The Perfect Mikaelson's

32|| Avery❤️‍🔥

Avery

"Are you sure you're okay? You've seemed off since lunch." I nod, keeping my eyes on the sand as we walk down the beach. The waves rush over our feet and each time feels like a breath of fresh air. I get why Rebekah and Abbie love the beach so much. Really anywhere with water but the beach was their go to.

"Yeah. I'm fine. It's just taking me some time to adjust."

"You've been here 6 weeks. Are you not a big fan of the beach?" I shrug, swallowing down the lump of emotions in my throat. I just want to let it all out and tell someone. Maybe not the whole truth but enough to have someone understand why this place won't feel like home and why I don't care to make friends. I had all of that once and I gave it all up for a sliver of freedom.

"You're doing it again." He's standing in front of me and I didn't even realize we stopped. How long was I torturing myself this time? "I'm sorry. I don't know what's going on with me. I think I need to get away for a bit. I think I should go to New Orleans for a bit. I have a friend down there that can help me. I'll let you know when I'm back." His lips press together but I don't stick around for his answer. I need to talk to someone and shake myself out of this never ending cycle of guilt.

In 1000 years, there have been multiple lovers from each sibling and while Klaus annihilated most of them, the few left standing are going to be my only hope for moving on. I may have physically survived the Mikaelson's, but they still hold me mentally and emotionally hostage.

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"Can I get a whiskey sour?" The bartender nods, as she goes off to make my drink. I haven't been to New Orleans in centuries. Not since Mikael found us and we fled to Europe. He cornered the 5 of us in a theater and killed Marcel and Will Lafayette, Abbie's boyfriend. Well, Mikael killed Will. I learned a couple of months ago Marcel survived. He told me he went to save Will but he was already dead. I never told Rebekah and Abbie what I learned, another thing I withheld from them.

"Here's your drink." She slides the glass in front of me with a smile. "I haven't seen you around before. Are you new here?" I laugh into my drink, before setting it down and looking at her. "Actually, she's been here longer than any of us. She's practically grandfathered in." An all too familiar voice drawls behind me. A smile grows on my face as I spin around. "Marcel Gerard. Don't you know it's ill mannered to ask a woman her age?" He smiles, stepping closer to the bar. "I didn't ask. I already know you're as old as dirt." I scoff, smacking his chest. "It's great to see you again." I lean in, hugging him. His arms wrap around me and I instantly start to feel better about everything.

"So.. where's your other half?" Just like that, my blood runs cold and my stomach clenches. "Uh oh. There's a story." He grins, sitting on the stool beside me. "What happened now? Should I be concerned about more Mikaelson's showing up?" I down my drink, shaking my head as I wipe a drop from my lip. "God, I hope not." I sigh, looking up to meet his eyes. "I broke off mine and Klaus' engagement. Well.. more like leaving him at the altar on our wedding day." His eyes bug out of his head as he scrubs his hand over his mouth. "So I'm not really on any of their good sides right now." He nods, waving the bartender back over.

"2 rounds of tequila and keep them coming." She nods, grabbing out 4 glasses and filling them. "Have you talked to Abs or Rebekah?" I shake my head. "They probably hate me the most. Abbie practically shoved me out the door and Rebekah helped me get some thing's to leave. I have no doubt they're daggered right now." His hand scrubs his face again and he stares at the wall of liquor for a minute. "Do they know you're here?" I shake my head, taking both of my shots.

"I haven't talked to any of them since the almost wedding. For all they know, I could be dead." He takes his shot, which quickly gets filled again. Taking another shot, I swallow down the burn of my next words. "They're all I had and I'm not sure if I made the right decision for leaving." He turns on his stool and looks at me. "Why did you leave?" I take my last shot, then steal one of his. He cocks an eyebrow up but I need them to get through this without getting upset.

"The simple answer? I wasn't happy. The not so simple answer? I allowed Klaus to manipulate me into doing things I never thought I would do." He shakes his head, taking his shot before looking back at me. "I never thought I'd see the day, Avery Harris, let anyone control her. Much less, Klaus Mikaelson. The man ruled with an iron fist and dealt with anyone who went against him.. but you? What you said was law and he didn't fight you on it." A smile touches my lips, but it's short lived.

"That's how it used to be. I guess things changed over the years." I shrug. "Well maybe it's a good thing you left. You don't deserve to kneel before anyone when you're capable of running a kingdom yourself." This time my smile reaches my eyes and I roll them, fighting the ball of emotions swelling in my chest. "You're just sweet talking me because you want my beignets." His smile grows wider and then his shoulders shakes with a laugh.

"Okay. You caught me." He throws his hands up. "I may have had an ulterior motive but I meant everything I said. Klaus has torn enough of us down in his time. Don't fall victim to him. You were never one to roll over and let someone win.. even if their last name was Mikaelson." He pulls me in closer and kisses the tip of my head. "Thank you. I needed this." I mumble against his chest, wrapping my arms around him.

"Where are you staying? I need to know where to stop by for breakfast in the morning." I roll my eyes and shake my head. "I'm at the Delroux hotel on 7th." He tsk, grabbing out his phone. "Put your number in and I'll text you the address to my place. Let me know when you come over. I'll fix up the guest room for you." I shake my head, as he slides off the bar stool. "I'll be fine. Send me the address and I'll come by in the morning." He quickly shakes his head, taking the phone when I put my number in.

"You took me in when I had no one. The least I can do is offer you a place to call home while you're here." My heart clenched and I held back the tears. Letting out a quick shaky breath, I smile up at him. "Okay.. but I'm only making beignets. You know Abbie was the cook, not me." He laughs, backing away towards the door. "I still wouldn't be against your homemade jambalaya." He smiles again, winking at me before spinning around and leaving the bar.

After taking in everything he said, I feel better about my decision coming here, leaving Klaus and most importantly.. doing this for me and recognizing my self worth. Klaus took advantage of my willingness to protect Abbie and the family. Which led to me hurting her in the long run. I don't expect her to forgive me, because I won't forgive myself. I became one of the people I wanted to protect her from.

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