came from a funeral! So go on, go put the cars inside the garage so you can tell me what's going on"—
….
"And that is how we ended up here. Brynden I am so sorry to put you in this situation since you are legally harboring fugitives but we had no other option"—Cried Catelyn.
An hour later they were all huddled up in the living room listening Catelyn tell her Uncle all that had happened. It felt like a weird dream to hear it all, even weirder was their Uncle's response.
"Well… what done is done. I caught some fresh fish. Who wants to eat?"—
"Seriously? That all you have to say?" Asked Arya. She knew her uncle was a hard ass but damn was he good. He seemed unfazed by it all.
"The company is being investigated and Eddard's in jail but you told me Luwin is already taking care of that. I am going to take the high road and not tell you 'I told you so' regarding Joffrey and this one being Robert's son but that's hardly news. The girly boy Edmure hangs around brings me better gossip. Instead of sulking we should be toasting that Robb didn't marry into the Frey's! Bad people those…"—
"Brynden how can you be so careless? These are not maters that can be brushed off"—Said Catelyn indignant at her Uncle's response.
"I am not careless Woman… I'm being practical. What we need to do is work up a plan and then get a good night's sleep. You don't need to be a bloody genius to know that they'll come looking for you here."-
"Did Dad tell you? You know, about Gendry and Robert?" Arya asked in a subtle voice not wanting to rattle Gendry up. The poor thing has had too much to handle in such a short time.
"He didn't need to tell me, I knew he was Robert's the first time I saw him! Don't take it personal son but Eddard has been picking up Robert's shit ever since they were kids."—He said throwing Gendry a sorry look. "So when I went to Winterfell and saw his miniature running after Arya that was it for me… We'll that and that Ned has a knack for lost boys. He has a Snow, a Greyjoy and now a Baratheon. There are rumors over the Free Cities about living Targaryens. Maybe he'll show up with one"—Brynden laughed. Edric spilled out of his nose the water he was drinking to what Arya just rolled her eyes. Nice way to keep it cool Dayne.
"We'll it's almost midnight and I for one am tired as hell. Uncle can you show us our rooms?"—Asked Bran.
"Of course, follow me; Cat, stay here; I need to talk to you in private"—
When they reached the third floor (Uncle Brynden should really consider an elevator) they weren't spared by their Uncle's frank words.
"Robb's the only one with a marriage certificate so they rest of you know the drill. Boys to the left and girls to the right. Boys; I'll protect you if the police comes but I won't move a finger against a Mad Father. Girls? Lose women don't get rings"—
"Cersei got one. That proves your theory wrong."—Smirked Theon.
"Cersei also fucks her brother. So unless you're a hell of a lot closer to your sister than we thought, I think Brynden has a point."—Said Jojen.
Other than Rickon who was down in the kitchen devouring everything edible and their Uncle Brynden and mother Catelyn who were talking inside the living room; everyone else was tired so they went inside of their rooms. Arya took a quick bath and went to find Gendry who was crashing in Edmure's room down the hall.
"Wow… since when Edmure is a fan of anything pink?" She said. The room was filled with pink curtains, pink pillows and are those slippers?
"I don't know! Brynden did say he hangs out with Margaery's brother. Maybe he picked up on the lifestyle"—Gendry smirked while getting out of the bathroom wearing nothing but a pair of grey sweatpants that hung low showcasing that superb v cut right under his abs that led to his… "Wipe that look off your face Stark! I am not touching you with your Uncle downstairs. The guy has a freaking armory!"—He said while plopping on the bed but still patting it with his hands so she could join him.
"You know he dates Renly right?" As in Baratheon? Your… I guess uncle? She said while moving his hair so she could see his eyes.
"Don't! It's just too soon. I don't feel comfortable… My Mom, Tobho and you guys for now are the only family I've ever known. Please? Anyway, I don't like you in anything other but my shirts"— He said tugging at one of Brynden shirts she had put on. She guessed that was Gendry changing the subject. Arya decided to let it slide for tonight.
They talked and cuddled for a while. Gendry was burned out so he was sound asleep after a couple of minutes but Arya was still on edge. Where was her father? Where they treating him right? Is he warm? Has his own bed? She felt selfish lying in bed in Gendry's arms. She needed to do something to fix this whole mess and what about tomorrow? Where would they go? She wouldn't be so worried if she was alone but they were a big group of twelve people; they were a freaking traveling circus! If you need to lay low; you need to pack light and travel alone, a group of twelve people wasn't going to cut it.
Arya saw Edmure's laptop by the floor. Edric got rid of their cell phones since apparently they were being tapped and could be traced so this was her only way of communication with the outside world.
Sitting on the bed, not wanting to waste Gendry's delicious warmth; Arya checked her email and various social media accounts. They were filled with questions from friends, family distant and close wanting to know where she was and offering their support. There was also a lot of hate mail but that didn't surprise her since people had a habit of kicking you when you were down.
On Facebook she had a bunch of messages from Hot Pie:
At the airport, baked you a mean ass wolf pie! HP*
The plane is gonna ditch your ass. Where R U? HP*
Are you by any chance cuddling with Gendry? ;) Neither of you is picking up your phones HP*
The place just got filled with cops. Random! HP*
Joffrey's uncle is here, the one that looks like Prince Charming from Shrek HP*
So I was taken into questioning for half an hour. WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON? HP*
I was nervous so I hate your pie. Sorry! HP*
Seriously worried, going over Gendry's HP*
Saw the news. TAKE CARE OF EACH OTHER! HP*
So that was settled. She couldn't just waltz out of here and return to Braavos, the police was looking for her as well, probably for helping fugitives run. There's no way on earth they could pin her down because for her other 'activities'. And what was Joffrey's uncle / father doing in the airport? He was a cop but he had no jurisdiction in the North, he was from Kings Landing.
There was a knock on the door. She assumed Brynden would burst in so she was surprised when Sansa peered her pretty little head inside.
"I'm sorry… I didn't mean to interrupt"—
"You didn't interrupt anything. Gendry's asleep"
Sansa raised her eyebrow skeptic so Arya lifted Gendry's arms and dropped it in the bed, Nothing, nada! Unless he felt Arya leave the bed the guy really was dead to the world.
"He really is asleep"—Sansa said while sitting on the desk chair by the bed.
"Yup… poor bull has had quite a day. You've both have" She said while tenderly caressing Gendry's naked back. She saw Sansa checking him out so she couldn't help laughing. "I know right? The guy is ripped!" She said sending both girls in a fit of giggles.
"So… you guys are together now?"—
"I don't know Sans. There's a lot of things we have to figure out before becoming something serious"
"He loves you, he always has… That's the thing with Gendry; what you see is what you get, no mind games. I'd wish I'd learned that sooner"—
Love was a big word. Arya wasn't even going to try and tackle that one. She preferred to move her attention towards her sister.
"You know it now, so no assholes in the future young lady" They both laughed "What did you want to talk about?"
"I just wanted to apologize"—
"What for?"
"For being a bitch all these years… In the end you were the only one who still tried to save me from Joffrey but I was too stupid to figure it out, guess I'm still am"—Sansa shrugged it off like she was saying nothing but Arya saw the hurt in her eyes.
"Sansa first of all I don't think you need to apologize; you were a kid! We all where! Second: you need to see yourself as the innocent party. You did nothing and sure as hell didn't deserve what that thing did to you. And third? I'll punch you square on the face if I hear you say you're stupid again. You're one of the smartest persons I know, you just need to get your groove back"
"When did you become Yoda?"—Sansa laughed not wanting to get emotional with her little sisters words.
"I have a quick ass guidance counselor that showed me how to channel my anger. I can make Hulk my bitch!"
"I can see that"—Sansa said winking at her gesturing at Gendry. "Apart from the apology I actually wanted to ask you something"—
"I don't share Gendry… sorry." She smirked making Sansa blush.
"Don't be stupid… it's just that you have all this 'self-confidence / I am a woman hear me roar' thing and I want to have that too. I know that these couple of days are going to be tough so I want to help. The boys are already treating me like I might break and it really is annoying. I don't want to be deadweight, I want to be productive"—
"Oh my God Sans… that right up there with 'I'm leaving Joffrey'. Of course I have your back!" Well that was a nice turn of events. Arya had bonded more with Sansa these passed two weeks than all her life.
They heard muffled voices outside the room. Isn't anyone asleep? Sansa got up and peeked through the door.
"It's Margaery! She came out of Jon's room. I think she was crying! Oh crap, Jon saw me!"—
"Sans? What the hell are you doing in Gendry's room?"— Jon shouted from the corridor.
"Shhhhh get him inside!" Arya said. No need to wake up the whole house.
"Gendry what are you doing with my sisters?"— Jon said looking at Gendry.
"Don't even try… he's asleep"
"At least one of us is"—Jon sighed. Running his hands over his hair.
"What happened with you and Margaery? It seemed intense"
"I told her to go back home to Highgarden with her family. There aren't any charges against her and she'll be safer there"—
"I gather she didn't take it well…"
"She freaked out. Told me that she wanted to stay with me but that I don't really consider her part of my family… She's my girlfriend for God's sake. Why can't she understand I want to keep her safe?"—
"Because she wants to help! Don't be so hard on Margaery. She adores you and with all this and you leaving for the Wall, she must be a mess"—Said Sansa.
"I'm not leaving tomorrow"—Replied Jon.
"What do you mean you're not leaving? Are you committing desertion?" Arya shouted. Jon would never do that.
"I'm not a deserter!"—Jon said giving Arya a dirty look. "It's a formal plea for an extended leave. I'm sending it out tomorrow. I can't leave you guys. You on the other hand Little Wolf should stay out of this as well"—
"Fat chance" She said while turning the laptop so they could read Hot Pie's messages.
"At least we're screwed together…"—Said Sansa. "What? Positive thinking!"—
"We'll its late. Let's try to get some sleep so we can face the clusterfuck that is going to be tomorrow."— Jon said heading towards the door.
"Sleep well Jon and thanks for everything Ar. Give sleeping beauty a kiss for me"— Sansa's comment didn't amuse Jon has he turned around and stood by the bed looking at Gendry.
"Is he seriously asleep? There is no way he slept through our whole conversation. We weren't even whispering"—
"He's totally asleep. Guess the stress and all the driving really got to him"
"I know you guys always bunk together but I think you should go back to your room Ar. Uncle Brynden's house – his rules"—
"I promise I'll sneak out before dawn"
"I'm going to put my foot down on this one Arya. Just do what Brynden said and I also think its best that you give Gendry some time alone."—
The word 'love' instantly came into Arya's head. Damn Sansa and her big mouth, maybe they shouldn't bond so much.
They said their goodbyes but as soon as Arya was going to close the door; Gendry started to stir in bed searching for her while still asleep. She should stay away from him, she needed time to figure out what she wanted or the chances where very high that she was going to end up hurting him. In the end she closed the door but remained in the room. If Gendry would reach for her he would always find her.
…
"I like big families; I hope to have one someday"—Said Meera. Bless her little heart, the kitchen was so quiet you could drop a feather and still hear it.
It was barely 5 in the morning but everyone was finishing their breakfast. Brynden went all out giving them a proper meal since no one knew when they would have that luxury again. They had no cell phones and their credit cards were canceled. They were all low on cash so other than what Brynden had on him that was all they had. Their future was uncertain and the clock was ticking. Someone had called to the house in the middle of the night and told them that the police was headed there first thing in the morning.
The plan was to lay low, not make themselves be noticed and move around a bit but stay close to the North. Catelyn would stay in Riverrun along with Rickon while Margaery would leave to Highgarden. Edric was given the choice to leave but stayed loyal to the pack. Jeyne said she wasn't going to leave her husband when he needed her the most while Meera, Jojen and Theon where a given.
This would be the time were Eddard spoke and rallied the troops but he was far away in prison. This time there were no jokes, no puns, only uncertainty. When Catelyn rose from her chair, everyone's heart sank a bit.
"I want to weep. I want to be comforted. I'm so tired of being strong. I want to be foolish and frightened for once. Just for a small while, that's all...a day...an hour… but I am a mother. That is not a luxury I possess. Your Father said that he could manage going to prison but not seeing you in there as well and I agree. I have to be strong and stay for you, fight for what is yours and show that we Starks have honor. I have faith not only that this will pass soon but that you will be able to take care of each other, cherish your bonds as siblings and rise to the occasion. My daughters… my beautiful, beautiful daughters…"—To this Catelyn moved and kissed not only Arya and Sansa but Meera, Jeyne and Margaery as well.
"You are all strong, independent women that need to remain calm above all and walk with dignity. Remember your houses words and never forget who your family is"—
"And my boys… my strong, intelligent and kind boys. Always treat each other with respect. Never fight amongst yourselves and protect the family. You are the future of each house so start showing it."— Catelyn said while looking at each boy in the eye, Robb let go a tear when she kissed him and ruffled his hair.
The next part of the plan was to go to a nearby garage Brynden knew and much to Gendry's dismay; change cars. Catelyn's words hit a cord and everyone was a crying mess but their hearts broke even more when Margaery and Jon said their goodbyes…
"Please Jon… pleeeeease don't make me go. I want to stay with you!"— Margaery was crying hanging on to Jon's jacket.
"Margaery your place is with your family, this could get uglier. I don't want you hurt"—
"But I can be your family Jon, I want to be your family! Please don't make me go back. They've never understood me, they never have."—
"We will only have a chance to be a family if there is a future… I need you safe for that to happen. Please Margaery, don't cry"—Said Jon holding her in his arms.
Alone in his truck Arya surprised Gendry by hugging him hard. Jon's words were meant to reassure but no one knew what was going to happen. All they had was each other and Arya couldn't even imagine what Margaery was feeling. It was amazing that after a short while of being together, after not seeing each other for three years; how much she needed Gendry, how much she depended on him to be by her side.
Catelyn had to hold Margaery back; they could still hear her sobs when they passed through the gate. Jon's tears filled the air with despair so Gendry told Arya who was still holding him for dear life to take care of her brother who was a mess in the backseat.
No one looked back, no one felt safe and no one noticed the man hidden in the trees speaking on a cellphone.
"The Mother Wolf stayed with a couple of pups… Yes, the old man's with her… The rest of the pack is on the move."—
Catelyn's words where from the books. I owe nothing. George R.R Martin is a beast!
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Have a great weekend!
Song: Promises by The Cranberries.
Next title song: Good Girls by Five Seconds of Summer.
ALSO: Can we talk about Season 6 Premier of Game of Thrones? I thought it was kind of weak but looking forward to A) Dolorous Edd coming back with the Big Guns and (for the first time) Sansa's plot. What did YOU guys think about it?