The bonds of family

10

He didn't get far before someone stopped them.
"I believe she told you to leave her alone." He looked up to see Arkyn.
"She's a little drunk, doesn't know what she's talking about." Arkyn sped at the man, pushing him back and catching Caitlyn before she could fall. He led her to a random car, leaning her against it. He turned back to the man. "What the hell are you?"
"A concerned party." Arkyn shrugged, grabbing the man by the neck and holding him up.
"Y-you're a monster."
"No, that would be you. Now, you've done this before, I assume." He compelled and the man nodded. "Well then, go to the nearest police station, give yourself up. If you have anything that can cement your imprisoning, you will give it up. You will account for your actions and you will never behave so atrociously to a woman again. You will pay for your deeds. Now go, before I change my mind and decide to kill you instead." Arkyn let go of him and the man scuttled away. He turned back to Caitlyn, and helped her up.
"Don't- don't tell Cami?" She muttered before passing out in his arms. He sighed but picked her up bridal style carrying her across the street to his car. He put her in the front passenger seat and started driving. He found a motel nearby and got separate rooms for them, placing her on a bed. He sighed. Things were never simple in New Orleans. He left her a note so she wouldn't be confused before heading to his own room next door. He'd be able to hear if she needed anything.

The next morning he'd gone to get her some breakfast, getting her some coffee and some beignets.
He headed to her room, knocking on the door. She opened up.
"Hi." She smiled. She looked like she'd been up for a little while.
"Hey." She stepped aside and let him in. "I got you a little breakfast."
"What happened last night?" She asked, holding up the small note he'd written for her the night before. "You were pretty vague in your note."
"What do you remember?"
"Not much. Cami pissed me off so I left, found another bar free from her judgement and that's about it."
"You were drugged, Caitlyn." She looked at him.
"What?"
"You were drugged." He repeated, and she crossed her arms suddenly feeling self-conscious. "He didn't get that far."
"Where do you come in?"
"I was parked across the street, I got a flat tyre. I was ready to leave, actually, when I saw you and.. him."
"Thanks." She said.
"It's okay."
"And thank you for not taking me to Cami."
"You asked me not to." He shrugged. "Besides the only way I know to get a hold of her would have been through my brother."
"Klaus?" Arkyn frowned. "I met him briefly."
"Yeah. Klaus."
"What's the deal between him and my sister. Felt like I was walking in on something complicated."
"I'm not exactly sure. I've only met your sister once before today."
"Oh."
"I think Klaus likes her though. She's smart and won't hesitate to put him in his place. He doesn't get that much."
"And you? Do you have anyone to put you in your place?" He looked at her confused. "A girlfriend, perhaps?"
"I don't."
"Well, maybe you'd be free to take me out sometime?"
"I- I'm leaving town today. I was supposed to be gone yesterday."
"Huh. And I can't persuade you to stay one more day?"
"I'm not exactly someone you want to be involved with." He said. She looked at him and shrugged.
"Whatever. Thanks for saving me and all, anyways."
"Let me offer you a ride back at least. We're a bit far from the Quarter."
"Sure." He held out the coffee and the beignets and she grabbed it. He led her out to the car.
"I'm gonna go check out." He said and she nodded, getting in. He walked away.

"That's a lot of stuff." She remarked, looking at the back seat. Arkyn had gone home to get some of Rebekah's things to keep up the charade and his sister had asked for a lot.
"Apparently Rebekah just could not live without any of her things."
"So, where do you live?" She asked, once in the car.
"Wichita."
"You drove in from another state to pick up things for your sister?"
"Yeah, I guess." He lied.
"Why?"
"Well, Rebekah didn't want to come back here. Bad memories and all that. What about you?"
"I lived here once upon a time. I left when my brother died."
"Were you close?"
"Yeah. My dad sent me to come live with uncle K a couple years back and Sean was living here too."
"And Cami?"
"She was at college, pursuing a psychology degree. I guess having Sean helped a lot. He always believed in me."
"I'm guessing you've had a lot of sorries to last you a lifetime, but I'm sorry you lost him and your uncle."
"Ever lose anyone?"
"Two brothers, last year."
"That must suck." He sighed.
"Yeah, it does. A lot." He parked his car. "I guess this is your stop."
"I know I've said this, but seriously. Thank you. I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't saved me."
"Just promise to be more careful in the future?" She nodded and got out. He watched her before driving off. The streets would have soon filled up and he had no desire to be stuck behind the funeral procession.

Caitlyn walked over to her sister.
"Who's car was that?" Cami asked standing at the door of the church. She looked dressed for the funeral, unlike Caitlyn who was still in her clothes from the day before.
"Why?"
"You could've worn something more appropriate for today." Cami said. "But at least you showed up."
"I'm wearing black." Caitlyn asked. "What else am I supposed to wear?"
"A change of clothes from yesterday, for one."
"I didn't exactly have my bag on me."
"Of course. I guess I shouldn't have expected anything."
"Screw you, Camille." Caitlyn pushes past her sister to the front of the church. Lighting a candle, she muttered a prayer.
"You missed the reading."
"So what? He's dead, it's not like he's going to care."
"I care. I thought you might say a few words, too." Caitlyn folded her arms.
"Sorry to disappoint."
"Sure." Caitlyn rolled her eyes attempting to walk back out of the church to join the procession. Cami grabbed her arm. "Where were you last night?"
"Why?"
"You didn't come home last night, or to uncle K's- you just stormed out of Rousseau's in a huff, and you show up late to uncle K's funeral."
"If you really have to know, I was with your friend's brother. Ark."
"He left town yesterday."
"He found a reason to stay." Caitlyn pulled her arm out of Cami's grip, smirking. "At least for a night."