Love Speaks Louder Than Words

by Amara Lightskipper

Bran's life seemed to be in order, until he met someone who changed it: Meera. But things turn upside down when they found out that their families were on two opposing sides of a conflict that happened years ago that still remains unresolved. How far will they go for love? Will their love open their families' eyes to seek forgiveness and move on?

3. Arya's Approval

MEERA

Last week, Meera had been hanging out with Brandon Stark, and so far, it was the highlight of her week.

At first, Meera thought she was only doing an interview for her article in the Northern Herald. But then, she ended up having coffee with Bran and he helped her, in a way, to get away from her boss, Tyrek Lannister, who according to her two colleagues might have a thing for her.

Tyrek had tried many times to ask her out, but Meera knew the red flags when he's about to ask the question. Mostly, it's the what are you doing after work? pre-question, according to Lyra.

Pre-question? She had asked.

It's like the warm-up question before the actual will-you-go-out-with-me question. Lyra explained. And do not answer with nothing much or I'm free after work, She had warned. Because if you do, he will ask you out and by then you'll be trapped. It's a guy's pattern and yes, I know because I went there.

Meera had made up an excuse when Tyrek had asked her the pre-question saying that she had to go back home for the weekend to spend time with her parents. But no, she actually spent the weekend with Bran.

The original plan was that Bran and Meera herself were just going to eat at the Cornucopia Food Park and then go to the poetry slam at the Starkgrand Coffee. What wasn't part of the plan were them watching movies at his place and her falling asleep on the couch. It led to other things not being part of a plan like, Bran cooking her breakfast, meeting his sister Arya and him driving her home.

All in all, Meera had enjoyed every second she spent with him. He was such a gentleman, not just to her, but to everyone else. She was never bored, except for like, the first few minutes of that Star Wars movie. And she always learned something from him. But as Bran dropped her off at her place that Sunday morning, she did the most ridiculous and embarrassing thing she could possibly do. She kissed him on his cheek before she could stop herself.

What in seven hells, Meera! She mentally screamed at herself. Now, you'll scare him off. But instead of driving away immediately, he actually waited for her to get through the doors and waved goodbye with that dashing smile.

On the ride to the elevator up to her flat, Meera couldn't stop thinking about him. His auburn hair and curious blue eyes and his awkward stance. She found it totally adorable despite him being a string bean and four years younger than she was.

Meera found her brother, Jojen on the couch asleep. On his belly, there was an opened box of vegan pizza with three slices on it. And he was snoring like he'd fallen asleep watching Nat Geo because the flatscreen was left on.

Naturally, she shook his foot to wake him up. "Hey!" She screamed.

Jojen woke up, startled. "What?" He said, then saw her frowning at him. "Oh, hi."

"You slept on the couch?" Meera said in disbelief. "Really?"

Growing up, Meera was an absolute neat-freak. She didn't want dirt on anything and she kept everything sanitized and clean. Not on the carpet or on the cushions of the couch, but Jojen did just that with pizza crumbles so, of course, she's kinda mad.

"You're getting mad at me?" Jojen asked as he got up and placed the pizza box on the coffee table. "Shouldn't I bring up that you obviously just got home? Huh?"

Meera crossed her arms. "What makes you think that?"

Jojen snorted. "Meera, I was on this couch watching Nat Geo before you even left last night," He reminded her. "And you hated it when I sleep on the couch. Now, if you actually went home last night or like at dawn, I know you would've woken me up and asked me to transfer to my room. But you didn't, which means: you just got here." He concluded. "And if I'm going to guess, you probably slept in some guy's shitty flat right after you had sex with him."

"I never slept with him." She defended. "I never slept with anyone."

"So you were with a guy." He raised an eyebrow at her. "I thought you went partying with Gwyn and Lyra on who-knows-where."

She frowned at him. "Who the fuck goes partying in a t-shirt and trousers?" She asked, gesturing to her clothes. "And for the record, Gwyn and Lyra aren't even in White Harbor. Gwyn's in Ironrath and Lyra's in Skagos." She said as she was started making her way to her room.

"So who's the guy?" Jojen asked.

"Why does that matter?"

Jojen shrugged. "So I know which guy to threaten."

"You're not threatening anyone." She insisted.

"Just answer the question."

Meera sighed. "It's Bran Stark."

His eyes widened. "You spent the night in the Aquamarine?" He pointed out. "And you tell me nothing happened?"

"Nothing did happen." She reassured. "We went to a Poetry Slam in Starkgrand Coffee and then went to his place to watch a movie." She explained as best as she could. "I fell asleep on the couch and woke up the next morning. Bran cooked me breakfast and drove me home."

"Oh, good." He said. "Might have to thank him for taking care of you while you were there."

The following day, Meera woke up to a notification from the Greenwood Flats' Building Management saying she had mail. Of course, because the Northern Herald always sends her a copy of the newspaper every morning. So naturally, the postmaster for her flat complex's mailroom sends her a notif that she's got mail. And it became her alarm clock every morning in many ways.

After she took a shower, cooked and ate breakfast and got ready for work, she headed to the mailroom and took out her mail, which was the Northern Herald issue of the newspaper for the day. It was wrapped in clear plastic as always. And of course, the main headline was her article on Bran's victory on the Science Expo, College Senior Emerges Triumphant in the Science Expo, it said. And it had Bran's photo holding a trophy and a framed certificate.

Since it was wrapped, she ultimately decided to give it to Bran as a gift. She had posted a yellow sticky note on the plastic and wrote, Here's your copy! :) — Meera, on it. She had also bought a copy for herself in the nearest newsstand a block from Greenwood Flats before driving to the Aquamarine to have it delivered to him.

Meera walked into the building and was greeted by the doorman, Wex Pyke. And she instantly knew he recognized her.

Wex smiled and greeted. "Good morning, miss…" He faltered.

"Meera Reed." She introduced herself. "And you're Wex Pyke, right?"

"Yes," Wex nodded. "Hello, Ms. Reed. How may I help you?"

Meera sighed. "Wex, I'm going to ask you a simple favor." She had then shown him the wrapped newspaper. "Can you please personally deliver this to Brandon Stark?"

Wex took the wrapped newspaper and examined it suspiciously.

"It's only a newspaper with an article about him that I wrote." She explained. "It's nothing much."

Then Wex's eyes widened. "Oh, sh—hmm." He obviously was about to cuss but stop himself. "You're a journalist!" He acknowledged. "Gods, I thought you were sleeping with him—" He said before he stopped himself. "I think I've said too much, haven't I?"

She couldn't really blame him. It was almost stereotypical for people in college that if they brought someone with them past eleven at night, it means they're about to do the dirty. But it wasn't like that in hers and Bran's case.

Meera forced out a smile. "Yeah." She agreed.

"I'm deeply sorry Ms. Reed." Wex apologized. "I didn't mean to—"

She raised her hand, stopping him from talking. "It's okay. Let's just put that behind us."

"But you can count on me." Wex insisted. "I'll give this to him right now."

"Okay, I better head to work," Meera said as she turned her back on him. "I'll see you around, Wex. And thank you."

"Will do." He replied. "Have a great day, Ms. Reed."

Meera had then driven to work. Their office building had a cast metal logo and sign letters on its façade that said The Northern Herald, with it the words being underlined with a crest of a direwolf's head just below the letter E of the word Northern and a silhouette of a man blowing on a herald's trumpet just beside the letter D on the Herald.

She rode the elevator up to her floor and pressed her finger on the biometric fingerprint time clock recorder which timed in her attendance at work before walking towards her workplace cubicle.

And just as Meera sat down on her swivel chair, her phone beeped, which meant someone had sent her a message. She smiled when she saw who it was from.

Bran Stark; 07:46

Hey, thanks for the copy ;)

Then it had a photo of him holding the wrapped newspaper with the sticky note and he was all smiles.

Just then Gwyn Whitehill suddenly popped up from her cubicle and leaned on the divider. "Hi, Meera!" She greeted, with a more lively tone than usual that Meera nearly dropped her phone.

Meera jumped back. "Seven hells, Whitehill." She complained. "Are you okay? I think someone took more energy pills than usual."

Gwyn didn't mind the last part. "I'm fine." She replied. "Now, spill!" She urged.

Suddenly, Lyra popped up from her side of the cubicle. "Spill what, Gwyn?"

Besides being very close friends with Gwyn and Lyra, they are practically her neighbors in the workplace as well. Gwyn's cubicle was in the same row and aisle as Meera's. So if she just came from the elevators, she literally had to pass Gwyn's cubicle in the aisle before getting to hers. Lyra's cubicle was on a different row and aisle in the office, it's technically just abutting Meera's but she had to go to the end of the row of cubicles to get to Lyra's.

"Lyra, honey," Gwyn started to say. "Last Saturday before Asher and I drove to Ironrath for his sister's wedding, we saw Meera in the Cornucopia Food Park."

Lyra shrugged. "So?"

"With a guy." Gwyn finished.

Lyra's eyes widened and she gasped. "Seven fucking hells!" She exclaimed. "It's a miracle." She leaned in closer to her. "Meera, you have to tell us everything."

Meera snorted. "There's nothing much to tell."

"Yes, there is." Gwyn insisted.

"Wait, wait, who's the guy?" Lyra demanded.

Gwyn had then snatched the copy of the Northern Herald on her table, the one she had bought in the newsstand earlier.

"It's this guy." She said, pointing on Bran's picture right below the headline.

At first, Lyra looked confused and frowned.

"Like literally the guy in the picture."

Lyra looked back and forth between Gwyn and the newspaper to see if she was kidding. "Bran Stark?"

"You know him?" Gwyn asked.

Lyra shrugged. "The Starks are our family friends." She explained. "I think my Mom and Ned Stark were in the same year in school as I was with the eldest Stark girl, Sansa."

Meera raised an eyebrow at her. "You're close friends with Sansa Stark?"

"I wouldn't say close friends, more like, acquaintances," Lyra said. "We acknowledged each other whenever we crossed paths. And I once went to their penthouse in the Aquamarine for a group project we had to collaborate with two other girls." She added. "And I also know the younger Stark girl, Arya is in the same year as my younger sister Jorelle, while my youngest sister, Lyanna is in the same year as Bran in college."

"Wow, that's…a weird coincidence." Meera pointed out.

"Hold on," Gwyn raised her hand in a stop-everything gesture, then turned to Lyra. "You've been to the Aquamarine? Is it that fancy in there?"

Lyra nodded. "Oh, yeah."

"You get greeted by a doorman once you enter the building," Meera brought up. "Everything is almost a tap from the tablet away, and the parking spaces are filled with luxury cars."

They both stared at her, surprised.

"You've been there?" Gwyn asked suspiciously. "Up in the penthouse?"

"Yeah, like last Saturday."

Gwyn and Lyra's eyes widened as they exchanged mortified looks.

"Oh my freakin' gods!" Gwyn exclaimed.

Lyra leaned in closer. "You slept with him?"

"What? No!" Meera shrieked. "Why the fuck does everybody think that? First, my brother and now even the doorman thinks I slept with Bran. Nothing happened between us." She clarified.

"Where did you go after the Cornucopia then?" Gwyn asked.

"To Starkgrand Coffee," She answered. "They were hosting a Poetry Slam and he took me there. Afterwards, we went to his place to watch movies." She explained. "And then, I fell asleep on his couch. I woke up the next morning to Bran cooking breakfast."

Lyra knitted her eyebrows. "You sure he didn't rufie you?"

"The only drinks we had were fruit sodas." She pointed out. "And I had my own bottle."

Lyra was about to say something, but Gwyn waved her hand at her and interrupted. "Oh, pshh." She turned back to her. "And then what happened?"

"We ate the breakfast he cooked," She recalled. "His sister, Arya arrived with Bran's tux for the Forrester-Tallhart wedding. I also think Arya thinks I slept with him as well. And then he drove me home."

"Aww," Gwyn smiled. "So he can cook, that's plus points!"

"But isn't he, like, four years younger than you?" Lyra asked. "And basically, the same age as your brother, Jojen."

"Lyra, what the fuck?" Gwyn snapped. "Since when did age matter? Bran is super nice. And besides, a great personality and attitude always topple pride and ego."

"I guess." Lyra shrugged. "But I agree, Bran is super nice."

Meera huffed. "Okay, why are we talking about Bran at this point?"

"Because," Gwyn put back the newspaper on Meera's desk. "Your lovelife is finally getting some color."

In the distance, one of the elevators opened and Meera saw their boss, Tyrek Lannister walking out in his usual suit and carrying his leather satchel.

"Can we just get back to work?" She suggested. "We don't wanna be caught by Mr. Pride & Ego when he sees us gossiping."

Gwyn and Lyra saw Tyrek approaching, which made them try to head back to their seats in their cubicles. But it was too late as Tyrek already saw them.

"Good morning, girls." Tyrek greeted.

"Good morning, sir."All three of them acknowledged before Gwyn and Lyra actually went back to their seats.

As usual, Tyrek stopped by and leaned on the divider of her cubicle. "So, Meera," He said. "How's the weekend with the folks?"

"I—it was great." She forced out a smile before turning around to turn on her PC.

"Cool." He nodded. "So, anyway, what are you doing after work?" He asked.

Oh, gods, she thought. It's the pre-question. But at the moment, she couldn't think of an excuse so she's kind of screwed.

"Well, I, um—" Meera started to say.

Suddenly, Gwyn popped up again from her cubicle. "We're going on a girls' night out."

Tyrek narrowed his eyes at Gwyn suspiciously. "On a Monday?"

"Actually," Lyra stood from her cubicle and spoke up. "It's my sister, Jorelle's birthday. She's kind of a feminist, so basically it's an all-girls party."

"Oh, well, don't drink too much, then," Tyrek said as he fixed his satchel from falling off his shoulder. "We still have work tomorrow."

As soon as Tyrek left, Meera heaved a sigh of relief.

"Oh, thank the gods for you both," Meera said. "I'm seriously running out of excuses."

Gwyn gave Lyra a finger gun of approval. "Nice one, Lyra." Then she made a face at her. "But I thought Lyanna was the feminist among your sisters, not Jorelle."

"No, it really is Jorelle's birthday today." Lyra pointed out. "But it's not an actual all-girls party. I only said that so Mr. Pride & Ego wouldn't invite himself there. And yes, Lyanna is the feminist one, not Jorelle."

"A party on a Monday night?" Meera repeated. "I think Tyrek's got a point."

"Oh, come on, grandma," Lyra insisted. "Don't worry, I'll pick you up and Gwyn. And if you're worried about Jojen starving, you can ask him to come too."

"A party is a social event," She reminded her. "And my brother is anti-social. There's no way he's gonna come with us."

"Fine, just make sure he doesn't starve."

"Jojen's twenty-one, he can handle himself." Meera sighed. "Now, all I need to do is buy Jorelle a present."

"Hello?" Gwyn spoke up. "And an outfit too."

"You don't need to." Lyra said. "You just have to be there."

"You know," Meera turned to her. "I'd actually feel better if those words came from Jorelle herself."

"I know my sister," Lyra insisted. "She doesn't care about presents or what you wear. You just have to show up."

BRAN

His sister was right. Wex had indeed given Theon a heads up about Meera. And he and Robb basically interrogated him about it.

After Bran put on the tux their Mom had bought and him driving Arya's car as they head to Ironrath, his sister basically asked every question she had about Meera.

"By the way, you've mentioned that she works at the Northern Herald." Arya noticed. "So, technically, she's older than you, right?"

"Yeah," He confirmed. "I think she's about Robb's age since she had mentioned she graduated four years ago."

"What?" Arya blinked. "I can't tell that she's twenty-five. Holy shit! I thought we were the same age."

"It's the height." He explained. "She's from the Neck, that's understandable."

"But I like Meera," She pointed out. "She seemed nice and not snobby like many of Robb and Jon's ex-girlfriends."

That was true. Arya has this distinct feeling when meeting new people. She'll just take one look at them, observe their movements and be like, no, I don't like her. Robb got into an argument with her when he introduced his ex-girlfriend, Jeyne Westerling to the family during his freshmen year in college. Arya, what are you talking about? Robb had said. But their sister just shrugged. There's something about her. Something she hasn't shown yet. Everyone simply brushed it off and told her she was crazy for assuming something. Lo and behold! Just two weeks after Arya had warned them, Jeyne's true colors came out. Jeyne turned out to have a jealousy streak and became paranoid everytime Robb talked to any girl on campus. And Robb broke up with her because of that. And Arya came back with an I told you so.

It was the same thing as Jon's ex-girlfriend, Valyrie. She was a daughter of some Navy Admiral in Eastwatch Harbor, whose name Bran had already forgotten. She was nice enough and seemed squeaky clean since she was always wearing white and her long blond hair braided across one shoulder to the point where if she and Jon stood side by side, Jon would look like her bodyguard. She also had this sneer that even Rickon is terrified of. When Arya met her, she was like, Oh, seven hells, no! She's like a younger Cersei, I can't stand her. And everyone in the family pretty much agreed with her.

As for their sister, Sansa, well, she held the record of having bad exes. One of the worst two was Joffrey Baratheon. And yes, she dated one of President Robert Baratheon's sons. Their parents approved of their relationship since the president was their Dad's childhood friend. But as it turned out Joffrey was more Lannister than Baratheon because he was arrogant and boastful. The second of the worst was Ramsay Bolton, his parents also approved of him because he was the son of Roose Bolton, one of their business partners. He was twice as worse as Joffrey and was sadistic and abusive. When Sansa broke up with him, he stalked her endlessly, to which he even climbed the gates of the Stark Manor and snuck into her room. And because of that, their parents had filed a restraining order against Ramsay. He was also the reason why their parents hired more staff and why their family had cut ties with the Boltons of the Dreadfort.

What is wrong with you people? Arya had said about their siblings' past relationships. Why do you keep attracting idiots, weirdos and snobs?

But that was before Robb had met his fiancée Talisa Maegyr and Jon met Ygritte Giantsbane. Robb met Talisa, a girl from Volantis of the United Free Cities, when Theon broke his arm doing some parkour dare in a frat party when they were seniors in college. Talisa was a medical intern back then in the hospital in White Harbor where Theon was treated and it was Robb who tended to him.

Jon's current girlfriend, Ygritte Giantsbane, was also a daughter of a general their Uncle Benjen was friends with, Tormund Giantsbane. He met her when the Military's Black Operatives were briefed on taking out the notorious terrorist group, Free Folk and their leader, Mance Rayder. Jon was with the assault troops and Ygritte was one of the snipers. She basically saved his life multiple times.

Sansa had stayed single since Ramsay, and Bran doesn't blame her. That guy was a psychopath. Theon never really had a girlfriend and considered himself a non-committal person, which meant he lived on one-night stands.

And Arya, well, like Sansa, she was also a guy magnet. But unlike Sansa, Arya finds a way for guys to stay away from her as she turned down every guy who's asked her out. Maybe she didn't want to suffer the same thing Sansa did.

As for Bran himself, he was clean. He had never experienced having to deal with dramas in relationships because he too focused on school work. He stayed away from parties as much as possible and always found a way to escape it whenever his roommate Beren dragged him into one. And their youngest brother, Rickon was too young or careless to even be in relationships.

And now that Arya said she liked Meera, was a huge compliment on Bran's part.

"So you're saying she's girlfriend material?" Bran asked as they drove on the Kingsroad.

Arya turned to him. "So you are planning on asking her to be your girlfriend?"

Bran shrugged. "Well, um, not now." He admitted. "I think it's too early for that. And I don't wanna rush things and freak her out. I just wanna take it slow because I really do like Meera, a lot. She's one of a kind."

"Aww," Arya teased, poking his arm. "My little brother's in love."

To get to Ironrath, they have to get to Winterfell as it was the route they were familiar with. So Bran drove the car North in the Kingsroad to Winterfell, and then took the Wolfswood Drive westward heading to Deepwood Motte through the Wolfswood Forest, with the town of Ironrath located in the middle of the forest.

It took a while to get there. And the traffic on the Wolfswood Drive was not helping. Yes, it was traffic on a Sunday because apparently, a ten-wheeler truck doubled over when a deer was trying to cross the road, blocking two of the four lanes. Accidents that involve animals were pretty common in the Wolfswood Drive.

By the time they got to the Ironrath's godswood, it was already quiet outside the doors, which meant the guests were already inside.

"Has it started?" Bran asked.

"I don't think so," Arya replied. "I don't see the bridal car anywhere."

"What does that look like?"

"The bridal car," She explained like he was an idiot. "It's the bride's ride, the car with flowers on its hood and bumper. It's supposed to be parked by the doors of the godswood while the ceremony is going on." She pointed out. "Seeing that it's not there means the wedding hasn't started yet."

Bran heaved a sigh. "Thanks the gods."

"Just park the car." She insisted.

Bran found a slot and parked the car before he and Arya hurriedly ran towards the godswood's entrance only to find their parents waiting for them.

Their Dad, Ned was in a black suit, while their Mom, Catelyn was wearing a navy blue dress with ruffles on one shoulder.

"Oh, there they are." Ned said, pointing at them.

Catelyn sighed in relief. "What took you both so long?" She demanded.

"I'm sorry, Mom." Arya apologized, with a hint of sarcasm in her tone. "We don't control the traffic and it's certainly not our fault if a ten-wheeler decided to double over and block half the highway."

"Arya—" Their Mom started to say.

Bran was sure their mother would have scolded Arya for the tone she used.

"Alright," Ned interrupted. "Enough of this. Let's just go inside." He suggested as he pulled Arya with him.

"Hi, Mommy!" Bran greeted and gave his Mom a hug.

Yep, if his sister Arya was a daddy's girl, Bran himself was a Mama's boy. And he was closer to their Mom than any of their brothers were. Even Rickon.

"Oh, Brandon." His Mom kissed his cheek before they walked towards the godswood. "So, anything interesting happened last week?" She asked. "Are you done with your requirements for graduation?"

"I've finished editing my thesis," He reported. "And I'm having it book bounded tomorrow. As for the scaled model, it's the first thing I've worked on and I just finished that last week."

Catelyn smiled. "That's good." She said. "Time management is everything."

"Oh, also," Bran continued. "I was interviewed to be in an article for the Northern Herald for the whole thing at the Science Expo."

His Mom gently cupped his chin. "That's my boy."

They got into the godswood and it was, of course, set up for a wedding. There were pews arranged in rows before the white Weirwood tree with a face carved on its trunk. And everyone was waiting for the bride.

Bran's other siblings were already sitting on one row of the pews. Robb and Theon were inseparable as always and Sansa was fixing Rickon's hair. He also noticed Jon's absence.

"Where's Jon?" He asked his mother.

"Oh, when your Dad tried to call," Catelyn explained. "Your Uncle Benjen answered saying Jon was scheduled to do something. You know, black op stuff."

He only nodded in response. It was sort of, typical because of coming off at the top of his class, they gave him the medal of honor and a place in the Armed Forces. And he's usually leading assault troops on black operations, either buy-and-bust, drug raids or assassinating terrorists.

Rickon was the first to see him. "Bran!" He squealed, then tackled him.

"Oof!" Bran clapped his brother's back. "I miss you too, Lil' bro."

"Hi, little brother." Sansa greeted, then kissed him on his cheek. "Great to see you."

"Hey, little brother!" Robb grinned as he gave him a side hug.

"Alright," Their Mom scolded. "You can talk later. The wedding is about to start."

Their Dad sat on the edge of the pew near the aisle with their Mom right beside him. His two sisters followed and then Rickon, Bran himself, and Robb and Theon on the other end of the pew.

As Mira Forrester walked down the aisle arm in arm with her father, Theon leaned in closer to him.

"Hey, Bran," Theon called. "Wex told me about the girl."

Godsdammit! Bran mentally cursed. Here we go.

Robb cleared his throat and placed an arm around Bran's shoulder. "We have a lot to talk about later." He whispered.

The wedding reception was held at an outdoor events center called the Ironwood Groves. And sure enough, right after they ate dinner and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves at the party, his brothers lived up to their promises.

Robb and Theon cornered him while he was getting himself a bowl of punch from the buffet table. They literally blocked his way with them standing beside each other and crossing their arms across their chests.

"So, let's get this over with," Robb said, with a wide grin on his face. "Shall we?"

Bran huffed in annoyance. "Really? Now?" He said in disbelief. "We're in the middle of a wedding reception."

Theon shrugged. "You're going back to White Harbor tonight." He pointed out. "We won't have other chances to interrogate you."

They then both each put an arm around him, which was kinda awkward since Bran was taller than both of them.

"So," Theon started. "Is she pretty, Bran?" He asked.

Robb looked offended. "What kind of a question is that?" He demanded. "Of course, the girl's pretty. We, Starks, have good taste." He said, matter of factly.

"Oh, yeah," Theon agreed. "When it comes to looks, it's an eleven out of ten, dude. But personality-wise," He gave a thumbs down.

Robb furrowed his brows. "Hey, Talisa has a great personality."

"I meant all the others before Talisa." Theon said, then turned to him. "Anyways, did you slept with her?"

"No!" Bran said loudly than he intended. "I never slept with her."

"Then what did you do all night?" Robb asked.

Bran sighed. "We watched a movie and she fell asleep on the couch." He explained.

Theon raised an eyebrow at him. "You didn't slither in to cuddle?"

"No." He protested. "Isn't that, like assault?"

Robb placed a hand on his chin. "Whatever, but Wex said she never came down until morning." He recalled. "And Mom had Arya bring your tux and pick you up—"

"Wait, so Arya met her?" Theon asked.

"Yeah," Bran confirmed. "She walked in on us eating breakfast."

"Cool!" Theon beamed. "Now, we need Arya's opinion."

"What?" Robb exclaimed. "Why?"

"Because she had been right about all of yours, Jon's and Sansa's exes the whole time." Theon brought up.

They scanned the area for Arya and they spotted her chatting with the Mormont sisters, Alysane and Jorelle.

Robb pondered for a moment, then grabbed Bran's arm. "Okay, let's get Arya."

"Why do I have to come with you?" Bran asked, clutching the bowl of punch in his hand.

"Because you might get away and hide somewhere." Robb said before dragging him towards where their sister was standing. "Now, come on."

Robb and Theon deliberately dragged him between them, as they approached the girls.

"Hello, ladies." Theon greeted.

Arya groaned. "Theon, they have no time to flirt with you." She said. "Now, please, get lost."

"We're not here to flirt," Theon insisted, then smiled. "Although, I'm—"

"Theon!" Robb scolded, smacking him on the back of his head.

"Ow!" Theon complained. "What?"

"Focus." Robb reminded him, then sighed. "I'm sorry, Aly, Jory, but if I may, I'd like to borrow my sister for a moment? It's a family matter."

"Couldn't this wait until we get home?" Arya asked.

Robb shook his head. "No, it can't wait."

Suddenly, Gwyn Whitehill came to them and handed Alysane and Jorelle cocktail drinks. "Here you go, girls." She said, then saw Bran and waved at him. "Oh, hi, Bran."

Bran tried to remember why Gwyn was there, and it took him a second to realize that her boyfriend, Asher was the bride's brother.

Alysane spoke up pointing between him and Gwyn. "You two know each other?" She asked.

"Well, not really," Gwyn admitted. "I only met him yesterday. He was having dinner with Meera at this new food park in White Harbor."

"Meera?" Robb repeated, then turned to him with a smirk. "Is that the girl?"

"Yes!" A voice answered from behind them.

They turned to see and saw that it was Beren Tallhart walking by with the bride's sister, Talia Forrester.

Bran glared daggers at him like, what the fuck, man?!

But Beren only smiled, gave him a finger gun. "You're welcome." He said.

"Ooh!" Theon said, then gave Robb a high five.

At that point, Bran wanted to run and hide from embarrassment.

Robb turned back to the girls and frowned at Gwyn. "Wait, so you're Asher's girlfriend, right?" He said. "How do you know Meera and the Mormonts?"

"Oh, Gwyn is Lyra's colleague," Jorelle explained. "They're journalists in The Northern Herald."

"And Meera, as well." Gwyn added.

"Wow, it's a small world." Arya brought up.

"Anyways, Arya, baby sis," Robb called, then motioned his head to follow them.

"Don't fucking call me that!" Arya grunted.

Jorelle patted Arya's shoulder. "Dacey does that to all of us too. Lyanna hates it the most." She assured. "I think it's an eldest sibling thing."

"Yeah, it is." Robb confirmed, then gestured for Arya to follow them. "Now, come on." He insisted.

"Tomorrow night, Arya," Jorelle called out. "Don't forget."

"Gotcha." Arya replied.

Now, Robb and Theon were dragging Bran and Arya to a corner.

"What the fuck is this about now?" Arya demanded.

"Arya, you went to White Harbor this morning to pick up Bran, right?" Robb recalled.

Arya shrugged. "Yes."

"So you've met Meera?"

"Yes," She admitted.

"And?" Robb and Theon said in unison.

Arya frowned. "What does that even mean?"

Theon raised an eyebrow at her. "You know why," He said. "After you were right about all of your siblings' exes, I've learned to take your opinions seriously."

"Hmm, good." Arya crossed her arms. "And everyone keeps telling me I'm crazy." She seemed to have only noticed that Robb and Theon were holding Bran on both his wrists. "By the way, why are you holding Bran like he's a hostage?"

"Really?" Bran blurted out. "You're only seeing this now? Help me escape." He pleaded. "Rickon might've done it, but I don't know where in Seven hells he went."

"Just tell us your thoughts about Meera." Robb insisted. "Is she nice? Is she snobby?"

"Well, yes and no." She revealed. "She isn't snobby like all your ex-girlfriends. She's really nice and friendly. I like her."

Robb waited. "That's it?" He asked. "No, I have a bad feeling or there's something about her? Nothing?"

Arya shook her head. "Nope, she doesn't give off that vibe. But—"

"What?" Bran interjected. "What do you mean but? I thought you said you like her."

"Yeah," Robb nodded. "Everything said before the word but is horseshit. What do you mean, baby sis?"

"I do like her, she's nice," Arya assured. "But there's something…I can't explain it. It's more on like about her family against our family kinda thing. I mean, we're Northerners. And it's like we've never heard of them. But then again, they're from the Neck."

"Oh, Crannogmen," Robb realized. "Well, that explains it." He released his hold on him, and so did Theon. "You're free to go, little brother."

Bran sighed in relief. "Thank you." He said, fixing his sleeves.

"But you need to introduce her to us," Robb suggested, then patted his shoulder and smiled. "I'm just glad my little brother finally has a girlfriend."

Suddenly Rickon appeared beside him. "Bran has a girlfriend?!" He repeated in bewilderment. "Ooh—fft."

Bran covered his brother's mouth with his hand. "She is not my girlfriend!" He corrected.

Well, at least not yet. Bran thought but did not dare say it out loud.

Robb ruffled Rickon's hair. "One of these days, baby brother," He said. "You'll find a girl worthy to be called your girlfriend. Just like Bran did."

"Wait, what?" Sansa gasped from behind them. "Did you just say girlfriend?" She squealed and put her arms around him. "Oh my gods, Bran!" She said. "Aww, our little brother is growing up." And then she started ranting, as she always does when she's excited. "But we have to make sure that this girl isn't controlling or snobby or abusive—"

"Sansa," Arya interrupted. "I've met her. She isn't." She assured.

Sansa nodded. "Oh, good. But when do the rest of us get to meet her?" She asked.

"I don't know," Bran admitted. "She isn't my girlfriend yet—" He blurted out before he could stop himself. "Fuck." He cussed as he looked down from embarrassment.

Robb and Theon cheered and gave each other high-fives. Rickon was giving him a thumbs up, Sansa squealed giddily as she clapped her hands while Arya gave him a wicked smirk.

"Oh, yeah, man!" Theon beamed. "I knew it!"

"Just so you know, Bran," Robb said. "If you need any brotherly advice, I'm right here." He offered.

Arya snorted. "The funny thing is, I don't need to sell you out," She said. "You're perfectly capable of doing that yourself."

"Arya, you're not helping!" Sansa scolded. "We're family. We're supposed to be helping one another, not letting each other down."

Arya's annoying smirk turned into a deathly glare. "Speak for yourself."

Bran exchanged looks with his brothers. Yep, they knew their sisters too well and they also knew it was gonna start an argument right then and there.

"Okay," Robb spoke up, stepping between them.

They already know the drill. Bran made his way to Arya's side, ready to pull her back in case she lunges for an attack. Rickon was already gripping Sansa's arm.

Usually, it's Bran and Jon on Arya's side and Robb and Rickon on Sansa's. Theon went to whoever needs the most muscle and mostly he's helping Bran restrain Arya because she's the most physically aggressive one.

"We're in the middle of a wedding party." Robb reminded them. "Definitely not a place to squabble. And our family name will be on the line here."

Luckily, they made it out of the party alive, and both his sisters came out with not a scratch on them.

Before getting back to White Harbor, Bran went with his family in their home in Winterfell so he could see his pet dog, Summer.

In their family, Bran wasn't the only one who had a dog, each of his siblings also has one. So there were basically six dogs in their family home.

It was Robb and Jon who found the dogs as pups by accident five years ago. One summer, they were once tasked by their Dad to inspect on the grounds of the Stark Estate together with Bran himself, their foster brother, Theon and with some of their staff.

Normally, they'd often see wild animals northwest of their grounds as the Wolf Pines National Park was literally right over the fence. But seeing a dead one wasn't.

The Wolf Pines National Park was bordered by two cities namely: Winterfell and Deepwood Motte; two towns: Ironrath and Highpoint; and the Northern Mountain Range. And since the Stark Estate was on Winterfell's countryside, yes, they literally bordered the Wolf Pines.

His brothers had found the animal carcass just outside the tree line. It must've jumped over the fence before dying. They all assumed it was a wolf, and it had a stag's antler sticking out from its neck.

Since the Wolfswood Forest—it's part of the Wolf Pines National Park— is a coniferous type forest, which meant deers, bears, foxes, and wolves—especially wolves, are commonly seen in it.

And even though the dead animal smelled horrible, Robb approached the dead animal when they saw five pups wandering not far from it. He even took and cradled one in his arms.

Dude, what are you doing? Theon had shrieked. That thing is dangerous. Put it down.

But it's so cute. Robb answered, caressing its hide.

As Theon ran back to the Manor for a warning, Robb was able to convince Bran to stroke the pup's head. And not long after, Bran was already holding a pup himself.

Theon came back with their Dad and a few of their staff: Jory Cassel, their head of security; Hullen, one of their two chauffeurs; Farlen, the man who takes care of their livestock; and Vayon Poole, their butler.

Their Dad examined the carcass, then pulled out the antler from the animal's neck. This one may have been preying a stag for her pups in the Wolf Pines. He had said. Instead, she got horned.

I think you mean 'antlered', Dad. Robb chuckled.

Where would the pups go? Bran had asked. Their mother's dead.

Hey, Dad, can we keep them? Robb suggested.

Theon frowned at him. You can't keep a wolf as a pet. I don't think it's even legal.

Oh, I know a wolf when I see one, Farlen had spoken up. That ain't a wolf, just a large dog. Probably a wild one too. Who knows.

Their Dad thought for a while before giving out orders on what to do next. Jory, have your men help Farlen put this away, Ned had said. Vayon, please inform the head park ranger of the Wolf Pines about a dead animal in our grounds. Hullen, have the car ready. He then turned to them. Boys, grab all five pups. We're taking them to a Vet.

Robb grabbed another pup and handed both pups in his arms to Theon before taking another two in his arms. But just as they were about to leave, they heard a small whine so Jon looked back and walked towards a few protruding roots of the tree where the dead wolf was found.

Jon gasped then bent down and took out a sixth pup hiding under the protruding roots. Uncle Ned, he called. There's a sixth pup.

Ooh, Theon said without enthusiasm. There's one for each of you now.

You don't want a puppy? Robb asked.

Nah, I'm not really good with dogs. Theon had admitted. And I'm not a Stark.

In the Vet, they confirmed that the pups were indeed dogs and not wolves. And a breed test was performed on them to determine the make-up of the breeds.

When the results came out, the dogs are actually a mixed breed of a quarter Skagosi Malamute and three-quarters Flint Husky. And those breeds fall in the few names of large wild dog breeds and they are similar-looking to and are often mistaken as wolves.

The Skagosi Malamute breed originated from Skagos Island a.k.a. Cannibal Island. They were bred for their strength and endurance to haul heavy freight. While the Flint Husky breed was first bred by the Flint Tribe of the Northern Mountain Clans for sled-pulling, guarding and companionship in the extremely cold and harsh environment of the North.

Their Dad agreed for them to adopt the pups on a condition that they will train and feed it themselves without having to rely on their staff about it, to which they all agreed. And there was nothing more annoying than Robb petting his pup and using a Who's-a-good-boy?Yes-you-are in baby voice on the car ride home.

Their sisters were both thrilled about the pups and even then twelve-year-old Rickon jumped up and down in excitement about it.

And now, the Malaskies or Huskamutes, as Rickon called them, are six-year-olds and still growing.

Bran sat on the shotgun of Arya's car as she drove to Winterfell. Just as they entered the gates, they could hear the dogs barking through the closed windows of the car.

"How is Summer?" He asked his sister.

"He's good," Arya assured. "Robb walks him and Grey Wind on the grounds in the mornings. Or sometimes I do it with Nymeria. Because Sansa had her own girly stuff with Lady and Rickon…who are we kidding, you know him, and he mostly sleeps in on mornings. But he does play with Summer and Shaggy altogether. "

"I want to bring him to White Harbor with me." He disclosed.

"They won't allow you to." She argued. "The same way they declined Robb, Sansa and me when we pleaded. For the most part, it's because we're not often in the penthouse. And also, I think Mom and Dad are afraid that the dogs are gonna trash the place."

"You guys weren't, but I am." Bran stated. "I never go partying on the weekends or just going out and socializing. I'm mostly in the penthouse. And since it's two weeks into graduation, I don't have to go to UWH that often because I've had my requirements under control."

"So you're gonna take him with you when you go on dates with Meera too?" She asked, smirking.

Bran could feel himself blushing. "This has nothing to do with Meera." He said. "I just want a companion in the penthouse when Beren goes partying."

Arya raised one hand in surrender. "Okay, but seriously, I have no hope with Mom and Dad agreeing to even let Summer go with you. Especially since, you're the only one, besides Jon who's not living here at the moment. A lot of people can take care of him, present company excluded."

That was true enough. After Robb graduated, he moved back to Stark Manor, because being the eldest, he'll eventually inherit the whole estate when their parents will pass and he currently runs their family business now. Jon was living with their Uncle Benjen in the military housing up North. Theon had moved out of Stark Manor after graduating and was now living in a flat in downtown Winterfell. Sansa had to move back home because their parents fear that she might not be safe living on her own even with a restraining order filed against her stalker ex-boyfriend Ramsay Bolton. And both Sansa and Theon worked in their family company, the Stark Industries.

As for Arya, well, she had always been the rebel in the family. She had been in Braavos doing her apprenticeship before taking the board exams and passing it. Now, she's currently unemployed and waiting for Bran to graduate so they can start a firm together as partners in the construction industry, and he thought their parents didn't trust her living alone at the moment especially with her being stubborn and reckless, so technically, she moved back home as well.

And as for their youngest brother, Rickon, he's kinda like Arya, stubborn and reckless. But you can't really blame him since he's ADHD.

As their butler Vayon Poole opened the main doors of their house, the dogs came running out to greet them. His dog, Summer literally tackled Bran, which almost knocked him to the ground. Summer was wagging his tail wildly in excitement and was licking his face.

"Alright, alright," Bran giggled as he stroke Summer's hide. "I miss you too, buddy."

He named his Huskamute Summer, because, well, they found and adopted them in summer. And also, it took him two weeks to name him that. Robb named his, Grey Wind because he runs like the wind, he had said. Jon's was Ghost because his dog was the quietest on among the pack. Sansa named hers, Lady because she was well-behaved and obedient. Arya's was Nymeria, named after a southern warrior-queen she idolized. And Bran had no idea why Rickon named his dog, Shaggy.

It took a lot of convincing but their parents finally agreed to bring Summer. Arya had changed her clothes, then had Nymeria on a leash harness on one hand and the other hand on a strap of the backpack slung on her shoulder.

"Whoa!" Bran frowned at Arya, then crossed his arms. "Why do you have a backpack with you?"

Arya shrugged. "I'm staying the night in White Harbor."

"Why?"

"Because I'll be too tired to drive back here." She reasoned. "And I've got something to do tomorrow. Something the Mormonts asked me to do."

"But you're bringing Nymeria with you."

"You're bringing Summer, it's not fair that only you get to have a cuddle buddy." She said. "And don't worry, I had one of Jory's men carry five kilos of dog food in my trunk, and their feeders as well."

Their Mom and Dad went to see them off before leaving.

"Just make sure those dogs will not trash the penthouse," Catelyn warned. "Or I'm having Jory take the dogs from you."

"Mom, Jon had them trained in Castle Black when we were in college, remember?" Arya reminded her. "They're gonna be fine."

"Also, Arya, do not drive over the speed limit on the Kingsroad again." Ned said.

"Daddy, I've never even gotten a ticket." Arya argued.

"Yet," Bran finished. "Just because no one saw you once, doesn't mean no one will see you again."

Arya glared at him. "You're not helping."

Arya drove her own car with Nymeria curled up on the shotgun seat, so naturally, Bran was in the backseat with Summer. They arrived at the Aquamarine at around eleven at night.

At that point, all Bran cared about was getting some sleep. He was too tired from everything that happened that day, especially since he slept at two in the morning on the armchair recliner. His initial plan after driving Meera back to her place, and before even Arya arrived with his tux earlier that morning, was to go back to sleep on the soft king-sized bed in his bedroom. But no, he was forced to attend a wedding of one of their family business partners' children.

He didn't even care when Wex asked why Meera wasn't currently with him and just gave out a snort when Summer gave the doorman a warning bark.

Bran was going to head directly to his room, but then remembered Arya was with him.

"I'll sleep on the couch," Arya suggested. "But I'll need a few of your pillows and a blanket."

"No, no, you take my bed." He insisted.

"But where are you going to sleep?"

"It's a king size pull-out type, so, of course, there's a spare bed underneath." He reminded her. "I'll sleep in that."

"But—"

"Oh, come on, Arya," Bran huffed. "Honestly, I'd like you in your old room, but I'm too tired to even pull the mattress down and put sheets on it. So just take the bed, I'll be on the pull out." He gestured for Summer to follow him. "Come on, buddy."

Arya shrugged. "Alright, then." She replied. "I need another drink before going to sleep."

Bran stopped at his tracks halfway up the stairs and stared at her. "You've had enough wine."

"I meant like a juice or something."

"Oh, I think there's some on the fridge." He offered. "I had milk and juice boxes in there. But Beren used all the milk to cure his hangover." He said as he continued making his way upstairs.

"What?"

"It's a long story." He explained. "And you don't wanna know."

Bran had then changed into his pj's before pulling the pull-over mattress under the king-sized bed. He grabbed three pillows from the main bed, two for himself and one for Summer, who likes to sleep by his feet on the bed.

"Goodnight, buddy." Bran gently patted Summer's hide before lying down on the spare bed. He fell asleep instantly as soon as he placed his head on a pillow.

He woke up the next morning to his sister Arya repeatedly hitting him with a pillow. "Wakey, wakey!" She said. "You still got school so GET THE FUCK UP!"

Bran sat bolt upright. "What the fuck, Arya?" From then on he had declared his sister a much worse alarm clock than their own mother.

"Good morning to you, too." She said as she drew the curtains.

He scanned the room for Summer but he was nowhere to be seen. "Where's Summer?" He demanded.

"I took him and Nymeria out in the pool area for fresh air." Arya threw him the pillow she had hit him earlier. "I cooked breakfast. Now, get up or you'll be late." She said before leaving the room.

Bran got up and fixed the bed before heading to the bathroom to take a shower. Afterwards, he got dressed in his typical go-to outfit, long-sleeved shirt, trousers, and sneakers, before going downstairs for breakfast.

Arya had just opened the doors to the pool area with a pack of dog food in her hands and whistled for the dogs to come in. "Here you go, guys." She said as she filled their feeders with dog food, then saw Bran walking towards the kitchen. "Oh, hey, your breakfast is on the counter."

He proceeded to go to the kitchen and saw the food on the island counter. It had a plate of freshly-cooked omelette and another plate with a stack of pancakes. Also, not far from it were the ingredients: flour, baking soda, sugar, milk, butter, cheese, onions, maple syrup, etc.; and the cutlery used: knives, whisk, measuring spoons and the like.

Bran sat down on one of the barstools and stared at the plate with the omelette suspiciously and bent down to examine it.

"Still think I'm trying to poison you?" Arya asked as she grabbed the used utensils and placed them in the dishwasher.

"You can't blame me," He insisted as he sliced his omelette with his fork. "The last time you cooked an omelette, our other brothers and I raced to the toilets because you put laxatives in it."

Yep, Arya did that last spring break as pulled the ultimate April Fools prank on them. She got up early to cook breakfast and added laxative powder in the omelette to which Robb, Jon, Theon, Rickon, and Bran himself all ate. After eating, they all raced towards the bathroom to take a dump. Luckily for them, Stark Manor had more than one bathroom. And it was the same way Arya had placed a green dye in Sansa's shampoo bottle, whose screams were heard in the entire house and she came out of her bathroom with green hair and a murderous look on her face.

Her only punishment was that she had to help their gardeners prune the shrubs and the hedged maze in their grounds for the next three days, which was totally not fair for them. Because pruning was like sculpting, Arya had said and it definitely fell in her list of recreation activities as an artist.

Arya sighed. "It was a prank meant for Robb, Jon, and Theon." She explained. "I didn't know you're actually gonna eat some when they offered you and Rickon."

Bran started eating his omelette. "Hmm, it's actually good." He said between bites.

"Of course, it's fucking good." She insisted. "You don't have to sound surprised."

He simply rolled his eyes before getting his hands on the plate of stacked pancakes, but Arya slapped his hand.

"Hey!" Arya complained. "Do not touch the pancakes! These are mine." She said, then pointed to the pancake maker, which cooks six pancakes at a time. "Yours is still cooking."

"You have got to be kidding me."

As if right on cue, the pancake maker's timer started beeping so Arya took the pancakes and placed them onto another plate. She made a show by stacking all six pancakes, putting butter and maple syrup before sliding the plate to him.

"Thanks." He said as he finished off his omelette and moved on the pancakes.

It was also the same time Summer came to him, sat by his feet looking up at him. He gave him the puppy-dog eyes and whimpered, like Are those pancakes? I want pancakes, please.

"Buddy, you just ate." He reminded him.

Summer literally picked up his feeder with his mouth and placed it before Bran. Wow, these dogs are smarter than they let on, he thought.

Bran sighed, then turned to Arya across the island counter, who was eating her stack of pancakes. "Are they safe to eat pancakes?" He asked.

"I didn't add chocolate or raisin to it," She assured. "So, it's fine."

He took two pancakes from the stack and placed them on Summer's feeder, to which he munched down immediately.

As Bran finished his stack of pancakes, a knock from the door surprised them.

Bran turned to Arya to make sure if she also heard, and she was just as confused as he was. That's weird, he thought. They seldom get visitors. And whenever they had visitors like family members, the doorman, Wex Pyke would inform them before letting them up to the penthouse.

Without warning, Bran went for the doors, opened them and saw Wex Pyke grinning at him. He found odd for Wex to come knocking at their door early in the morning since he usually just call.

"Good morning, Mr. Stark," Wex greeted. "Sorry if I interrupted your morning routine," He apologized. "But I was asked to give this to you." He handed him a piece of rolled paper wrapped in transparent plastic.

"What's this?" Bran asked as he took it from Wex.

"She said I should personally give it to you." Wex explained.

Bran's eyes widened then he examined the package. It was a Northern Herald newspaper. He knew instantly that it was Meera who sent it and he smiled before turning back to Wex. "Thanks, Wex."

And with that Wex went back to the elevator as Bran closed the doors.

Knowing that Meera had sent him a copy of the Northern Herald definitely made his day. As he tore the plastic wrap open, Bran noticed that there was a yellow sticky note with a hand-written note that said, Here's your copy! :) — Meera, on it.

Bran smiled wide as he uncovered the newspaper. The article about him was the main headline. College Senior Emerges Triumphant in the Science Expo, it read. And beneath it was Meera's name. And it had Bran's photo holding a trophy and a framed certificate.

"What are you smiling about?" Arya asked as she sat on one of the couches in the living room with Nymeria and Summer on her tail.

He showed her the newspaper. "It's out." He announced. "And Meera sent me a copy."

Arya gasped, stood and snatched the newspaper from him and read the contents. "I'm sending this to the group chat."

Before he got argue to oppose, Arya took her phone from her pocket, took a snapshot of the newspaper and proceeded to send it to their group chat.

Yes, he and his siblings had a group chat, the Stark Pack. And it includes Jon and Theon as well. It's mostly where they vent, ask advice or ask for help in instances that their parents didn't have to be involved. They also had the most ridiculous nicknames on it. Robb was the Alpha Wolf, because he was the eldest; Jon was the Warrior Wolf, since he was in the military; Theon was Not-A-Wolf-But-Actually-A-Kraken; Sansa's nickname was the Ginger Wolf, because she had a lighter shade of red hair than Robb, Rickon, and Bran himself; Arya was the Rebel Wolf, which was pretty much self-explanatory; Bran was the Winged Wolf. Because he used to be a climber and was often on high places and surprised the shit out of everyone; and Rickon was the Wild Wolf, because of his ADHD—and sometimes Robb likes to add baby before the word wild just to mess with him.

A notif displayed from his phone that confirmed that Arya did send a pic on their group chat. Robb and Sansa were the first to react and congratulated him.

Bran went upstairs to his room to get his backpack and his final drafts ready for bookbinding and he came downstairs just in time when Beren Tallhart entered the penthouse. And of course, the dogs came to greet him.

"Oh, fuck!" Beren shrieked when he saw the dogs. And he nearly dropped the small box in his hands.

Arya burst out laughing. "Calm down, Tallhart Number Four," She assured. "They aren't gonna chew off your limbs."

"That's not exactly making me feel better." Beren said, clearly panicking at the sight of Summer and Nymeria growling at him.

"Summer, Nymeria, it's just Beren," Bran said. "He's a friend. Now, heel." He ordered.

Sure enough, the two dogs stop growling and started wagging their tails and nuzzling their snouts on Beren's legs.

Beren sighed in relief as he knelt down and patted their heads. "You know, for large dogs, they're still adorable."

"Of course, they are," Arya spoke up. "As long as you don't piss them off."

Beren stood and nodded in Arya's direction. "What's up, Stark A." He said. "I figured you were here. I saw your car in the podium parking."

Arya whistled, prompting Nymeria to climb next to her on the couch. "Mm-hmm," She said as she stroke Nymeria's hide. "Also, you need to replace all the milk you consumed that I could've used to make waffles today."

Beren held up the small box in his hands. "This is the milk." He informed as he placed the box on the console table and sat on the floor petting Summer.

"Anyways," Bran spoke up as he shouldered his backpack. "I have to get to class." He turned to Beren. "Don't you have classes today?"

"Of course, I have," Beren replied, still petting Summer on the foyer. "It's on an eight-thirty. I came here to take a shower and get ready, but your dog's distracting me."

Arya turned to Bran. "Hey, what time do you get off from your last class?" She asked. "Three o'clock?" She guessed.

"It's Monday." He reminded him. "So, it's four-thirty."

"Okay, then," Arya smirked. The smirk Bran often saw when she was up to something. "See 'ya later, little brother."

Bran stroke Summer's hide, bidding him goodbye before heading out the penthouse. He usually walked to UWH, which is just several blocks away from the Aquamarine. And he only rode his car when it was raining or snowing and/or he was bringing something to school that he won't be able to carry by just walking.

Before heading to his first class, Bran took a selfie with the Northern Herald newspaper with his article and sent it to Meera with a thank you.

Technically, there aren't proper classes anymore because finals week was over. And they only had to go to their classes for attendance and final completion of projects. So, mostly their professors were doing their final GPAs or chatting with them to pass the time. Also, he mostly got compliments and claps on his back for making the as the main headline of the Northern Herald that day. Bran also had his final drafts of his thesis book bounded during his two-hour free period after lunch.

As they were dismissed from his last class, Bran walked out of the school building intending to stop at Starkgrand Coffee to order his usual and probably send Meera a text if he could call.

But of course, none of that happened. Because just as he crossed the main quad, a voice called out from one of the parking lots.

"Bran!" Someone called.

He turned and was mortified to see his sister Arya waving at him.

"Come on," She instructed. "Get in."

"What?" Bran remained where he was. "What are you doing here?" He demanded. "And how did you even get on campus?"

"I came for you, obviously." Arya huffed. "And I'm an alumna so of course, they're gonna have to let me in. Now, get in the fucking car." She insisted.

Bran didn't have much choice, so he did. At first, he expected the dogs to be in the backseat, but they weren't and he began to panic.

"Where are the dogs?" He asked. "Why aren't they with you?"

"Relax, okay," Arya assured. "They're gonna be fine."

"You left them at the penthouse by themselves?" He shrieked. "Are you fucking kidding me? That's one of the things Mom told us exactly not to do."

"Jeez, you're starting to sound like her too." She said as she drove out of the campus. "The dogs are trained in Castle Black, no less, so you have nothing to worry about."

Just as Bran was about to relax and not worry about it, Arya surprised him again by making the wrong turn to their penthouse.

"Uh, where are we going?" Bran asked. "The Aquamarine is that way." He reminded her as he pointed to their left.

"I know where I'm going." Arya insisted. "And chill! You're going with me to the Brightroar Plaza Mall. I'm gonna grab a few stuff."

Bran groaned. "You could've just dropped me off at the Aquamarine and then drive there. Or you could just buy it in the Pearl Supermarket. It's a lot cheaper than going to the mall."

"That'll cost me extra gas," She reasoned. "And besides, I need your help with this. Also, we won't find it in the supermarket."

Arya parked the car in Brightroar Plaza Mall's large parking lot. Bran placed his stuff in the backseat before getting out of the car.

The Brightroar is a mall chain owned by the Lannister family. And each one in every city in Westeros that a Brightroar mall stood had a different name. For example, in Winterfell, the branch there was called Brightroar Town Centre and in Highgarden in the Reach, it's called Brightroar Terraces.

When they got out of the car, it was only then, did Bran noticed his sister's outfit that screamed #ootd.

Arya wore a black sleeveless collared blouse tucked into a checkered red and black short tight skirt, dark brown knee-high socks and black leather boots.

"Whoa, hold it!" Bran stopped her. "What are you wearing?" He asked.

Arya frowned at him. "Since when the fuck did you care about the clothes that I wear?"

"We're in the mall." He reminded him. "And you look like you're going to a party."

"I am," Arya confirmed. "Well, later. And right now," She checked her wristwatch. "We have an hour and thirty minutes, so let's pick up the pace."

Bran was puzzled when Arya led in the mall's department store and he definitely raised his eyebrows when she pulled him over to the Men's wear.

"Arya, seriously, what are we doing here?" He asked. "I thought you were gonna grab a few stuff."

"Well, sort of." She said absent-mindedly as she browsed through a rack of plain buttoned-down shirts, then turned to him. "Hey, can you pick two colors? That'll make it easy for me."

"Why?"

"Just pick two fucking colors!" She insisted.

"Um, blue and green." He blurted out.

"Blue and green," Arya muttered as she continued browsing. "Blue and green, blue and green, blue and green….ah! Here we go." She pulled one hanger with a baby blue-buttoned down shirt and another with a mint green one and raised them up on either side of him. "Hmm."

"Uh, what are you doing?" He asked.

"The green one makes your hair redder and you hate that." Arya pointed out. "But the blue one makes your eyes pop. Perfect." She returned the mint green one on the shelf before walking towards a rack of vests and started matching the blue shirt she was holding to each vest until she found a color that went with it.

"Great!" Arya exclaimed then handed both the shirt and the vest to him. "Now, put it on."

"What?"

"You heard me." She said. "Put it on."

"I'm not putting these on until you explain to me what in seven hells is going on." Bran demanded. "And why are you suddenly buying me clothes?"

"Fine," She took a deep breath before speaking again. "It's Jorelle Mormont's birthday and she invited me yesterday when we were in Ironrath. And she also said that I could bring a guest with me, so you're coming with me."

"But I don't wanna go to some party."

"See? That is exactly why I'm buying you clothes right now." She explained. "Because if I allowed you to change in the penthouse, you'd never leave. And your outfit right does not scream cocktail party-ish at all. Also, you don't have to worry about Summer and Nymeria. I bought them an automatic feeder, so they'll be fine."

Bran was about to make some excuse that he had schoolwork to do, but Arya raised her hand and interrupted him.

"And don't make some dumb shit about schoolwork." She said as she'd somehow read his mind. "It's literally two weeks until graduation and you've finished all your requirements, including those books you were carrying. I know for a fact that those are done and ready for submission."

He sighed. Now, he was out of excuses.

"So, do you have any more excuses?" She asked. "Or are you gonna put those on?"

"Fine." Bran agreed reluctantly. "But if I won't like it there, I'm leaving." He declared.

"Sure," Arya smirked. "But I don't think that's gonna happened."

"I hate parties and social interaction." He countered.

"I know." She said. "But I have a gut feeling that you'll thank me for dragging you along."

Bran snorted. "Right."

"Just go to the dressing room and put those on."

Bran went towards the nearest dressing room and changed. When he came out Arya glared at him.

"What the fuck are you doing?" Arya demanded, the approached him. "Don't tuck this in." She pulled the shirt from under his trousers. "Don't button the vest." She said as she unbuttoned the vest, then pulled the end of this sleeves. "Fold these to your elbows and then you're all set."

Arya then had one of the salesmen remove the tags from his clothes to have their barcodes scanned in the cashier's counter and paid for it before dragging him down on the Men's Shoes section.

"Arya, you've already bought me clothes," Bran said. "What are we still doing here?" He asked.

"Your shoes don't go with what you're wearing." She brought up. "So, I'm buying you loafers as well."

Arya started scouring for loafers on one of the shelves. Bran didn't mind her picking out his shoes as he knew Arya had good taste in fashion, probably not as good as their other sister Sansa, but at least Arya's taking comfort into consideration.

"I'm size nine." He called out.

She held up two loafers each with a different color and design. "Pick one."

"Uh, grey one." Bran pointing to the loafer on Arya's left hand. "Because the other one looks more like a moccasin than a loafer."

"Alright, then." Arya took the other pair of the grey loafer and placed them on the floor by Bran's feet. "Try it on."

And he did and it fitted just right. Arya had one of the shoe salesmen peel the sticker price off the shoes' sole to have its barcode scanned. She paid for everything using her credit card.

Afterwards, they went back to the car.

"Wait," Bran said with his hands in a stop-everything gesture. "I don't have a gift for Jorelle."

Arya took a cloth bag from her backseat. She opened it and pulled out a box the same size of two shoeboxes merged together, wrapped in purple wrapper and tied with a purple ribbon.

She handed it to him. "That is our birthday gift." She informed. "Hold on to that."

Bran shook the box. "What's in here?" He asked.

"Acrylic paints and palette knives."

"Knives?" He repeated. "What in seven hells is Jorelle gonna do with knives?"

"Palette knives." Arya said again.

"Oh, art stuff." He nodded. "Okay, cool."

Arya drove towards the Seashell Hotel in midtown White Harbor as it's where Jorelle Mormont's birthday bash will be held.

According to what Arya had heard, Jorelle's party was to be held in the outdoors in the Seashell Hotel's gardens and pool area. But before they can get there, a hostess blocked their path.

"Good evening," The hostess greeted as she clicked her pen and prepared to check off the list of names on her clipboard. "Name please."

Arya forced out a smile. "Arya Stark." She revealed.

The hostess nearly dropped her clipboard. "Oh, uh," She stuttered. "Right this way, Ms. Stark." She gestured for them towards the garden set for the birthday bash.

"Thank you." His sister replied.

It was pretty normal, but Bran hated it when it happened. Most people freak out when they hear their last name. Few of the reasons were that the Stark family founded the Northern capital city of Winterfell and they are the most influential family in the entire region, in both politics and business.

Yep, their Dad, Eddard "Ned" Stark, is the current Governor of the North. He had Robb take over their company so he could run for office against Roose Bolton of the Dreadfort (Sansa's ex-boyfriend's dad), with the support of all their business partners and friends in the entire region.

They weren't feared like the Lannisters, but still, it never felt right to use their name for power or to get what they want.

The garden was decorated by the party's theme, which was a mix of a cocktail party and a music festival kinda thing.

There were trees and other plants that surround the area and they were decorated with series lighting, like the ones used to light Christmas trees, with different shapes from globe bulbs to pixie lights. And there were also festival pennants hanging overhead.

There was a small stage, of course, with a DJ's booth, stage lights, loudspeakers, and fog machines. Tables were set across the yard with a space just below the stage, like a dancefloor. On either side of the set tables, were long buffet tables with different Westerosi cuisines. To the stage's far-right was a swimming pool, with rock boulders and a waterfall. Although the pool lights fountains and waterfall were operational, no one was in the pool. And he assumed it only served as a backdrop to the whole party.

At first, Bran thought they were late as there were a lot of people already present at the venue. Some were talking and socializing, some were eating from the buffet and others were on the dance floor.

They spotted Jorelle Mormont by one table with three of her sisters namely: Alysane, Lyra and Lyanna and for some reason, Gwyn Whitehill. Then Bran remembered Gwyn was Lyra's colleague.

"What up, Mormonts!" Arya greeted, with Bran right behind her.

"Arya, hey!" Jorelle beamed then gave Arya a quick hug. "I'm so glad you came."

"Of course, I'd come," Arya replied. "And happy birthday! Oh, and we got you something." She gestured to him before turning to greet Alysane, Lyra, and Lyanna.

"Hi, Bran." Jorelle said.

Bran smiled as he held up the present to her. "Happy birthday!"

"Aww, thanks." Jorelle acknowledged as she took the present and handed it to her sister, Lyanna. Then "I'm surprised your sister got you to come here."

"Well, you know Arya," He shrugged. "She has her ways. Even I think it's impressive."

"Nevertheless, I'm glad you're here." Jorelle smiled. "And please help yourselves at the buffet. Eat and drink as much as you can. And most of all, have fun."

Bran joined his sister in her conversation with Lyra and Gwyn.

"What's up, Stark Boy Number Three." Lyra greeted.

Bran snorted. "Hello, Lyra."

It was the one thing Lyra and his sister Arya had in common. They had the tendency to call people by their last name and their hierarchy as oldest-to-youngest sibling/cousin thing. Stark Boy Number Three literally means that he is the third Stark boy in the family, with Robb being the first, and Jon being the second.

"Hi, Bran." Gwyn waved his hand at him with a smile. "It's great to see you again."

He nodded. "Likewise, Gwyn."

"Don't worry, Bran," Lyra smirked. "She's just in the bathroom."

Bran frowned in confusion.

Arya huffed. "I thought you were the fucking smart one in our family." She said. "I can't believe you never got that."

Lyra made a tsk sound and shook her head. "Boys," She said. "Totally blind."

Bran stared blankly at them. "Look, I have no idea what you're talking about." He said. "I'm just gonna go to the buffet and grab a few treats."

He was seriously starting to regret coming with Arya so to cope up with it, he decided to just eat. So he walked over to the buffet table and grabbed pork chops, spicy fried chicken and crispy onion rings. Afterwards, he sat on one of those woven couches by the pool and started digging in, not thinking about what would happen next that evening.

MEERA

Meera had no intention of going to a party on a Monday night. Even if it happened to be Lyra Mormont's sister's birthday bash. So after Gwyn and Lyra's planned on having to do this and that, Meera only nodded absent-mindedly. But in her mind, she was like, seven hells, no! Count me out!

When she got off from work, she drove to her house immediately not wanting to have small talks so that she could avoid being dragged to the party by her friends. But, of course, they found ways to get to her.

She arrived at their place in the Greenwood Flats to her brother, Jojen grafting plant cuttings, which was a normal occurrence because he was not on the couch watching TV or playing games on his phone or studying, he was always on his plants.

As she was preparing dinner for Jojen and herself, her phone kept ringing, but she ignored it because she knew who it was. She left it in her room as she was in the kitchen.

Moments after she took the pot off the stove, a knock came from the door. She found it weird there's usually a ring from the wireless doorbell intercom.

"I'll get it." Jojen said as he ran towards the door.

"Where the fuck is your sister?" Meera could hear Lyra's voice from the door as Jojen let her and Gwyn enter their flat.

Jojen appeared from across the kitchen counter. "It's them."

"Meera, what the fuck?" Lyra raised an eyebrow at her. "We have to go."

Gwyn frowned at her. "Why aren't you dressed yet?"

Lyra was dressed in a striped black and white spaghetti jumpsuit and had her hair in twin braids down her shoulders. Gwyn was wearing a deep purple tube top and a leather pencil mini-skirt and had the top half of her red hair into messy twin buns.

Meera gave a half-hearted smile. "Yeah, I don't wanna go."

"Oh, seven hells, no, girl," Lyra said. "I'm not wasting gas money coming here just so you'd say no." She pulled her arm and dragged her towards her room.

"Lyra—" Meera started to say.

"Gwyn and I are picking your outfit." Lyra explained.

Meera sat on her bed as Gwyn scoured her wardrobe while Lyra braided her hair on one side.

"I can't believe you're trying to bail on us." Lyra spoke up as she finished up the braid.

"I'm sorry, okay?" She apologized. "I just didn't wanna go. And I was planning to call you right after I make dinner but—"

"I got it!" Gwyn pulled out a light green floral long-sleeved off-shoulder romper shorts from her wardrobe and handed it to her. "Put it on. You'll totally look hot in it."

Meera took the rompers from Gwyn. "I haven't worn this in a year. It's something my Mom gave me." She said before heading out to the bathroom to change.

She came back to both Lyra and Gwyn gasping in awe.

"Oh my gods!" Gwyn squealed. "You look smokin'!" She then pointed to the pair of black gladiator sandals on her shoe rack. "And wear those. It'll go amazing with the outfit."

Lyra chuckled. "I am certain that you will meet your potential boyfriend tonight."

"Dude!" Gwyn scolded. "What about Bran?"

"I think some of the Starks will be there." Lyra guessed. "Jory invited them yesterday through Arya, remember?"

"Oh, right." Gwyn nodded in agreement. "And since Bran currently lives in White Harbor, there's a chance he might be there as well."

"I doubt that." Meera countered. "Bran's kinda like Jojen in many ways. He hates social gatherings."

"Whatever," Lyra waved her off before standing up. "Let's just go."

On the car ride to the Seashell Hotel, where the birthday party will be held, Gwyn informed her that she got Jorelle a birthday present and on the card, she wrote both of their names. And thank the gods for that.

When they arrived at the venue, there were already a lot of people. At first, Meera thought they were late, but since she came in with Lyra, Jorelle's sister, she figured they were just waiting for other guests to arrive.

They were greeted by the birthday girl, Jorelle and the other Mormont sisters, Alysane and Lyanna.

After Gwyn handed Jorelle the gift, she looked around like she was looking for someone else. "You're missing one Mormont. Where's Dacey?" She asked.

"Oh, she's in the Black Ops," Alysane explained. "So she can't come. And our Mom's here."

Meera remembered about what Lyra told her about their family, that they were a military-oriented bunch. The General of the Armed Forces of Westeros, Jeor Mormont, is their uncle and their Mom's brother. Their elder cousin, Jorah and their father were also in the military.

According to Lyra, because their uncle and cousin 'took the black'—the term used when people join the military, their Mom, Maege Mormont became CEO of their electric utility company whose services covered the entire North region. And because Maege Mormont was the only other heiress, she kept the Mormont name as have her five daughters. But unfortunately, the girls' father died in an ambush during a black ops mission. Since then, no Mormont has been in the military, until Dacey, the eldest of the five sisters. She entered the Westeros Military Academy against her mother's will. Their mother never funded Dacey's college education so her Uncle Jeor did. And because of that, Dacey now had an estranged relationship with her Mom but maintained a close one with her four younger sisters.

As of now, the Mormonts are doing well. The second eldest, Alysane or Aly, worked at their family company, the Northern Electric Co.; the third and middle sister, Lyra is Meera's colleague in The Northern Herald; the fourth sister, Jorelle or Jory worked at the Northern office of Stormbreaker Telecom, a telecommunications company owned by the Baratheon family; while the youngest sister, Lyanna or Lya was currently studying law in UWH.

After a lot of chitchat, Meera excused herself to go to the bathroom.

Lyra narrowed her eyes suspiciously at her. "I swear to the gods if you don't come back—" She started to say.

Meera threw her hands out in exasperation. "Am I not allowed to go number one now?" She clapped back. "Gwyn can come with me for assurance." She offered.

Lyra huffed. "No need. Just don't be long."

"Yes, ma'am."

When she came back, Gwyn and the Mormont sisters were having a conversation with Arya Stark, Bran's sister.

"Here she is." Lyra pointed at her.

Arya smiled and waved at her. "Oh, hi, Meera."

Jorelle frowned. "You two know each other?" She asked.

"Of course, Jory," Arya said. "I have Bran to thank for that. Oh, by the way, he's right over there." She pointed across the garden on the woven couches by the pool.

Sure enough, Meera saw Bran sitting on one of the woven couches, enjoying a plate of food from the buffet and he was all by himself.

She resisted the urge to smile when she saw him as she didn't want to look stupid in front of Bran's sister and the Mormonts.

"He definitely needs someone to talk to," Arya said, wiggling her eyebrows at her. "And that couch is big enough for two people to sit on."

Meera didn't know how to react. Did Arya just try to set me up with her brother? She thought. But before she could answer, Arya's phone rang so suddenly and she cursed under her breath as she took it. "I have to take this. Excuse me." She said as she went to a quieter spot to answer the phone call.

Jorelle turned to her and smirked. "Ooh!" She squealed, clapping her hands. "Well, what are you waiting for, Meera? Go get him."

"Hmm," The youngest Mormont, Lyanna spoke up. "Maybe we should hire Arya to be a wingwoman for Lyra."

Lyra glared at Lyanna. "Baby sis, shut your fucking mouth." She sighed. "The Starks are pretty cool." She declared. "Except for the pack of wolves that follow them around. They scare the shit out of you."

"Wolves?" Meera asked like she'd misheard her.

"Technically, they're just large dogs that look like wolves." Lyanna pointed out. "Not actual wolves. And they're adorable."

"No, they're not." Lyra countered.

"Yes, they are." Lyanna insisted. "And they're cuddly as well."

"Baby sis!" Lyra interjected. "This is not about the freakin' wolves!" She turned to Meera. "Just go talk to him."

And with that Meera wasted no time. She was absolutely thrilled to see Bran there as well. Now she was starting to think that letting Gwyn and Lyra drag her there was a good idea.

Meera went over to the buffet table first to get food before walking towards Bran by the pool.

He seemed like he was too focused on his food to notice anyone because he didn't even notice her at first until she cleared her throat.

Bran managed to look up from his plate and his eyes widened. "Meera?"

"Hey," She greeted with a smile. "Can I join you?"

He seemed to be still processing what was happening, because for a second there, he was staring at her in awe. "Uh, sure."

Bran moved aside and made room for her as she sat down beside him with her plate of food.

"I gotta be honest," Meera started. "I didn't expect to see you here tonight. In a social gathering."

"Technically, my sister, Arya just dragged me here." Bran replied. "No, more like, she tricked me into coming here as one of her many attempts to get me out of the Aquamarine and socialize."

Meera frowned. "How did Arya got you to come here?" She asked. "I'm curious."

"By being extra about it." He explained. "First, she picked me up from school, took me to the mall and bought me clothes before taking me here."

"What?"

He nodded. "Yep, she's that extra."

"Well, it looks like we're on the same boat," Meera said. "Lyra and Gwyn literally stormed into my place to get me here. But you know what? I'm glad they did."

Bran smiled. "Me too."

There was awkward silence as they stared at each other before Bran broke it.

"Um," Bran started to say as he staggered with his plate. "Have you tried the onion rings?" He asked.

"Not yet." She replied. "Are they good?"

"They're really good." He confirmed. "Here have some." He took one crispy onion ring from his plate and reached it out to her mouth.

It took her a moment to realize that he was spoon-feeding or rather, hand-feeding her with the onion ring.

Meera bit it with her teeth and ate. "Hmm," She said after she chewed. "It is good. Do they have these in the Cornucopia?" She asked.

"Oh, yeah, they do."

"Let's try that next time." She suggested.

"This weekend." Bran promised.

"You're on."

Suddenly, Meera noticed that Bran was looking across the garden. She followed his gaze and saw Bran's sister, Arya holding up a napkin with words written on it and just in time for Lyra to swat it away from her hand, then they both forced out a smile and waved at them.

What they didn't know, was that Meera was able to read what Arya had written with a stick of lipstick on the napkin. You're welcome, it said.

And she couldn't help but laugh. "So, it's safe to say that they set us up, huh?" She guessed.

Bran turned to her red-faced. "You saw that?"

She nodded. "They used lipstick on a napkin."

If it was possible, Bran turned even redder from embarrassment. "I'm sorry about that."

"Why are you apologizing?" She asked. "It's not your fault."

Throughout the evening, Bran stayed by Meera's side. They went back and forth to the buffet table for more food; cheered as people participated in the games and when Jorelle blew her birthday candles; even laughed together when they saw Bran's roommate, Beren Tallhart, who came to the party with a girl named Talia Forrester, and he was being chastised by Talia's twin brother, Ethan.

And instead of participating and dancing to the rave that was going on, they simply chatted and got to know each other better. His favorite color is blue; his favorite hobbies are reading (he owns tons of books) and walking his dog; and that his closest sibling is Arya because they were closer in age and she actually listens to him at times and she never dared him to do some parkour shit like his older brothers.

By 10pm, Meera decided it was time to go home since she still have work the following day, and Bran agreed. Luckily for them, Arya and the Mormonts agreed to have Bran take her home—and they did not even argue or persuade them to stay longer, which was kind of weird.

They took a cab because the Seashell Hotel was too far away from where they lived. Bran got them a cab but had the cabbie take them to the Starkgrand Coffee near the UWH because Meera insisted that she needed a decaf coffee to finish off paperwork for tomorrow.

From then on, they walked towards her place to the Greenwood Flats.

"So," Meera started to say. "You mentioned you like walking your dog. The Mormonts made a joke about you and your siblings being followed by a pack of wolves."

Bran chuckled. "Lyra said that, right?"

She raised an eyebrow at him. "How can you tell?"

"Lyra is the only one among the Mormont sisters who's terrified of the dogs." He explained. "The rest of them love dogs."

"But the wolf part?"

"It's because they're incredibly large dogs." He stated. "And they have always been mistaken as wolves most times. Even we thought they were wolves at first, not gonna lie. But actually, they're a mixed-breed. My brother Rickon calls them the Huskamutes."

"Huskamutes?" She repeated.

"A mixed of Flint Husky and Skagosi Malamute."

"Oh, okay," Meera said. "Those breeds are in the large dog group. But aren't you worried that they might…" She shrugged.

"Destroy stuff?" He finished. "Nope, my cousin Jon had them trained in Castle Black Military Base. So we're good."

"Must be great to have a pet dog."

"It is." He confirmed. "You should get a dog."

"As much as I wanted to, I can't."

"Why is that?" He asked.

"My Dad is allergic to animal fur." She said.

"But your Dad doesn't live in your flat." He pointed out.

"I know, but he visits sometimes with my Mom." She explained. "And they would usually stay over. And Jojen would freak out if the dog touches his plants. So, no."

"That's too bad."

"I know." Meera sighed. "Anyways, what's your dog's name?" She asked.

"His name is Summer." He blurted out.

"Like the season?"

"Yes, because the dogs were given to us in summer." He explained. "He's actually in the penthouse, right now. Arya begged our Dad to have our dogs with us, and he agreed."

"I'd love to meet him." Meera said before she could stop herself. He would think that she using the dog as an excuse so she could see him.

Luckily, she didn't think Bran got that.

"Sure," Bran said with a smile. "I think he'll love you."

They passed the food park and finally arrived at the Greenwood Flats.

Meera took a deep breath before speaking again. "I honestly didn't think I'd have fun tonight, but I did."

"Likewise." Bran smiled. "It was nice chatting with you."

"You still owe me a Star Wars marathon." She pointed out.

Then Bran tilted his head and it's as if she could see the gears turning like an idea just popped into his head.

"What is it?" She asked.

"Well, we could have a marathon throughout the week," Bran suggested. "I know you have work and I have school the following morning, but what I'm suggesting is we watch one movie per night until the weekend. One movie is like, two hours long so what we'll do is have dinner, then watch the movie and you'll be home by nine." Suddenly, he made a face and turned red. "Or something?"

"No, no," Meera assured. "I'd love it. I'll see you tomorrow then."

"Great!" He beamed. "Um, so should I pick you up from work or…?"

"Oh, I drive my car to work." Meera brought up.

"Okay, so I'll walk to the Northern Herald then." He said. "Maybe we'll grab some dinner before heading to my place."

She nodded in agreement. "Alright, I'm looking forward to tomorrow." She said. "Goodnight, Bran. And, oh—!"

Meera was surprised when Bran suddenly dived in and gave her a hug. It made her smile and she returned the same hug to him.

"And thank you." She finished.

They broke apart and she walked towards the entrance doors.

"Goodnight, Meera," Bran said as he waved at her. "I'll see you tomorrow."

The thought of spending the rest of the week with Bran, she knew immediately to it's going to be the best week yet.