Disclaimer: I don't own TVD.
Chapter title inspiration: "Santa Tell Me" by Ariana Grande
Bonnie stood back, admiring her work on the Christmas tree, and smiled with content. It was beautiful-a multicolored, sparkling light that warmed up the living room with its peaceful presence.
Bonnie wrapped her robe around her small frame as she sat down in front of the tree and admired the different ornaments hanging from the evergreen branches. Despite being home alone on Christmas Eve, she had a peaceful smile on her face and felt happy. Her favorite holiday was always able to cheer her up no matter what, but this year definitely felt much different from last—at least she wasn't trapped in a prison world all be herself. Bonnie took a deep breath, her eyes continuing to scan the ornaments. She was still alone though…all of her friends were currently at a Christmas party at the boarding house, hosted by Elena and Damon, which Bonnie decided to skip. It's been one month since she and Damon had their major fight—the fight to end all fights—and they haven't spoken. Elena protested the entire situation, showing up almost daily begging Bonnie to come over and forgive Damon for everything so that they could go back to way things were. But, Elena forgot that "the way things were" is pretty much how it always has been, so now Bonnie could return to her normal pre-Salvatore existence—at least for a little bit until Caroline or Elena reminded her that she wasn't seventeen anymore with normal worries of who would be her prom date, remembering her cheer routine, and passing Calculus.
Her phone buzzed, a message from Kai flashing across the screen.
Home for Christmas? –Kai
Suddenly, Bonnie's content state disappeared, reminding her of another issue in her life—Kai's new gig as Klaus' sidekick. He hasn't been back in Mystic Falls for a month, since he left that early morning of November, but he and Bonnie talked on the phone constantly for the first couple of weeks, But then, the phone began to ring less, confirming Bonnie's fear of losing Kai to the dark side once again. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't shake the trepidation she felt towards their relationship—when would everything fall apart? It could be at any moment, like a bomb threatening to go off when either of them least expected it. Perhaps, Bonnie would feel more prepared when it did. She grabbed her phone typing a quick response to his question.
Yup –Bonnie
The phone buzzed again. Me too –Kai
She frowned. You're going to Portland?
It took a moment before Kai answered. No way. I mean my other home.
She didn't have time to mull over his words, because a loud knock interrupted her thoughts. She stood up, shuffling towards the door, peeking through the peephole, and unlocking the door at an intense speed once she saw who stood on the other side.
The door opened, revealing a smirking Kai, who held out his arms for her, which Bonnie immediately ran into. "You're here!" She wrapped her arms around his neck, settling into his hug. "I didn't know…why didn't you say anything?"
He buried his face in the crook of her neck as he tightened his grip around her waist. Placing a kiss on her neck, he whispered into her skin, "I wanted to surprise you—I missed you. So much, Bonster."
Bonnie held onto the lapels of his jacket tighter, never removing her forehead from its place against his chest. "I missed you too," she replied. She cleared her throat, hurriedly trying to hide just how much she meant those words, but Kai already knew.
"Hey, he beckoned softly. "Look at me." The request was gentle and firm, easily convincing Bonnie to look up. When she did, Kai slid his free hand behind her neck, pulling her closer to him before kissing her soundly. Before he could deepen the kiss, Bonnie pulled away, "C'mon. Let's sit near the tree." She turned around, dragging him into the house and ignoring his loud sighs.
"Bonster," he dragged out the last syllable and slipped his arms around her waist. She released a small giggle, causing his smile to grow. "I don't really want to sit around the tree right now. Let's go upstairs first," his voice turned husky, "I need you." His suggestion sent major chills down Bonnie's spine, forcing her to turn around and latch onto his shoulders for support.
"Oh…so that's why you came here. Not to enjoy the spirit of the Christmas season with your girlfriend? You just wanted to get me in bed?" She raised an eyebrow, a playful smile on her lips.
Kai shrugged and leaned forward to lay big kiss against her lips, suddenly forcing her smile to disappear against the pressure of the affectionate gesture. "Always," he responded. He laughed when Bonnie smacked the side of his arm. "Hey," he turned apologetic, "I'm just kidding. I only want to get you into bed 90% of the time." He grabbed both sides of her face, peppering kisses all over her skin as his cheeks formed their signature dimples, revealing his genuine happiness at the moment.
Bonnie managed to push him away, her smile still in tact, "C'mon." She skipped over to the tree, excitement bubbling within her. It took her by surprise by how happy she could be with Kai even when she still has doubts about him. She waited for him to settle next to her before reaching under the tree and grabbing a brightly decorated package. "For you," she smiled at his shocked face.
Kai accepted the gift, "Bonnie—you got me something?" He grinned while leaning forward to press his lips against her head and placing a big, wet kiss there.
"Kai," Bonnie laughed, "Just open it." Kai looked at her for another moment, admiring her beauty, which was somehow enhanced by the lights of the tree, rendering him breathless for a second. Blinking rapidly, he turned his attention to the package. He opened it carefully, making Bonnie smile even wider at his care, and held the picture in his hands.
In a polished wooden frame sat a picture of Bonnie and Kai together—a picture Kai never thought he would see. He remembered the day it was taken. He and Bonnie had been sightseeing in New Orleans, and the entire trip Kai had been trying to convince Bonnie to take a photo together as a keepsake of the vacation. Of course, Bonnie tried to resist, but Kai left her with no choice when he flagged down an elderly couple and requested a picture. The couple happily obliged, the woman taking the camera in her hands, while her husband looked on with a fond smile. Bonnie sighed, trying to put on a happy face for the picture, but it quickly disappeared when Kai had slung his arm over her shoulder, making her falter at the contact. It wasn't until the gentleman kindly reminded her to smile that Bonnie let her face relax into a small smile and timidly wrapped her arm around Kai's waist in a very loose grip. When the photo was taken, the kind, old woman handed Kai his camera, and addressed the two of them: "You two make a wonderful couple. My husband and I honeymooned here in New Orleans 50 years ago on this day. We were your age." The woman winked before grabbing her husband's hand and shuffling away into the crowds. Kai and Bonnie both stood still, watching the couple, each lost in their own thoughts.
Kai smiled wistfully at the picture. "It's amazing Bonnie." He lifted his head, closing his eyes when Bonnie ran a finger down his cheek lovingly.
"I wanted you to have a reminder of us while you're there. So, you don't get into too much trouble." Her comment made Kai laugh, a wonderful sound that filled the living room with warmth. When he quieted down, he became serious. Reaching into his pocket, he took out a small box and handed it to her silently.
Bonnie stilled when she saw the box—her thoughts racing a million times a minute with the possibilities of what's inside. "Kai," she whispered almost fearfully.
With his serious expression still intact, Kai picked up the box and opened in front of her. Inside sat a yellow gold ring with a pearl center, the sight of which literally shook Bonnie to her core. "Kai…" she glanced at him with trepidation in her eyes. "What…"
"It's to show my devotion to you. I don't want you to ever think that I could jeopardize that while I'm over there." He took the ring out of the box, took her right hand, and placed it on her ring finger. Bonnie visibly relaxed when she realized Kai wasn't proposing. That would be insane…right?
Bonnie shook her head, trying to get rid of the crazy thought of actually marrying Kai anytime soon or at all.
"Do you like it?" Kai asked quietly, nervous of her reaction to such a sentimental, serious gift.
Bonnie released a haggard breath, her best rising and falling rapidly. "It's beautiful," she confessed. Looking into his eyes, Bonnie leaned forward to kiss him. "Thank you," she spoke against his lips. Kai ran his fingers through her now honey blonde hair, "Of course. Anything for my girl." He smiled at her as he played with strands of her hair. "You look beautiful by the way. You always do."
Bonnie took the hand that stroked her hair, placing a kiss against his palm before settling against him. "I'm glad you're here, Kai." She spoke the words with reverence.
Kai pulled her closer, resting his head against hers. "Me too. Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas," Bonnie responded before tilting her head backwards, puckering her lips as she did so, and waited for Kai to meet her waiting lips with his own.
A/N: This was a present for all of you! I wrote it super quickly, so hope you all like it! It's extra fluffy lol Just the way I like it! Happy Holidays to you all as well as a healthy, safe New Year!