Free of family

4

"So who the hell was that?" Bonnie asked, letting out a shaky breath.
"The love of Rebekah's life." He scoffed.
"You don't like him."
"She's my sister, it's my job not to like anyone she dates."
"That's not how it works."
"Plus, if it wasn't for him, she'd be alive right now, not daggered." Arkyn sighed and sat on the bed. Bonnie walked over to him and cupped his head in her palms.
"We don't have to talk about it," She said. "if you don't want to."
"Thanks." He smiled and she moved her face down to start kissing him. She ended up straddling him, and started pulling off her top. He stopped her. "Are you sure?"
"Are you sure?" She countered. He hesitated and she stopped. "You're not."
"Believe me, I want to." He grabbed her hands and held them.
"But..."
"I saw as Klaus pretty much killed anyone my siblings ever loved. I don't want the same to happen to you."
"I think I've proven I can hold my own against your dick of a brother."
"I know."
"It's okay." She said.
"No, it's not." He said. "I'm done letting him dictate my life."
"So...?"
"So," He said, and nodded. "I love you."

"Admit it!" Bonnie was saying. They were in his car driving to Wichita.
"No."
"Yes. You're a coward."
"No, I'm not. I just haven't done anything so forward in centuries."
"You literally jumped into a tomb where you were stuck and you're telling me you've never ridden a motorbike?" She gaped. "Not even a moped?"
"I haven't had a reason to."
"You're immortal. Do you need a reason?"
"Not all vampires go out to do whatever they want, whenever they want."
"Right. I forgot. You're a good vampire. Model citizen."
"Now, I have a sudden desire to prove to you that I can be adventurous." He said, glancing at her. She laughed.
"I'm not sure you can change my mind."
"I guess we'll have to see."
"I guess we will." She said, as they pulled up to Ruby's house.
"And this is where the fun ends." He teased.
"Thank you, Arkyn." Bonnie smiled. She leaned in and kissed him. "Seriously, you are amazing and I had a really good time."
"I'm glad." He said, putting his hand on top of hers. Suddenly, Alexis has run out of the house and to the car.
"Ark!" She yelled, in delight and he smiled and Bonnie before getting out of the car. Alexis ambushed him in a hug, holding on to him tightly.
"Hey, Lex." He hugged her back, and Bonnie got out of the car.
"You guys look good." Alexis said, taking a step back.
"Don't we always." Arkyn teased and she shook her head. Bonnie walked to his side and they walked over to Ruby's house together, Alexis in front of them. Xavier and Alexis's bags were piled in front of the door and Arkyn got the hint and began to move them into his car. When he'd packed them all away, he turned back to the house. "Alright, you guys ready to leave? Where's Xavier?"
"He ran out to the store a few minutes ago. He should be back soon."
"And your grandmother?"
"We already said our goodbyes. She doesn't want to see you." Alexis shrugged. Xavier appeared just then. "There's Xave."
"Okay, get in the car. I want to hear all about your time here." Alexis and Bonnie both headed to the car as Xavier neared.
"Ark, you're here!" Xavier sounded surprised.
"I thought you were expecting me." Arkyn replied.
"Yeah, but I figured you wouldn't come till later in the day."
"Do you have plans?" Arkyn raised a brow and Xavier shook his head. Arkyn walked over to Xavier and held out his arms. Xavier gave him a hug, before pulling away. "What's wrong, Xave?"
"Nothing."
"I know when you're lying."
"It's nothing, alright. Drop it."
"You're really upset. Why would I drop it?"
"Maybe spending months with Ruby just wasn't my idea of fun."
"Ah." Arkyn sighed. "Okay, come on. Let's go home." Xavier got in the car beside Alexis.

The ride home was long and almost unbearable. Alexis chattered away about pretty much everything and anything and Xavier silently brooded in the back. Arkyn dropped Bonnie off first, helping her with her bags.
"Sorry about Xavier. He's not in too good a mood."
"I's okay. Make sure he's okay." Bonnie smiled. He leaned down and planted a kiss on her lips.
"I love you, Bonnie Bennett."
"And I love you Arkyn."
"Mikaelson." He told her.
"Mikaelson?"
"It's my actual surname. Arkyn Mikaelson."
"You don't like it?"
"I don't like what it means. I like to separate myself from all links to my family."
"Well, then. You don't have to be Arkyn Mikaelson. Just be Ark." She said. "That's the guy I fell in love with." He smiled at her, and she pulled away.
"You're amazing, you know that?" He told her and she shrugged nonchalantly.
"I may have heard that once or twice." He laughed and she pushed him back gently. "I will see you soon." She promised and he nodded.
"See you soon."