Title Song: Back to You by Jon Mayer.
Hello FanFic Friends!
Soooooooooooooo happy with the reviews and how you guys are getting invested with the story, you are the ones that inspire me to write so thank you all. The last chapter had strong feelings and a lot of people weren't happy with the reveal of Arya's virginity but that's ok, I actually embrace all your thoughts and I will tell you that there's more to the eye on that situation. I always tell you that the story is mapped out with lots of clues that are all over in the previous chapters.
This chapter is for the reviewers who wanted a sneak peek into Gendry's mind in 'The Strength is in the Pack'. The second flashback is in relation to chapter 15 of the prequel.
Read on and enjoy...
GENDRY POV:
If I get too close right now he'll probably punch me, truth be told I deserve to be punched; especially by one of her brothers. I can't believe I called Arya a slut...
I can't believe Arya's a virgin!
Gendry just stood while Jon screamed, cursed, kicked and threw everything in sight; thank God they were in the woods. He had just learned that his girlfriend was now in cahoots with the guy who had abused his sister both physical and mentally.
I need to know where his gun is, can't exactly ask him because he'll remember he has one and will probably start shooting things; Gendry thought.
"WHAT?! WHAT SHOULD I DO? WHAT CAN I DO?"- Screamed Jon.
"Wood!" He blurted out.
"Uh?"-
"Here; grab the axe" It seemed like someone was cutting wood for the chimney, there was a pile of logs on the floor and fresh cut wood waiting to be chopped up.
"You want to hit something? Hit it! Let some steam out. Trust me, I'm the authority on the matter"
Jon started to kill a tree while Gendry stood back and couldn't help but feel for Jon, he knew exactly what he was going through. Joffrey must have bribed the God's because he would certainly be dead if he was near anything Stark. It was for the best though, Jon didn't need murder on his resume but still... What the hell was Margaery thinking? It was as if everyone was taking their turn to bash the Starks, he sure as hell wasn't going to be one of them though. Well, not anymore since in the past he had done some serious damage to one of their key members. A slut, I called Arya a slut. How am I ever going to live that one down?
So as Jon was venting his anger Gendry sat on the side thinking about his life and his stupid choices.
Flashback 5 years ago:
"Earth to Gendry... dude, what is wrong with you? You've been spacing out for the past weeks"-
"Nothing, just not much to talk about I guess" That's because Gendry didn't want to talk, he was perfectly comfortable looking at Arya through the window. She was playing in the yard with Nymeria.
They still spent lots of time together; he practically lived in her house but ever since Gendry got to know Arya's brothers he would spend his time with them often leaving Arya alone with Hot Pie or her wolf. Right now she was in the middle of a wrestling match with Nymeria and it was absolutely adorable how she was rolling on the grass, getting dirty and actually biting the animal back.
"Mom is going to kill her. She's supposed to go with her to see Sansa's play later"- Said Jon, they were playing pool with Robb and Theon in the game room.
Gendry just smirked, it was going to take more than one bath to take the mud off of Arya. He really didn't get it why Catelyn wanted her to change so bad, she was perfect just as she was, what mother wouldn't want an intelligent, strong daughter?
"What's the play about? If it's the Swan Lake maybe Ar can pose as an ugly duckling!"- Smirked Theon immediately irritating Gendry. Arya wasn't ugly, she was beautiful! Just because she wasn't the conventional soft, sweet and nice doesn't mean she wasn't pretty, at least that was what he thought and that was the problem. He shouldn't think about how Arya looked altogether, she was fifteen for god's sake!
"Shut up Theon, Arya is not ugly. She's just a kid, doesn't need to bother with appearances that's all"- Replied Jon also wrong. That was where Arya's real beauty was, she was wild, unpredictable, truly from the north. She was a breath of fresh air that knocked you out. That was precisely what happened to Gendry when Arya took off her sweater.
"Shit!"- He cursed stumbling back and landing on his ass.
"What's wrong?"- Asked Robb but looking at the window he sighed. "Arya put something on, you'll catch a cold"- He yelled. "I swear that kid as a death wish"-
It's not like she was naked, Arya took off her sweater filled with mud and was left in a tank top but Gendry couldn't fight the blush that crept on his face. It was the same Arya as always but he didn't know at what point he stopped looking at her as his cute friend and started seeing her a pretty young girl. Again; fifteen Gendry. JAIL TIME. He reminded himself.
"Anywho; we need to talk about your sister's friends. Who is going to hook up with who?"- Casually asked Theon to what Gendry almost fell again.
"Arya? You take your paws away from her Greyjoy"
"Perv much Gendry? I'm talking about Sansa and her friends. Which are currently upstairs in what I hope is trying on underwear and participating in pillow fights"-
"Actually Gendry I've been wanting to talk to you about Arya"- Said Robb. Shit, he knows. They'll probably bury him in the Godswood! "I know you guys have this buddy-buddy relationship going on but I think it's time for you to move on. Let her play with kids her age while you move into greener pastures, with us that is"- Robb was sporting his signature grin to what Jon rolled his eyes.
"Girls totally dig that whole protective thing you got going on. Use it! Come out with us. We're young, dashing and have our whole future ahead of us"- Exclaimed Robb.
"Yeah... what Rob said and that a couple of girls have asked for you and will only go out with us if you come"- Replied Theon.
Tobho was actually the first person to tell him that he needed to get more friends other than Arya, boys his age that shared his hobbies, he even hinted about chasing girls. He said that it wasn't proper for a boy like him to spend time with a little girl like Arya. He was right, if any of the guys knew what he was thinking about her he would be banished from the North, away from the only place he finally felt like home ironically because of her and now he had to stay away?
Arya suddenly stopped playing with Nymeria and stood up smiling, her father Eddard was by her side with another guy.
"Who is that?" He asked not liking how the guy was playfully pinching Arya's nose much to her annoyance but seemed to win her over as she launched herself at him rewarded with a piggyback.
"Oh that's our cousin Torrhen, he's visiting this week. You're actually off the hook this weekend since Arya adores him."- Replied Robb completely oblivious on Gendry's jealousy. More frustration than jealousy really because age did not just prevent him from being with Arya, it also didn't give her enough maturity to understand his feelings towards her constantly calling him stupid and hitting him with anything she found.
Would it really be so bad if he went out with the guys? It was what was expected from boys his age anyways and it would distract him from the thoughts that were creeping in his head about Arya. It was for the best, Arya would never mind. She didn't care for anything involving dates and others girls. That way they both would remain friends with no harm done.
"Sure, count me in!"
"That' a boy Waters. I'll be sure to tell Jeyne Poole you're on board since she asks for you 24/7"- Joked on Robb as he left with Theon to make plans.
"Welcome to the dark side my friend... when are you planning on telling her you won't be going to see her fence this weekend?"- Asked Jon while standing beside him gesturing to the window. Nymeria was trying to reach Arya while she was still in her cousin's back. Her laugh pierced Gendry's ears.
"I don't think she'll mind. I guess she won't even notice I'm not going since her cousin will be with her" He said shrugging, already hating the idea but that was what growing up was all about. They were just in different places.
"Yeah, most likely...c'mon, let go find Theon and Robb before they hook us up with someone weird like that Osha chick"-
He lingered a little while just watching Arya carefree in the gardens. Yes, it was the best for the both of them, it had to be.
End of flashback.
"Dude did you break that with your bare hands? What's eating you up?"- Asked Jon. Apparently Gendry had grabbed a wooden log and broke it in half.
"Just frustrated you know? Seeing you like this? Now hearing about Catelyn and I don't know, my mind is still fucked up with what happened to Arya. I want to make everything right but I don't know how..." His words seemed to relax Jon as he sat beside him, he had done a pretty good job in almost bringing a tree down with the axe.
"I just... I know I should be back there with them; with my brothers, the girls, comforting them... but I finally had someone Gendry, finally someone that was just mine you know? By their own free will. Someone who willingly wanted to be with me and I drove her away. I drove her away and now she's with Joffrey? How is that even fair?"- Jon said completely defeated but hitting Gendry's existential problem right in the nail.
"Do you love her?"
"Of course I do, I mean; I may not be the world's most romantic boyfriend and high on public displays of affection but I do love her. I'm private but Margaery understood that... at least I thought she did"- He muttered.
"Then give her the chance to explain herself. God knows it's practically impossible because it's still Joffrey, but you love her. Don't rush into conclusions before you talk to her or you'll end up screwing your whole life based on one simple decision"
"Wise words for someone whose girlfriend didn't leave him for the enemy"-
"Wise words for an idiot that has no mouth filter. I said some pretty harsh words to Arya last night out of anger practically summarizing my entire relationship with her and you know what? I'm tired of this bullshit. I have screwed up so many time with that one that I don't know why she still talks to me. I am a 24 year old guy who has to man up! Hurting Arya physically pains me. It pains me since I fucking love her so much. She has so much hold over me that I can't even control my emotions. I was pissed off at Ramsay for what he did, at her for not taking care of herself and her well-being and more pissed off at me because like the bastard that I am; I wanted nothing more than to kiss her back I..." Fuck, I lost my mouth filter!
Gendry froze, lost in his tirade he completely forgot about his friend but luckily for him Jon was chopping another tree away and didn't hear his monologue.
"I'm sorry what did you say just now?"-
"Nothing I... I was just saying that I'm in the doghouse with Arya yet again" Jon looked very scary with an axe on his hands.
"Just do whatever she wants you to do and be done with it. You end up following her around anyway"-
"Yeah well... we should go back. We've been gone a while unless you want to keep on with your deforestation campaign"
"I won't be done till this his finished Gendry"- Jon solemnly said while walking back towards the inn. "Thanks for that by the way"-
"Anytime Bro"
"Seriously thanks and also for being there for Arya. Whatever it is you guys are fighting about I'm sure it's nothing, you always find a way to be back together. It's nice to know that under all this mess someone his taking care of her."-
"I'm not doing a very good job of it"
"Well, she's still waiting outside for you isn't she?"-
Just like Jon said; Arya was waiting for them on at the front door of the inn. Emotions live on her face so he quickly walked over her. She didn't ignore him but she didn't exactly warm up to him.
"What's wrong? Are you ok?" Gendry asked her immediately.
"Gendry do you mind if I speak to Jon?"-
"It's Gendry Arya, what doesn't he know about us?"- Jon replied but she still seemed unsure. No doubt after his behavior from yesterday.
"Actually it's kind of private. Sibling private. Everybody is already upstairs, I was waiting for you"-
Jon gave him a look but he just shrugged and said he was fine. As brother and sister went up the stairs Gendry was dragged by his collar to the kitchens. "What the? Ouch!"
"Well it was too good to be true, he is his father's son in the end"-
"Lem what the hell are you talking about? Ouch, dammit Harwin stop hitting me!" Gendry said as another smack was delivered to his head.
"Hitting you? What do you think Beric will do once he arrives? He'll kill you! Hell, I should kill you! Pregnant Gendry? Really? For the first time I think it's actually a good idea that Eddard's behind bars!"-
"Who is pregnant and what does it have to do with me?" Taking some distance from the continued smacking being delivered to his head Gendry found himself in the middle of the kitchen with Harwin, Lem and Thoros but it was the elderly woman from last night who spoke.
"Ned's daughter; the eldest. She's pregnant! How could you let her travel in such state, let alone drink alcohol?"-
"Wooooah there? Sansa is pregnant? That can't be, I mean if she is it's... Give me a break, can things get any worse?" The Omen movie immediately came to Gendry's mind.
"Worse? Young man you have no honor whatsoever referring like that to your child!"- The woman reprimanded.
"MY CHILD? I've never touched her, I don't think I've been alone with her for more than 5 minutes"
"But the press is saying that you two are dating, that she cheated on Robert's other son with you"- Said Lem.
"Of course, because the press always says the truth. That's bullshit Lem and you know it, as well as every other accusation thrown our way. Someone is gunning for us."
"The boy is right Lem, leave him alone. It's been a rough couple of days for all of us."- Replied Thoros.
"Fuck, as if things couldn't get any worse... Are they all upstairs?"
"Yes, all non Stark are in the dining hall. It seemed wise to let the wolves alone"- Said the woman who Gendry didn't have a clue as to who she was. She seemed to guess what he was thinking. "I'm sorry for mistreating you it's just that I was so angry of the state that poor girl was; both of them really. My name is Ravella Smallwood, this is my inn. It's not much but it seems to be enough for this bunch of bandits"-
"I understand so no worries and thank you for taking us and more so in such circumstances. My name is Gendry..." there was a slight pause in his speech and he saw every person in the room waiting to see how he was going to identify himself. Waters or Baratheon... just great."I take it you've heard the news" he muttered already annoyed.
"Well, you've just told us to ignore what the press says but you can't deny the resemblance Boss"- Said Lem with his head down, ashamed of his early accusations. He was cut by Thoros.
"There's much we need to talk about Gendry but I for one would like to fill my stomach first. Please Lady Smallwood; would you please take mercy on this poor man and give him some food?"
"Go to the tables. Breakfast will be out in fifteen"-
...
Nobody was really in the mood for food, well Jojen was but everybody else just sat at one of the tables waiting for the Starks to come down. A good hour passed till they started to parade down the stairs. All but Sansa and Arya.
"How is she doing?"- Asked Meera while Bran plopped down beside her. It was Robb who answered.
"She's a crying mess, who wouldn't be? She fell asleep, Arya is upstairs with her"- Jeyne gave him a reassuring hug and said that she was going to join them and take some food for Arya, Edric went with her as well. Gendry could only look up the stairs. She'll probably won't even open the door for him.
"Isn't anyone going to state the obvious? We need to get Sansa an exorcism pronto! It's like Rosemary's baby all over again"- Said Theon to what Jon slammed his fist to the table getting everyone's attention.
"No jokes Theon"- He roared "This is Sansa were are talking about, that child no matter who the father is will be a Stark. No jokes Theon"- The room fell silent.
Right now nothing seemed to be going their way so add a Lannister baby and Catelyn's charges to the mix and you would find it hard to believe that they were going to get through this. Gendry; always the pessimist was reminded of a pretty important detail.
"Where's Rickon?"
Bran started to cry like a baby while the others felt like they were punched in the stomach. The news said nothing about Rickon and Catelyn was arrested going back to Winterfell. Maybe the little guy was still in Riverrun with Brynden. That was a big maybe.
"I'm am sorry to interrupt you but I just wanted to say in name of all your father's workers that you have our full support. Eddard Stark is an honorable man and we won't allow them to take the company away from him"- Said Harwin.
"Aye, same thing goes for us. We are most attached to our boss over here"- Said Thoros sitting uninvited on the table. They all gave him a questioning look so it was up to Gendry to make the introductions.
"Guys this is Thoros Myr; he's part of my working crew"
"So you mean that these men are also from Baratheon Corps?"- Asked Robb.
"Most of them, yes. We're a big contingent of different companies and banners. We tend to huddle up here after a day's work"-
"Nice to know where you go to get wasted on a workday" Gendry muttered.
"Only after hours Gendry, only after hours"- Thoros replied with a smile.
...
Breakfast was light considering the current mood that ruled the traveling party. It was mostly Harwin remembering when they were all babies and Thoros talking about how he ended up working with Robert Baratheon.
Gendry didn't want to seem eager but his neck was straining from turning around every time someone walked down the stairs or a door was opened. Around 10 in the morning Edric appeared as Gendry was left alone in the dining hall.
"Sansa seems calmer, she finally woke up and Jeyne is helping her eat something. Arya's is out cold, Lady Smallwood gave her some painkillers so she isn't going to come down anytime soon"-
"Was she in pain? Do I have to get her to a hospital? He was immediately alarmed.
"Just a headache and soreness from the bruises, it's Sansa I'm worried about, she's calm but eerie. I think she's in shock"-
"So it's true then. It's Joffrey's baby?"
"I don't know what she told the guys upstairs but from the look on Arya's face it's pretty much a given. Lady Smallwood said that we're the only ones to know so it's best we keep it that way. The Lannister's are already looking for us, God knows what they'll do once they found out we have the newest heir for Casterly Rock"
The main door creaked open signaling another visitor in the surprisingly busy inn. It was another familiar face followed by Thoros.
"The Lord of the light has heard my prayers, I thank him for keeping you boys safe"- Said Beric Dondarrion, a man of the people loved by all.
Beric was a high ranked chief at Baratheon Corp that chose to remain on the field work. He had actually helped Robert create the company and was the long term boyfriend of Allyria Dayne; Edric's aunt. He was yet another man Gendry looked up to and often went to seeking advice.
"Ned... Gendry... I don't need to tell you how happy I am to see you"- He said while embracing them. "Thoros tell's me you brought the Stark children. Is that right?"-
"Yes, the boys are around with Harwin somewhere. The girls are upstairs"- Said Gendry.
"Good, I'll call Luwin to at least tell him you are safe. Let's go to my room so we can talk without being disturbed"-
Soon they found out what was happening since they went on the run. Eddard and Robert were Harrenhal's newest addition with no parole nor court date in site. Catelyn was charged with charity fraud and accused of seducing Petyr Baelish; the Lannister's family lawyer, in hopes that he'd dropped the charges. Rickon was missing and apparently Beric was searching everywhere for them.
"Back up a little, Baelish? I recall Catelyn talking with the guy over phone but I am positively sure that Catelyn Tully has never set eyes on another man other than her husband" Gendry said remembering Catelyn crying over the phone the day that Robb broke the news of his marriage.
"That's because she hasn't. He's supposed to be a childhood friend but we all knew the little weasel was bad news, he works for the Lannisters. He must had maintained his friendship with Cat to know what happened on the insides of Stark Manor"- Replied Beric.
"And Rickon? Where could he be?"- Asked Edric.
It's safe to say that after Arya, Rickon was definitely Gendry's favorite Stark. Some found it annoying but Gendry found his lack of mouth filter refreshing, mostly because he always spoke with the truth and was funny as hell but you had to considered that he still was a child and was out there all alone.
"Catelyn was near the outsides of Wintertown when the police intercepted them. Brynden caused enough distraction for him to run since they actually had child protection with them but no one has seen him since. We searched the manor upside down but he wasn't there."-
"The wolves? Where they inside the kennels?" Gendry urged on.
"No, the kennels were empty. Brynden says that someone broke in and tried to cover it up but he could still tell. He is going to stay there in case Rickon shows up"- Shaggydog, he went to get Shaggydog and the others. That seemed to relax Gendry, Rickon was safer surrounded by wolves than being in the child protection system, he just hopped he didn't do anything stupid. The kid had a bigger temper than his sister.
"What about you? When I arrived Lady Smallwood was fretting about the girls. What happened to them?"- Then Edric began to tell Beric what had happened ever since leaving Winterfell but Gendry quickly zoomed them out. His thoughts again focused on Arya.
If he wasn't such a dick he would be upstairs with her, comforting her in any way he could. She wasn't going to take well the news about Rickon and it pained Gendry not being able to help her even a little, he would do anything to see her family back together again and see her smile. In the end Arya was a simple girl that found joy in the simplest things but he was just a silly boy back then when he really had a chance to notice it all...
Flashback 3 years ago:
"I swear somebody is trying to kill us with this food"
"It isn't that bad. You can pass it over if you're not going to eat it"-
"Of course only you would be willing to die as long as it's with food"
Gendry sat at the food court with Hot Pie at lunch time, he was right; the food wasn't bad, everything just tasted foul to Gendry, foul as his mood ever since they went to that godforsaken party in Castamere. After that everything went to hell! Rob was engaged to a girl he didn't know, Theon was being shipped to the Iron Islands the moment they got their diploma and Arya had banished him from her life. He almost killed Edric out of jealousy so after apologizing to him Gendry had laid low sheltering himself with homework or working at Tobho's shop.
"Are you all set for the dance?"-
"Don't even remember me" He cringed, Jeyne told him to buy her a pink corsage and wanted a pink tie for him. What the hell happened to classic black?
"Well just tell me when you're going to buy everything. Willow asked me to go with her so I need to buy girly stuff too"-
"HP does it look like I know what girly means? Jeyne just gave me the names of the shops I have to go to and already picked out what she wants"
"C'mon, I know less than you about girls and I don't have anyone else to ask"- Hot Pie got a text and Gendry got a quick peek of Edric's name on the screen.
"Why don't you ask your dear friend Edric, I'm sure he knows how to woo a lady" He was a dick and he knew it but Gendry couldn't fight the bitterness that came over him when he talked about Edric. He was well educated, from a good family, was good looking and filthy rich; everything he wasn't. At least he's not with Arya anymore; said the little jealous devil in his mind.
"He's taking Arya and we all now that she's not at lady. She'll probably punch him if he gave her flowers. Look, there they are!"- Just in time, walking hand in hand Arya and Edric appeared at the food court and sat down a couple of tables from them. Edric seemed to be saying something to Arya that made her look over to where they were sitting giving them a death glare.
"What do you mean he is taking Arya to the dance?" He said clenching his teeth, reliving the images of Arya's swollen lips and mangled dress getting out of Edric's car.
"I know it's a Sadie Hawkin's dance but she told me yesterday that she wasn't planning on going so Edric is going to ask her instead. Apparently her Mom told her that she had to go as a punishment for the whole Castamere fiasco, he knows she has to say yes."- Of course she was going to go with Edric, it's not like he himself was a respectable option. Gendry dared to glance back at the table and saw Edric touch Arya's face making her blush.
"Did you know that every three days Edric flies in a fresh batch of lemon cakes directly from Dorne only for Arya? Don't see what's the big fuss, mine are better..."- Gendry wasn't paying attention to Hot Pie's rant, he was focused on Arya's rosy cheeks as she was laughing and talking with Edric who looked overjoyed as he texted Hot Pie back. "Aaaaaand it's a go! Now we're all going to go to the dance. It's going to be awesome Ge... Gendry? Hey where are you going?"- Hot Pie yelled but he just ignored him opting to skip school obviously not wanting to see Edric all over Arya.
What the hell was he doing with his life? He felt vacant, like a shell and he had felt like that for a good couple of years. High School the best years of your life my ass! He felt like school didn't challenge him enough but at the same time he didn't know what major he was going to choose in college; that is if he even went at all... He only played sports because his teacher told him he had the body for it, it's not like it actually was his passion. Girls? Quite frankly he didn't care about them, after being reduced to practically being Theon and Robb's pimp he somehow got stuck with the permanent company of Jeyne Poole and don't get him wrong, she was a nice girl but doesn't she want something more out of life than sex? If people knew this they would call Gendry gay but he had been avoiding to sleep with Jeyne for a while now, all she talked about was clothes and parties. He just didn't feel the connection although she swore it was the most amazing sex she had ever had, truth be told Gendry just sat there while she moved like a madman and acted like a hyper Meg Ryan in the dinner scene of 'When Harry met Sally'. He wanted more, he craved the connection he once had with Arya, now that's a girl that could carry a conversation! She was brilliant, even more so because she didn't flaunt it; she could easily be a member of the Royal British Academy of Language but preferred to stick with her trademark 'stupid' and if neither of them was in the mood to talk they were just as content in spending time together listening to music, reading books or his favorite; falling asleep together. He missed her little body next to him and the cute sounds she made in her sleep, he missed playing with her hair and how she would mess with his phone alarm so that they could sleep a little bit more in the morning... but those days were gone, now she had Edric who was someone more proper for her, someone with a future and a name, none which Gendry could provide her with. What more could he do than continue down the path he was going?
Days later Arya got accepted into Braavos University. She agreed to go...
End of flashback.
The rain made its appearance so everybody was confined indoors all day. An entire day had passed and Gendry still hadn't seen Arya since breakfast making him utterly miserable but willing to give her space, he was ready to apologize to her on the spot when she was ready to talk to him.
Apparently the inn; which was called 'Acorn Inn' was a popular place not only for the workers but also their lady, uhm; friends. Theon was in the zone while the rest of the group decided to call it a night. Surprisingly only Edric stayed with him drinking at a table and making small chit chat of whatever came to mind. Lot's of female attention went Gendry's way, you'd think that the approachable one would be the cute blonde with the killer smile, not the brooding one with a scowl on his face.
"Helloooooooooooo Handsome, I haven't seen you here before..."- Said a young girl somewhat of his age, you couldn't quite tell because of the loads of makeup she was wearing, actually she had more makeup than clothes! She was pretty tall, had blue eyes and black hair that made Theon instantly throw in a Lannister joke if he were to sleep with her.
"I'M GAY" Gendry was drenched with beer as Edric spilled his entire glass on him but it seemed to do the job as the girl quickly made herself scarce looking for another new face in the inn.
"Why the hell did you do that?"- Asked Edric cleaning beer out of his nose.
"My life is easier when Arya doesn't hate me. Arya walking in on me talking with that chick? No thanks, don't need to, I just want her"
"I've only dated Arya!"- Edric blurted out. Great, he's going to talk to me about Arya drunk. "I mean I get it, what you're doing? Why eat hamburger when you have steak at home? and Arya my friend is cuisine"- Uhm, ok... Gendry said nothing so Edric took it as permission to keep talking.
"Her boyfriend is pretty you know? At first you think he's like someone Sansa would go for but once you get to know him you learn he's kind of a hardass, pretty but a hardass"-
"Pretty? You sure you're not the gay one here? Not that I would judge"
"I'm serious! I'm rooting for you Gendry I mean he's is such a douche... you're a douche too but a good one. You want to take care of her not own her"- Edric's speech was slouching and it would be bad to pry but seeing Gendry needed all the help he could get he dared to ask.
"So...this guy, Arya's ex? What's he like?" No harm in asking someone who seems to willingly want to talk.
"Aegon? Psss, he's an ass I tell you. He wants to lock Arya in his pretty little tower where no one can see her and he can have his pretty little way with her. He cries a lot too. Every single fucking time he wants something he only has to cry and Arya his cradling him like a baby. Smart-ass, he's clever I'll give him that, you won't get a better hold on someone than that. I didn't even think Arya was going to come"-
"Aegon? Who's Aegon?"-
"Aegon, Griff? Same guy, different names! You know how has tons of names? Arya! She's got like twenty of them"- Ok, I think it's time to put Master Dayne to bed. "But seriously though... How do you do it? Women throw themselves at you, I've seen it yet you just brush them off. I don't have that kind of willpower and my aunty Ally shipped me to gentlemen's school"- Now that is something I am going to stash away for a good laugh, I can't believe this kid makes me feel jealous! By now Edric was slouching on the table, sleep was going to claim him in a matter of seconds so Gendry decided to amuse him and respond his question.
"I made my choice long ago, it's time that I finally made it known... cuisine it is." That made Edric laugh so hard he fell from the chair.
"I agree with you Gendry. I really hope she ends up with you instead of that godforsaken mutated bird. See you tomorrow my friend"- Ned mumbled while attempting to go up the stairs. Well that was interesting, not sure if he learned anything other than Edric going to Gentleman's school.
Arya... not even during Edric's drunken stupor was his mind free from her but he wouldn't want it any other way. Gendry had told Edric the truth, he made his choice years ago, and it's time that he made it clear.
Flashback 1 year ago:
"So I put everything in the fridge. It's all classified from Monday to Friday"-
"Ujum"
"Eat the tuna casserole first since I know how cranky you get when you eat it and it's all squishy"-
"Ujum"
"For tonight I left you dinner all warmed up on the table"-
"Ujum"
"You know you could at least pretend to make an effort to listen to me"-
"Hot Pie I have a stack of papers that needs to be reviewed, posted, signed and delivered by 6 am tomorrow. Thanks for the food, I'll eat once I'm finished"
"Fine, so do that. Stop looking at Edric's facebook page and get to work!"-
"I will I just..." He was lost for words and can you blame him? For the first time in a years he saw Arya again, even if it was through a computer screen. Edric Dayne was in Braavos visiting Arya and posted a picture with the caption 'Hot sun, hot sand, hot wolf VD'15'. It was only her silhouette in the sunset but still, the image alone had Gendry glued to the monitor. You couldn't see her face but she had a mean set of curbs and her hair was in a ponytail, she must had let it grow back.
"Still no word from her?"- Hot Pie asked already knowing the answer. Gendry just shrugged, comfortable with feeling numb since she left.
"Gendry you have to do something about Arya or snap out of it. She's moved on... do it as well. You have a girlfriend, focus on her before she dumps your ass"-
"What are you talking about HP? I'm good, I have work, I have you guys, I have Jeyne"
"What day is today?"-
"Uhm, Wednesday?"
The door started to open as Hot Pie went and grabbed his things. "You're impossible Waters"- He mumbled while in came Jeyne Heedle looking gorgeous in a floral maxi dress.
"Hot Pie! I see you came to visit your wife before you went to celebrate with your girlfriend"- She said in a playful tone, you rarely saw Jeyne without a smile on her face.
"Just helping Gendry so he doesn't make an ass out of himself. Enjoy your evening guys"- He said throwing a knowing look at Gendry. "I'll call you tomorrow"- He left leaving Jeyne alone with Gendry in his apartment.
"Wow...you look nice!" Jeyne was glowing with her hair styled in waves, full out make up and heels. Apparently Gendry said something wrong because the smile faded out of her face.
"Gendry you forgot didn't you?"- She said looking at him up and down. It was his apartment so Gendry hardly took off his muddy boots when he came him. He had an equally dirty pair of jeans on and an old t shirt that would look better inside a trashcan. He came home and started looking at some paperwork right away but apparently forgot something in the process.
"Hot Pie I presume..."- Said Jeyne pointing the table. It was decorated with flowers and balloons that said 'be my valentine'. FUCK, it's that time of year again.
Jeyne just sighed and kissed his forehead. "Finish work, we'll eat once you're done"- She said while going out to the balcony to get some fresh air.
Hot Pie was right, he need to make an effort and focus more on Jeyne but still, why couldn't he get Arya out of his mind? Jeyne was beautiful, mature beyond her years and had a body to die for. She was kind, sweet and everybody said she was marriage material while Gendry only wondered why was it hard to love her? They had been together for almost a year after Gendry dumped the other 'Jeyne' out of his life and all other girls to be truthful, but this time all that Gendry did was wonder how long did it take to love someone? Jeyne was perfect, near stepford wife but he still didn't feel not even an eight part of what he felt for Arya; her name alone made his heart beat faster. Jeyne had once sensed his feelings and said that it was only a matter of time, that he would feel more comfortable once they had spent more time together... he didn't.
Time flew by and the next time he checked his watch it was 1am, turning around he saw the dinner Hot Pie had made so he could surprise Jeyne. He wasn't hungry but the bottle of wine seemed like a good idea so he drank it all wanting to clear his mind for a while. Finally when he went to his room slightly tipsy, he was surprised to still find Jeyne in the apartment let alone in his bed. So after a quick shower he fell asleep with his favorite topic in mind: Arya.
You definitely didn't know what you had till it was gone, Gendry would give his soul to the very devil to have Arya by his side. He remembered each and every one of their embraces, how soft and fair her skin was and how their bodies had a mind of their own always ending up tangled up the next morning, not that he minded. Having Arya underneath him was one of the greatest sensations in the world... Damn he should have taken her went he had the chance.
One of his favorite memories of Arya was the night of the Sadie Hawking's dance. Of course in his dreams she never went out with Edric and he most definitely didn't say no to her when she came on to him in Robb's room. She was wearing a hot, tight little black number that had him mumbling like an idiot every time she moved, it showcased her amazing legs, toned stomach and mouthwatering breasts. He could feel and taste her minty breath as she zoomed in to kiss him. Arya had a sweet tooth so she always had some kind of scent lingering on her, making her even more edible... So naturally in dreams Gendry kissed her, he returned the kiss that he had denied her that night. He grabbed her hips as she straddled him with her hot little body flushed against him and ravished her mouth feeling her plump lips gasping and he throws her on the bed.
But since he never had the chance in real life, dreams only seemed real to some extent. Arya's moans felt wrong and her hair felt longer when he touched it but he still keeps on kissing her, moving her dress up not wanting to waste another minute of not being inside of her, impaling her to the bed and moving in a frantic rhythm as he craved for his long awaited release. Her voice felt strange as she screamed his name on his ear but he didn't care, she was finally his and he was close to find his peak.
"Arya..." He said through gritted teeth, he was so close.
"WHAT? ARYA? SERIOUSLY GENDRY?"- In his dreams he was making love to Arya, in real life? He was fucking Jeyne senseless! She was already outside the bedroom picking up her shoes when Gendry finally snapped out of his sleep state.
"Jeyne wait, I need to explain!"
"I tried Gendry, I really tried but I'm done. We want different things, for God's sake you want another person!"- Jeyne was crying mess and Gendry felt awful but she still let him hold her. She cried for a good 20 minutes and Gendry was surprised that she still looked at him with such tenderness and even kissed him.
"You are a great guy Gendry Waters... just not for me"- Jeyne said while standing up, making it clear that she was leaving.
"You are a great girl Jeyne Heedle... I don't deserve your kind words so I hope the best for you" He really couldn't find anything else to say. Saying Arya's name in bed was enough.
"I really do hope you find Arya and show her the world you've created just for her..."- Jeyne said while slipping through the door leaving him alone in the silence of his home. Gray and white walls surrounded him with pictures scattered all over, gray eyes watching his every move. Arya... the only woman he will ever love.
End of flashback.
"Why don't you call it a night Gendry? You've been sitting here all day"- Said Thoros from another table. Everyone seemed to have gone to their rooms, the dining hall was filled with one or two couples that should definitely get a room.
"Not tired, I'll think I'll stay here for a while"
"Mind if I keep you company? It's never good to drink alone!"- Thoros asked. He was in the mood to drink and he could use the company. Just as he was about to say yes Arya decided to finally come out of her room.
"Hey..."- For someone who spent her entire day inside a room she looked immensely tired.
"Hey... did you have dinner?" He said, always concerned for her needs. And also because he didn't know what mood she was in.
"Not really hungry"- She replied looking at her hands. It's nearly midnight, she should be asleep. Maybe she came to find him, she told him last night that she couldn't sleep without him.
"Do you want me to go with you to bed until you fall asleep?"
"I... can we go outside? I'm tired of being cooped up"-
"The rain stopped hours ago. The night is very crispy and windy, enough for a sweet romantic stroll through the forest"- Said Thoros sizing Arya up and down and winking at her.
"Can we Gendry? I would love that!"- Arya said giving him her big gray wolf puppy eyes.
"Sure, but put on my jacket. I don't want you to catch a cold" He said while putting the jacket on her little shoulders. Fucking adorable how tiny she is.
"And a blanket... you now, if you want to stay out for a while"- Harwin was full on laughing by now so Gendry flipped him off but still grabbed a blanket before heading out. Thoros was right, it was a cool night with just the amount of cold to make it agreeable to be outside, Arya's smile as she looked at the moon was worth it.
"Where to M'Lady?"
"There's a hill over there. Let's go, I want to be close to the sky!"- Arya's wish was his command so they walked in silence through the night enjoying the light wind on their faces and nature's song as millions of animals whispered around them after the rain. A sole tree guarded the hill along with various tree stumps that Arya decided to jump on them like a little child. Gendry walked by her side in case she fell.
"What do you think about babies?"- She said ending their comfortable silence.
"In general or personally?"
"Is there a difference? Just answer the question Stupid!"- Arya rolled her eyes and kept on jumping over the stumps.
"Well, I like them... always wondered how they would be if I had one cuz if that were the case I want a bunch just like your family. I don't know, I wonder if they'd be tall like me or petit like their mother but I do know that I want boys. A little gray eyed girl running around would have me as her bitch so I'm good" Arya stopped jumping and was looking at him with her jaw near the floor.
"You've thought about having kids with me?"- Arya shrieked looking panicked and pissed off after Gendry started laughing.
"I'm sorry it's just that your face was as if someone told you that you were pregnant with triplets" That earned him a smack in the head.
"In trying to have a serious conversation Gendry, don't make fun of me"-
"I'm not little wolf..." he said standing in front of her taking her hands in his "I've loved you for years so it's natural that I think about the future, key word being future! I am 25 and just got my degree so I want to make good use of it and you are barely 20 and have the world at your disposal. I know you want to travel and explore the unknown so a baby is certainly not recommendable. Hell I am not recommendable for you" His words seemed to relax Arya a bit but he could see her struggling with her thoughts.
"Joffrey's the father..."-
"I assumed... How's Sansa holding up?" He asked while setting the blanket on the ground next to the tree and sitting down.
"She isn't. She is pregnant with the baby of a man born of incest whose mother tried to kill her and possibly sent our father to jail"-
"That has to be the worst sentence ever spoken. Come here." Gendry said patting the spot next to him to what Arya thankfully obeyed resting her head on his shoulder.
"She's pregnant, it's our first nephew and the only one who said congratulations to her was Lady Smallwood. She's not even sure she wants to keep it"-
"Well, it's not my business but I think she should wait to make that decision"
"You think? It's Joffrey Gen! She says she doesn't even remember sleeping with him, she says it must have happened after one of the many beatings that ended up with her at the hospital. Apparently beating her up always got him in the mood... that child is pure evil!"-
"That child doesn't know good or evil..." Gendry said soothing Arya's hair. This was a delicate subject for both of them. "What if Jon's mom hadn't decided to keep him?"
"That's completely different tha..."- Arya was already going to start a fight but he quickly reassured her that it wasn't what he meant.
"Your parents have a loving marriage and although things aren't exactly peachy between them; Catelyn has learned to love Jon and he's a key member of the family. Jon got his chance to live and you now have a big brother who you adore!"
"I guess you're right"- Arya said like a scolded child but he had to make his point clear.
"And what about me?" He swallowed hard trying to gulp down his fury. He needed to talk about his parentage at some point and it was probably going to be with Arya anyway.
"What if my Mom had decided to do the same thing and abort me? Who would you be bossing around and calling stupid?" Her eyes went wide and she tackled him to the ground in a bear hug.
"Don't even say that... stupid!" They both laughed and remained on the floor looking at the stars. Arya's head on Gendry's broad chest while he played with her hair. "Why did you say you weren't recommendable for me?"-
"Uh?"
"When we were talking about kids... you said you weren't recommendable for me. Why?"-
"Because I love you so much that I want what's best for you. If... when we get out of this I'm still going to be in the middle of the press regarding Robert, I don't want that for you. You are better off in Braavos finishing your degree and traveling the world. Find a nice guy who doesn't want to jump your bones in the back of a car and calls you a slut. I cannot begin to tell you how sorry I am because of that by the way. It's just that I want to make you happy and my frustrations get the best of me, that's still isn't an excuse for what I said. So there you have it, I am not recommendable for you" Arya looked at him and stood up rolling her eyes.
"Apology accepted, nice words to brush me off... Ugh, I knew you would get all weird on me once you found out I was a virgin"-
"What? I'm not brushing you off! I want what's best for you! Me? Taking your virginity in the middle of nowhere isn't something I want you to remember when you're eighty years old!"
"So I don't have a say in the matter? I've wanted to sleep with you ever since I was fifteen!"- Arya screamed.
"Shhhh, people will hear you!"
"Gendry we are in a freaking hill. And why are you whispering? I am of legal age you know"-
"That's not the point! The point is..."
"The point is that it's my body and I decide what to do with it and with whom. Sorry to burst your bubble Waters but I didn't save myself for you. It's just happened and believe when I saiy I had my chances. Griff is as horny as a teenager and once I had a pre-tty gUd evening with a friend from Dorne and let me tell you..."- She couldn't finish her sentence because Gendry had her pinned down underneath him and was sucking the life out of her mouth with a kiss. He felt her smile.
"Thaaaaat my boy!"- She giggled.
"That wasn't nice you know" Gendry was out of breath trying to control his jealousy and not fuck past lovers out of her mind.
"As I was saying before you very aptly interrupted me; was that kissing is good, making out, all that other stuff... I mean it never really excited me but with you? Gendry your touch alone gives me the rush that I could never get, not even in a thousand fencing matches. You kiss me and the world disappears and it's just right. It feels like home. I tried to forget you, I tried to stay away but it was too late"-
Arya's eyes shined under the moon looking like two fallen stars that shined just for him, she was perfect... she was his home.
"Everything always led me back to you... It always came around back to you. I won't turn and walk away this time Arya. My will isn't as strong as it used to be"
"Then don't" She said and it was everything Gendry had wanted to hear. This time he kissed her slowly, tentatively as her hands were occupied with his hair. He alternated between soft and quick kisses as he savored every sound she made, particularly proud as she moaned when his lips found her collarbone.
"Gendry?"- Arya was panting and if he didn't have his hands firmly on her hips Gendry would have bet that she would be writhing underneath him.
"Uhm?" He said as his mouth was attached to her neck.
"You aren't going to pop my cherry tonight are you?"
"Well it's obvious who the romantic in this relationship is isn't it? But no, I am not" Arya was pouting like a baby "But I am however going to kiss you till my mouth hurts. Do you agree to that M'lady?" He was rewarded with a beautiful smile that made him completely happy.
"Yes... I very much like kissing you kind Sir"- She giggled.
By the time Gendry stopped kissing Arya and she fell asleep, the sun was up and the birds were chirping.
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The song is going to be Placebo's Begin the End, hear it and tell me what you think is going to happen. Lyrics people, the chapters are filled with the lyrics from the title songs!
Song: Back to You by John Mayer.