CHAPTER 28
Bonnie woke to complete chaos. She blinked and saw Kyle was gone. So were Joey, Katie and Annie. It was just her and Kai with the twins. Both of the twins were crying.
"What the hell is that noise?" Kai exclaimed.
"Toddlers, crying," Bonnie said in a 'duh' voice.
Kai flopped back down onto the pillow. Bonnie picked up Liv and handed her to Kai. Then she picked up Luke and rocked him.
"What's wrong?"
She snorted when she saw Kai was holding Liv like a football. She gave him a look and then looked at how she was holding Luke. The light of understanding appeared in his eyes and he held Liv differently.
"Hungry," Luke cried. "Where's Jo?"
And there was the real problem, Bonnie thought. They missed their sister.
"Hey, it's fine. I'm here," Kai said and stroked Luke's hair. "And I'm making breakfast. Who wants pancakes?"
Bonnie almost keeled over. Kai was being nice and to the twins of all people. He hated the them. Or maybe it was just because he was threatened by them. In a way, it wasn't strange. Joshua had tried to replace him and had never allowed his children normal sibling relationships.
"Pancakes, what do you say to that Luke?"
Luke sniffled and wiped his eyes. Liv had already settled down and was staring up at Kai with big eyes.
"Pancakes?"
"Pancakes," Kai confirmed and grinned. "C'mon, let's get cooking."
Bonnie took Liv from Kai and went to get the twins dressed. Kai was already on his way downstairs. She called over her shoulder.
"Hey Kai, can you track down the other kids first? They need to get ready for school."
"Sure, I'll send them upstairs."
Bonnie passed the upstairs bathroom and heard the shower running. She tried to knock on the door, but it was hard with a twin on either arm. She shifted their weight. They were getting heavy. Finally, she just kicked on the door with her foot.
The water stopped running.
"What the hell?" Kyle shouted.
"Just checking who was in there," Bonnie said. "Have you seen the other kids?"
"Annie and Katie went to the kitchen to get something to eat. I think Joey is gaming."
"Shit," Bonnie muttered. "Joey has school!"
"I know!" Kyle said. "So do I."
"Just get ready," Bonnie said. "Kai's making pancakes. I'll round up Joey."
"Whatever."
Bonnie sighed and carried the twins to Joey's room. He was on his computer playing a violent game with lots of explosions. She thought it was Call of Duty, Matt and Jeremy liked that one. The difference was Joey was years away from being old enough to play that.
Pick your battles, Bonnie told herself. It was what Jo always used to do.
"Joey," Bonnie said calmly. Her patience was tested when Joey barely looked up from his game. "You have school."
"So?"
"So get your ass into gear. Get ready and get downstairs. Kai is making pancakes."
"I still have like an hour."
"I don't care," Bonnie said. "I'm not letting this place fall apart and you can either help me or I will unplug your computer and hide the power cable."
"Shit, chill would you?"
"I'll chill if you get dressed."
"Alright, alright."
Joey was already on his feet. Bonnie hadn't known he could move that fast.
XXX
By the time Bonnie and Kai arrived at school, she was so stressed she could barely focus.
How did Jo do this every morning?
"It'll get easier," Kai said.
Kai had sauntered up next to her as she rushed inside of the school building. Bonnie slanted a look in his direction.
"How would you know?"
"Because I watched Jo do it for years. The kids will get used to it and we'll figure out how to round 'em up faster."
"We? So you're going to help out now?"
"I am. When will you believe me?"
"When I see it. Look," Bonnie turned to him and her heart ached when she looked into his eyes. Everything in her wanted to believe Kai, but she couldn't. Not again. The last time around, he had hurt her. Worse than she had allowed herself to feel. And Kol wasn't around to pick up the pieces. Then there was Kol. He'd left his own hole in her heart. "We are semi-cool. Maybe as cool as we will ever be, but I won't ever trust you again. Deal with it."
Bonnie walked away. It felt stupid to snap at Kai after she fell asleep in his arms last night, but she didn't feel up to anything else. It had been a weak moment. It didn't mean she trusted him or was about to fall for him again.
Cassie was waiting for her outside of English class. She looked around the hallway with wide eyes.
"I keep thinking Kol is just going to show up. Hang around like he used to."
"I always thought you didn't like Kol."
Bonnie sat down at her desk and Cassie sat down on top of it. She scrunched her face up thoughtfully.
"I didn't, not really. But it still seems weird. He was here almost as long as you. Always around. I guess I kind of just got used to him."
Bonnie snorted. "I kind of did too."
"Do you miss him?"
"No -" Bonnie sighed. "That's a lie. I do miss him, but he went behind my back to frame Kai and I just can't. I don't have the bandwidth to deal with people, who pull sneaky, manipulative, underhanded tricks."
"Can't say I blame you, but I don't think Kai counts as an upgrade."
"There's nothing between me and Kai."
"You came to school with him, I thought -" Cassie blushed and broke off.
Bonnie shook her head. "I was just there to help out with the kids."
"Oh," Cassie laughed. "Thank goodness for that."
Bonnie laughed too and hoped Cassie didn't notice the underlying nervousness.
XXX
Bonnie wrangled all of the kids to the movies. She gave Kyle and Joey strict orders to stay for the whole movie. Then she went back the house where Kai was already with Lucy and the New Englanders. They had everything set up to send Joshua to the prison world.
Bonnie almost fell over with shock when she saw Rebekah and Elijah lounging on the living room couch.
"You let them in?" she said to Kai.
Kai shrugged. "I am rescinding the invite once they leave."
Elijah smiled stiffly. "Kai was kind enough to invite us in as we helped Lucy transport Joshua here."
Bonnie's eyes roamed past the New Englanders to see Joshua tied to a chair. He was magically restrained. There was no way to tell except for the electric hum of magic in the air. It was strong around Joshua, so heavy and thick, she was certain it was Kai's doing. His magic was powerful now that he was coven leader. Even standing next to him, she could feel it ripple through the air. Lucy gave off a similar aura, but Bonnie didn't sense it the same. She was family so it didn't register the way magic from another coven did.
"Can we get this show on the road already?" Kai complained.
Rebekah sulked and surveyed Joshua lazily. "Sure you do not simply wish to kill him? I hear sociopaths excel at such nasty tasks. Almost like vampires."
"No, it's fine."
Bonnie was startled. In the past, she had agreed to send Joshua to a prison world to keep him out of the way while the twins merged. But when they actually had Joshua trapped it seemed safer to merge immediately. Bonnie had known about the prison world plan, but she had been sure Kai would try to kill Joshua before they got this far.
"What the hell is going on?" Bonnie blurted.
"We are sending Joshua to a prison world like agreed," Kai said looking at her curiously. "You alright there, Bonster?"
Bonnie gave Kai one last dubious look. "Just confused. But let's do this."
Bonnie and Lucy linked hands. Just like last time they pooled their magic to create an eclipse. Only last time, they had never made it as far as sending Joshua to the prison world. Mostly because both of his kids were knocked unconscious. Hopefully, this time around things would go smoother.
Bonnie felt a burst of power and then everything around her shifted. Darkness filled the living room in the middle of the day.
Lucy swayed from the exertion of the spell. Bonnie tried to catch her, but she was too weak. Luckily, Rebekah moved with the eerie speed of an old vampire and caught her easily.
Bonnie wiped the blood from underneath her nose. She felt a hand on her shoulder and was surprised to see it was Kai. If she hadn't known any better, she would have said it was worry she saw in his eyes. But that wasn't possible and she knew from experience just how deceptive his glances could be.
"Are you alright?"
Bonnie nodded and shrugged out of his grip.
The Geminis all surrounded Joshua and linked hands. As they began to chant the ascendant glowed. It hovered in the air in front of Joshua. If everything went according to plan, this would be a one-way ticket.
It must have dawned on Joshua what was happening or perhaps just that there was no escape, either way he began to struggle against his magical bonds. It was painful to watch, he looked like a caged and desperate animal. He screamed against his gag and thrashed. Belatedly, Bonnie realized he was trying to fight off Kai's spells, but it wouldn't matter. As coven leader, Kai could cast spells Joshua could never even dream of breaking.
The same thing must have occurred to Joshua because a look of helpless fury crossed his face. No one except Bonnie seemed to pay him any mind. The Geminis were still chanting in unison, perfectly focused on the task at hand.
It would work. Bonnie knew it would. Earlier she had given a few drops of her blood to Kai in order to seal the spell. She didn't dare give him more than that, she didn't trust him with her blood.
The center of the circle exploded in a bright light. Bonnie turned away, shielding her eyes. By the time she looked back, Joshua was gone.
"That's it? He's gone?" Bonnie wasn't sure if she sounded more relieved or frightened.
"That's it," Kai agreed.
Kai was staring darkly in the spot Joshua had been tied up. There was tension in his jawline and she wondered if he was truly alright with everything that had happened today. That was until she realized how stupid it was. Kai didn't feel things, at least not fully. She would not allow herself to believe anything else.
"I'm bored now," Rebekah said. "Can we leave, darling?"
Lucy grinned. "Sure thing. Do you need anything, Bon?"
"No, I'm good."
"Are you sure?" Lucy pulled Bonnie aside and lowered her voice. "I'm really sorry to flake, but I sort of promised Rebekah a night that's all about her if we're going to stick around Portland for a while."
"It's fine. Go date your high-maintenance psycho Original."
Lucy laughed. "You're one to talk."
Lucy kissed her cheek and left with Rebekah. Elijah and Katherine were already gone. It was just her, Kai and the New Englanders left.
"Where are the kids?" Cassie asked as if realizing they were gone for the first time.
"I dropped them at the movies. The twins are still napping, thankfully."
"We can pick them up," Nick offered. "Cassie and I will bring them back."
"Could you? That would be great."
"Of course."
Nick and Cassie left with the other New Englanders. Bonnie sighed and slumped down on the couch. Kai sat down next to her and she eyed him uncertain of who he was or what he was feeling.
How much of his sociopathy was still there? She suspected all of it, but a small voice at the back of her mind kept whispering he was truly changed. Just as soon as those words appeared, her old distrust of him resurfaced.
"Normally, I would never say this, but what do you think about take-out?"
"Sure."
Bonnie turned her head to the side to look at him, but she didn't even bother raising her head from the couch rest. It wasn't exactly like Kai to ask her opinion on anything.
"Take-out just isn't as good as a homemade meal, but I am not up for cooking."
Bonnie thought about all of the take-out she had eaten growing up. If it wasn't for her Grams she probably never would have had anything home cooked.
"Yeah, you're right."
"I think that's the first time you have ever admitted I'm right."
"There's a first time for everything," Bonnie said with a laugh. "Are you alright?"
"Sort of," Kai said. "I don't know. I feel weird. Like relieved, I think it's relief and something else like regret maybe?"
"For what it's worth, I think you did the right thing. Joshua makes you look like a choir boy."
"Maybe I should have killed him. Would have been easier," Kai said making a face as he contemplated it.
"Maybe, but if you did you would only prove you're the same as ever. Isn't that what you're trying to prove, that you've changed?"
"Then who am I?"
"I don't know. That's something you have to figure out for yourself. Like I said, we aren't cool. I'm here for the kids, nothing else."
Kai didn't look as if he had heard her. It wasn't like before, where she could tell he tuned her out the way he did everyone else. This was different somehow. Almost as if he was lost in thought.
"It was easier before I had feelings. Now everything's all complicated and messy, I mean yuck," he said with a dramatic shudder.
"I get that," Bonnie said.
"And here's the real doozy, we can't let the coven elders figure out I disposed of my dad early or they might think along the same lines for me."
"Shit" Bonnie ran her hand through her hair. "I think I might have an idea, but what do you say we call that tomorrow's problem?"
"Good idea."
"Everyone thinks Jo died in a normal car accident so it buys us some time before anyone starts to wonder why Joshua hasn't been around."
"Cool, I'm going to order us some pizza," Kai said with cheery expression that Bonnie didn't feel the situation warranted.
Nick and Cassie walked through the door with all of the kids in tow. Bonnie was just about to greet them when she heard Luke and Liv chattering on the baby monitor.
"I have to go get the twins or they'll try to climb out of their cribs."
"Go," Cassie said with a friendly smile. "We were just about to take off anyway. We're having dinner with my mom."
"Thanks again. Have fun."
"We will."
Bonnie rushed up the stairs and got there just in time to see Luke trying to climb out of his crib. In two long strides, she was across the room and had him in her arms. She picked up Liv and carried them both downstairs.
"Kai!" Bonnie called and found him convincing all of his siblings to sit down and do their homework. "We need to get the twins real beds. They're too old for cribs."
Kai looked up from Annie, who was pulling on his arm asking for ice cream.
"What?"
The whole scene was so weirdly domestic Bonnie froze before putting the twins down. Then she started to walk away and before she quite knew what had happened, she was out the door. Kai called her name, but she didn't stop. Not even when she realized she had gone out the backdoor. She would have to loop around to the front the house and grab her keys before she could leave.
Stupid Parkers. Why did they have to live in the middle of nowhere?
"Bonnie -" Kai caught up to her. He caught her arm and turned her around. "What's wrong?"
"I -I - I can't do this," Bonnie stammered.
All of the stress ran out of her body and she fell back against the wall.
"Do what? Have dinner?"
"No, I can't do this. I can't play house with you. It's too weird."
"I get it. I'm not thrilled about it either," Kai agreed with a nervous smile. "I thought we would date. You know hook up a little and if you wanna bail I won't blame you, but I have to be here. You get that, right? I have to take care of these kids. It's what Jo would have wanted and it's the least I can do."
Bonnie put her face in her hands. "That's just it. We're teenagers and now we have to raise these kids. Or you do and I don't feel right about walking away from them, but I don't know if I can do it either."
"Me neither, but I didn't know if I could survive long enough to become coven leader, but I did. And we can figure this out together."
Bonnie laughed and she heard a tinge of hysteria in it. "This is insane. Everything that's happened to me since Damon and Stefan Salvatore blew into Mystic Falls has been insane."
"From what I hear, staying there would have been even crazier."
"Dying repeatedly does sound kind of insane, right?"
"Right," Kai confirmed. He put his arms around her and nuzzled her throat. "I don't know if this helps or not, but I agree. It is crazy. Things used to be so clear and now they're not. The only thing that still makes any kind of sense to me is you."
Bonnie let herself surrender to his warmth. She breathed in his familiar scent. His cologne was sharp and fresh. Hesitantly, wanting to see if it really could be true, she ran her fingers through his hair.
"Are you really different?"
Bonnie turned her head to catch his eye. His blue eyes were open and vulnerable. There was no sign of the hardness that used to reside there or that glint of malice she used to see so often.
"I am."
"Really?" she whispered still scared to believe it. "If this is a trick or a lie or if it isn't permanent just tell me."
And there it was she realized, the real reason she was scared. She was afraid the changes in Kai weren't permanent. That at any minute, he would go back to his old self. It was why the idea of staying here with him and helping with the kids was horrifying.
"It's permanent."
"Is it though?"
"I think so," Kai grimaced. "I don't know for sure. It's not like dad told me much about the merge. Between you and me, I think he was hoping I wouldn't survive it."
Bonnie knew she shouldn't, but she laughed anyway. "Maybe we can check? I mean you must have a grimoire somewhere with information about the merge, right?"
"Does it count that I want it to be permanent?"
The vulnerability in his eyes nearly broke her. But she wasn't going to crumble. Not this time. If she did it would hurt all the more when he changed back.
"We should check."
"The grimoires are in dad's study."
"Great. Lead the way."
Kai shuffled back inside and Bonnie was tempted to stop because the kids weren't exactly behaving. Everyone had ice cream, but the scene was complete chaos. Still, she kept walking. Finding out if Kai was going to revert back to his old self felt more important.
"Kyle make sure everyone does their homework," Bonnie said over her shoulder.
"Whatever, can I go play my game now?"
"No!"
"C'mon -"
"Shut up and do what Bonnie told you to," Kai snapped.
"Fine, sheesh," Kyle grumbled.
Bonnie waited impatiently as Kai undid the blood magic that protected Joshua's office. He held the door open and waved her in.
"C'mon in."
Bonnie rolled her eyes at his dramatic ways. She started looking over the grimoires on the bookshelves.
"Any idea where to start?"
There had to be nearly a hundred grimoires and spell books here.
"I think maybe this one," Kai said pulling one off the top shelf. "I think. Dad has thousands of these old things lying around."
"Let me guess every Gemini since the dawn of your coven has kept a personal grimoire, right?"
"Actually yes. Complete with journal entries."
"Ever read Joshua's?"
Kai shook his head. "I never could find it and now? I don't know. Not sure I need to read about how I am an abomination and I will single-handedly destroy the coven."
"Huh, you should probably get started on that. So far you haven't exactly lived up to his expectations."
"Probably, but it's late. I'll get cracking tomorrow."
Bonnie laughed as she sat down in the chair across from Joshua's desk. Kai flopped down in his dad's chair.
They looked through grimoires for what felt like forever without finding anything. Bonnie slammed her latest grimoire shut.
"This is impossible."
"I'm getting that vibe."
"What are you two doing in dad's study?" Kyle asked.
Bonnie turned around and saw he was in the doorway.
"Where are the kids?"
Kyle shot Kai a look of exasperation before sitting down next to Bonnie.
"Put them to bed," Kyle said. "So can I help with whatever this is? And maybe once this is over you can tell me why I'm getting the vibe dad's not coming back?"
"Damn psychics," Kai muttered. "It's complicated, but technically I'm the new coven leader."
"I'm guessing that's a secret," Kyle said and it wasn't a question.
"Yes," Bonnie said with a pained expression.
"I knew something bad was going to happen soon so don't give me that look, Bon. I'm cool."
"It shouldn't have gone down the way it did or we should have found a way to explain things to you kids or just anything," Bonnie said.
Kyle shrugged as unbothered as always. "It's whatever. Just another day in the life of the Gemini coven."
"As I'm sure you've noticed things are never sane around here," Kai said with a teasing smile.
Bonnie didn't want to return that smile, but she couldn't help herself. "Let's just keep looking."
They lapsed back into silence. Bonnie read page after page until her vision started to blur. She rubbed her eyes and checked the time it was nearly two in the morning.
"I found something," Kyle said and tossed the grimoire unceremoniously on the desk.
Kai glanced at the time. "Shouldn't you be in bed?"
"That's how you reward my hard work? Harsh bro even for you."
"Just go to bed," Kai said looking at Kyle in exasperation.
"Fine," Kyle muttered, but he was already on his way out the door.
"What does it say?"
Bonnie leaned over to have a look as Kai read the pages. He collapsed back in the chair and exhaled in relief.
"It's permanent."
"Really?"
"Really," Kai said and ran his hand through his hair. He exhaled and she saw the tension lift from his shoulders before his usual mischievous expression "Don't you trust me?"
"No. And can you blame me?"
Kai laughed. "You crack me up, Bonster."
As if to reassure herself it was true Bonnie read over the pages Kyle had found. She didn't fully believe it until she saw it black on white. Kai's change was permanent.
"Oh my God."
"So can I go to bed now or do you want to double and triple check?"
Bonnie stifled a yawn. "No, it's getting late."
"Wanna come sleep in the attic?" Kai asked quirking a brow at her.
Bonnie glowered at him. "Gross. I'll take the couch."
"That's what I love about hanging with you, you're just great for my ego."
"Oh, shut up," Bonnie rolled her eyes as he snickered.
XXX
Bonnie had no idea what time it was when Annie and Katie woke her.
"Can you sleep in our room again, Bonnie?" Katie sniffled.
Bonnie blinked blearily and took in the surroundings of the living room. The room was still dark and she was sprawled out on the couch.
"Sure, honey," Bonnie said softly. "Did you have a nightmare?"
"No," Annie said and jutted her chin out. "It's just -"
"It's too dark," Katie complained.
"Have you two been awake until now?"
Bonnie's heart broke when both girls nodded.
"Come on, girls. Next time just come get me right away, alright?"
"Alright," another sniffle.
"Do you promise?" Bonnie asked.
"We promise."
"Yeah!"
Bonnie followed the girls upstairs. She tucked them in and then lay down on the bed next to them. Her heart ached at the sight of them, but they fell asleep as soon as they weren't alone. She knew they couldn't keep going like this, but she didn't know what to do about it.
XXX
Bonnie's nerves were shot to hell and back by the time they dropped the kids off at school. She fell back against the passenger seat and exhaled.
"We can't keep doing this," Bonnie said to Kai. "One thing was your sister raising them and you cooking them the occasional meal, but we need help. They need help."
Kai glanced at her out of the corner of his eye as he drove. "What happened?"
"Annie and Katie can't sleep alone."
"Shit. I'll figure something out. Might be easier to do if the little brats actually liked me, but still."
Bonnie was still caught off guard whenever Kai displayed genuine emotion.
"Maybe if you stopped calling them brats it would help."
Kai snorted. It was almost, but not quite a laugh. "Clearly, you're an only child."
Bonnie rolled her eyes. "That's not the point."
"Maybe like a shrink?"
"Do you know one that understands about covens and magic?"
"No," Kai said with a grimace. "But maybe if the kids don't mention the coven stuff? I mean I know kids are crap at keeping secrets, but they've managed it so far."
"You're an idiot. The first thing I did when I learned I was a witch was tell my friends."
"Option two, vampire compulsion to make the psychologist forget the gory details about our family?"
"Gee, if only we knew a vampire that would do us a favor," Bonnie said unable to keep the sarcasm out of her voice.
"Don't look at me like that. He's the one that tried to send me to jail."
"Technically, you tried to kill him first. More than once."
"Yeah, about that, I was a sociopath, remember?"
"Yes, I do," Bonnie said giving him a stern look. "And there must be a spell you can try? Like a memory wipe or something?"
"That's a great idea. Why didn't I think of that?"
"Because you're not as smart as you think."
Kai laughed and Bonnie was relieved that they had arrived at the high school. She needed to get away from Kai and not because he was a jerk, which was usually the reason. This time it was because of how warm and inviting his laugh was. How it made her want to lean in closer.
The second Kai stopped the engine, Bonnie was out of the car like a shot. She didn't wait to see if Kai was following her, all she wanted was to get away before she fell right back into his arms. When she made it through the front entrance, she ran into someone she wanted to see even less than Kai.
Stefan.
Bonnie froze and stared at him. Her jaw went slack.
Had she hit her head?
Was she hallucinating?
Was she dreaming?
"H-h-how?"
Stefan smiled politely. "Hello Bonnie."
"How did you get out of the tomb?"
"It's a long story," Stefan said still smiling pleasantly. "But I'm here to warn you."
"Damon," Bonnie breathed. "He's out too, right?"
"Yes, and he's out for Bennett blood."
"My Grams -"
"I warned her before I left Mystic Falls, but she isn't worried about him. And my feeling is he will come for you since he's scared of Sheila."
"He is?"
"She sent him running once already, but if he gets his hands on you, he can get her to do anything."
"Crap."
Bonnie barely noticed Kai appearing at her side.
"Who's the vampire?"
"Warlock," Stefan said calmly with a nod to Kai. "Stefan Salvatore."
"Great, let's go, Bunny."
"What? No."
"Is he a friend of yours?" Stefan asked.
"I guess so."
"You guess so?" Kai scoffed. "You live in my house, but you guess we're friends? Sheesh, we really need to work on your manners."
"You live with him?" Stefan asked and his lips twitched.
Bonnie glared at Stefan then fixed Kai with a killer stare.
"Oh, yeah, she does," Kai said. "And I'm not the only guy she's shacked up with this year. She had an Original vampire of her very own before she dumped him."
"Oh my God," Bonnie cried. "Would you shut up?"
"No," Kai scoffed. "So who is the vampire and don't tell me he's your new boyfriend. The whole vampire boyfriend fad should have died with Twilight."
"Oh my God," Bonnie muttered torn between the urge to laugh and strangle Kai.
"Actually," Stefan rubbed the back of his head. "I'm Elena's boyfriend."
"Huh, here I thought she was in love with Elijah, who is totes into the other doppelganger. Guess this is less sad for Ellen"
"Her name is Elena," Bonnie hissed. "And shut up."
The last thing Bonnie needed was for Elena to learn she had a hand in telling Stefan about her crush on Elijah. Then any hope of the two of them becoming friends again was definitely gone.
"She's -" Stefan shook his head. "No, if you want to play mind games be my guest, but I'm not playing them with you."
Kai opened his mouth and Bonnie had enough.
"Stop it, Kai. I mean it," Bonnie said and then was instantly annoyed by how upset she sounded.
"Hey, Bunny," Kai said switching off his cheery sociopathic persona. He seemed like that guy she had only caught glimpses of before. He put his arm around her shoulder. "C'mon, I'm sorry."
Bonnie snorted. "Sure you are."
But she let him keep his arm around her.
Kai looked Stefan over. "Seriously, what are you doing in Gemini territory, Steven?"
Stefan's expression was steely. If he was frightened, it didn't show.
"He came to warn me about his brother."
"Why do you keep inviting vampires into our territory?" Kai said nudging her. Then he looked murderous in Stefan's direction. "Do you know what we do to vampires, who enter Gemini territory?"
"I'm familiar," Stefan replied. "But since you have been hosting the Original family for several months, I figured the rules had changed."
Kai actually laughed. "Awe, he's funny. They haven't. They were here as a part of a deal and now they're gone."
"Not Rebekah," Bonnie said.
"She's leaving soon," Kai glanced at her in annoyance. "Why should Bonnie be worried about your brother?"
"Because I sealed him in a tomb with a bunch of other vampires. Leaving them to starve," Bonnie grimaced. "I really am sorry, Stefan. You weren't supposed to get stuck in there."
"It's not your fault. If I thought it was, I wouldn't be here."
"Yes, you would and thank you."
"Yeah, thank you," Kai said with a cheery smile. "But I'll protect Bonnie."
"Is he your boyfriend or something?" Stefan asked and his eyes focused on Kai's arm. The one that was still around her shoulder.
"Or something," Bonnie muttered.
"Bonnie is a guest of the Geminis in our territory and we will protect her, but thanks so much for your concern."
Kai shouldered past Stefan and dragged her with him.
"What did you do that for?"
Kai's arm tightened around her shoulder and she fought not to let it affect her. But it did. There was something comforting about knowing not all of the old Kai wasn't gone.
"How many vampire boyfriends do you have?"
"How did you know he was a vampire? You didn't touch him."
"There are ways to know. Most of them secret to the Geminis since we don't have that psychic touch you Bennetts have."
"Oh."
"I'll teach you if you want."
"Thanks," Bonnie said and something crucial occurred to her. "Stefan didn't tell me how they escaped the tomb."
"Sounds like other witches were meddling where they shouldn't."
"Probably," Bonnie heaved a sigh. "This is ridiculous. Every time we solve one problem, another one pops up. It's like playing the world's worst game of Whackamole."
Kai laughed and wrapped his arms around her. He tugged her closer and she didn't want to fight Kai anymore. There was too much else going on and if this change in him was permanent there was no point in it either.
She rested her head on his shoulder and put her arms around him. It felt so good, she didn't want to let go. He still smelled like Kai and felt like Kai, but he felt safer now. Like someone she might actually be able to trust.
"I meant what I said, I won't let anyone hurt you."
"I'm not scared of Damon. I just don't have time for him."
Kai snorted.
"I thought you were dating Kol?"
Bonnie looked up and saw Elena standing in the hallway. Stefan would have told her if Elena was here.
"Is that Katherine?"
"No," Kai said. "She's human."
"What are you doing here?"
"Damon wants you dead of course, I came."
"But we aren't even on speaking terms."
Elena shrugged and smiled. "We have been best friends since kindergarten I can't stay mad at you."
"I can't stay mad at you either."
Bonnie moved away from Kai and hugged Elena.
"I really missed you."
"I missed you too," Bonnie said and drew back. "Where does Jenna think you are?"
"Finishing up the semester here with you. It took some convincing, but she agreed to give me a month or two here."
"That's great, Lena."
"I'll go back as soon as this Damon mess is fixed. I hope you'll come back to Mystic Falls too then."
Bonnie wanted to. It would be so easy to return to Mystic Falls and slip into her old life, but it wasn't a choice anymore. She liked living and that vision had saved her life. Besides, even if it hadn't, she couldn't leave the kids. Or Kai alone with the kids.
"Maybe."
"Maybe?"
Caroline came rushing through the corridor and Bonnie could barely believe her eyes. Elena had explained Caroline would be here, but it still felt impossible.
"I thought Elijah took care of Damon's compulsion," Bonnie whispered.
"He did, but Stefan and I were still worried."
"It's better if she's here," Bonnie agreed after a moment. "We can't protect her if she isn't here."
Caroline moved even faster and threw herself at Bonnie. Bonnie grinned and they both squealed and jumped into the air.
"This semester is going to rock!" Caroline said putting her hands on Bonnie's shoulders and held her at arm's length. "I can't believe you just ditched us like that! Mystic Falls has totally sucked without you!"
"I know and Portland is so much better with you here."
"Isn't this adorable? The gang's all back together," Kai said with a cheery smile that somehow managed to be mocking at the same time.
"Shut up, Kai."
"I thought the two of you were dating."
"We are," Kai said just as Bonnie said; "We're not."
"Well that's confusing," Caroline said with an exasperated look. "And what happened to that Kol guy?"
"We broke up," Bonnie said.
"We aren't dating?" Kai said looking at her in confusion. "Then what the hell have we been doing for the past several days?"
"How could you possibly think we are dating? You haven't even asked me out."
"I can fix that," Kai said with a grin. "Want to go out on Friday?"
"I thought you would never ask," Bonnie said with a teasing smile. "Wait, who will babysit your siblings?"
"I'll do it!" Caroline said immediately.
"You hate kids."
"No, you hate kids," Caroline said with a knowing smile.
"Thanks, Care."
"Yeah, thanks, Clarisse."
Bonnie rolled her eyes. Kai was definitely feeling like himself again if he was calling people by the wrong name on purpose again. In a strange way, she had missed it. Just like she had missed him.
XXX
By the time Friday night came along, Bonnie was too tired to go on her date with Kai. She had spent the week juggling school and the kids same as Kai. It hadn't helped matters that they were both on high-alert for Damon yet they hadn't caught as much as a hint, he was around.
Caroline and Elena showed up armed with hair styling products and makeup. Elena pushed her into a chair and started doing her makeup while Caroline riffled through her closet.
"What are you doing?" Bonnie complained.
"We're your beauty team, duh," Caroline said.
"About what you said to me the last time we spoke," Elena said applying foundation to Bonnie's face. "I thought about it and you were right."
"I was harsh."
"Maybe, but so I was. I'm sorry."
"I'm sorry too."
Elena hugged her and Bonnie felt as if things were finally right. Maybe not alright, but like things were moving in that direction. If Damon weren't running around unchecked and Jo were still here, it would be alright. Although Damon wasn't much of a threat. The idea that he thought she was still scared of him was almost laughable. She had gone up against Klaus, Black John and Joshua and won every time. Compared to them, Damon was a child throwing a temper tantrum.
Elena let go and started on Bonnie's make up.
"This is ridiculous," Bonnie complained. "It's Kai. He knows what I look like and it's not even a big deal."
"Oh my God. Do you even hear yourself right now?" Caroline said.
"Fine. Do your thing and I promise to be quiet," Bonnie said surrendering.
Elena giggled and Caroline made an exasperated noise at the back of her throat.
"Where is Kai's dad anyway?" Caroline asked.
Bonnie froze. She wasn't a very good liar. She and Kai had discussed it a little. But they hadn't come up with anything firm if anyone were to ask. The plan so far was that one of them wore a glamor to convince people Joshua was still around. Around the coven Kai would, but Bonnie was starting to think it might be smarter to tell the coven Joshua had skipped town. So as not to leave the Geminis leaderless and vulnerable, Kai and Jo had merged. The more Bonnie thought about it, the better the idea seemed.
"Bonnie?" Caroline said. "Where is he?"
Bonnie looked at Elena. One glance was all it took to prove Elena knew the score. Sheila must have filled her in on the latest insanity in Portland.
"Away on business," Bonnie said quickly. "At least I think so. Joshua doesn't talk much."
"Right, he sounds weird," Caroline said grimacing. "But we'll watch the kids for a couple of hours. Nick and Cassie are coming over to help."
"Are they?" Bonnie said and she was surprisingly touched.
"I can see why you and Cassie are such good friends, she's really nice," Elena remarked.
"You're done," Caroline announced. "Elena put the eyeshadow brush down."
Bonnie tamped down on a smile as Elena grimaced, but she did as Caroline asked.
Bonnie looked in the mirror and smiled. She should have known better than to doubt Elena. The makeup was subtle, but it brought out her eyes and made her lips looks full.
"Thank you."
"So for your outfit I was thinking this," Caroline said and waved a dress around.
Bonnie gaped. It was a short black dress with a plunging neckline.
"No way!"
"No way?"
Elena too was staring at the dress with wide eyes.
"Where do you think they're going, Care?" Elena asked.
"I don't know and neither does Bonnie, which is why she should dress for surprise."
"That's not dressing for surprise."
"Fine," Caroline exhaled as if she was long suffering. "Plan B it is."
Caroline took out Bonnie's nicest pair of jeans and a pink camisole top.
"Much better," Bonnie agreed with a grin.
"Let me know if he's as good in the sack as he looks," Caroline purred.
"Oh my God, Caroline!" Bonnie exclaimed blushing before she started to laugh.
Elena joined in. "It's a first date, Care."
"Yeah, but I have seen how they look at each other. These things aren't that complicated. Girl meets boy, girl likes boy, sex."
"Oh my God. I'm out. I will see you both later."
Bonnie figured Kai was still in his room so that was where she went. She made sure she was out of sight of Caroline before she ported into Kai's bedroom.
Kai was on his bed reading a grimoire. He raised an eyebrow when she appeared.
"You know in some cultures it is considered polite to knock."
"Sorry, but you don't have a door. And I'm early."
Bonnie flopped down next to him on the bed. Her eyes closed and she sighed.
"You are," Kai agreed and she could hear the smile in his voice. "Man, I'm beat."
"Me too. The kids completely wore me out."
Kai wrapped his arm around her shoulder and she snuggled closer. She could feel his warmth through her clothes and his hard muscles. Now that she was lying down all of the exhaustion of the week came crashing back. Her limbs felt too heavy and she felt herself begin to drift off to sleep.
Sorry about the wait for this chapter, but I hope it was worth it. Thanks to everyone, who has stuck with my fics in spite of the sporadic updates. I wish I could be more punctual, but please know I am still working on all my fics. Anyway, let me know what you thought of this chapter. The date, Stefan showing up and the rest of the MF gang. I've been looking forward to hearing everyone's reaction to the bonkai development.
- Izzy