I DO NOT OWN THE VAMPIRE DIARIES OR THE CHARACTERS.

Chapter Eight:

Caroline and Stefan had big plans to celebrate their anniversary this weekend. They've both been so great since my split with Damon – I didn't want to be the needy best friend that ruined their plans.

As much as I love Grams' house, it doesn't quite feel like home yet. When my dad moved from Mystic Falls, he left a lot of his old furniture here, while insisting on donating most of my Grams' things, much to my dismay. I just wanted the furniture out and maybe to paint a room or two. That meant that I needed to go furniture shopping… I just didn't want to go alone. I knew that if I went alone, that I would just dwell on the fact that Grams is really gone. Even though it's been years since she's passed, it still feels so fresh, some days.

I jumped, when someone knocked on my front door. I'm not expecting anyone. I wonder who it could be. I glanced through the peephole on the door and saw a chipper looking Kai. I knew that Kol had brunch with his family this morning, but I honestly wasn't expecting to see Kai either. I opened my door and Kai beamed at me.

"Morning beautiful," he mused, before bringing his lips to mine. I smiled into the kiss.

"This is a pleasant surprise." I told him.

"I was hoping you'd think so, babe. I didn't have much going on this morning, so I though why not spend time with one of my favorite people?" He explained.

"You actually have kind of perfect timing. I wanna get new furniture and I didn't want to go alone." I admitted.

"I'd be happy to go with you, but we should probably bring back up. Growing up, my twin, Jo always told me that I had horrible taste, when it comes to décor and sadly, she's not wrong. I know for a fact that she has the day off. I could call her?" He offered. I bit my lip. It wasn't that I didn't want to meet Kai's sister – I did. I was just nervous. Does that mean that he really is serious about us? Goddess, I hope so. I'm serious about them… But what if she hates me?

"I'd love to meet her. I just hope she likes me." I finally said. Kai just grinned at me.

"She'll love you. How could she not?" He promised. He pulled out his phone and called Jo. It was a short conversation and it didn't take much persuading. She seemed genuinely excited, off of what I could hear. "She'll be here in twenty. She just has to get ready. Anyway, she's been bugging me to meet you. Other than Kol, I really haven't had anyone significant enough to introduce her to."

"So, you and Kol have always been close?" I asked. He nodded and we went inside, instead of standing in the threshold. After the door was closed, Kai picked me up and carried me to the couch. I snuggled up against him, enjoying being on his lap, once we sat down.

"Ever since I met him, we've been basically inseparable. My sister was always the good kid. I was the trouble-maker. And then Liv and Luke were born, so they got all of the attention. I guess you could say that Kol's childhood was similar. His oldest brothers got all of the attention, especially after his youngest brother died… I think I'll let him tell you about that. It's not really my place." Kai paused in his story. I just looked up at him and nodded. I wasn't going to pry, especially if it wasn't his story to tell. "He only has one sister, Rebekah, and his mother has always doted on her. His father has never much cared for him, but he's always been closer to some of his siblings – especially Rebekah, Klaus and Elijah." He continued. I rubbed his hand with my thumb, doing my best to listen to what he was telling me and not butt in. "I don't know how to explain it. Kol just… got it. Y'know? You could say that we're kindred spirits or whatever and maybe we are. I don't know. Sharing everything with each other just became second nature to us. We knew what being ignored and left out felt like and we weren't about to do that to each other. I don't know if that really explains everything for you or helps you understand… but that's basically our history." Kai finished explaining. It actually does help. It makes a lot more sense now.

Jo is definitely Kai's sister. They have similar mannerisms, but they're so different. He's different around her, but to be fair, I've never seen Kai around any of his family before. It's refreshing. He's more at ease, at least around Jo. It's like he knows that she accepts him no matter what and he relishes in that.

"I'm so glad you called and invited me. I had to see it to believe it, myself. I've always good things about you from Alaric, but I'm happy to be able to meet you and see it in person." Jo gushed, as we perused the furniture store. Wait, what? She knows 'Ric? Damon's 'Ric?

"I'm sorry – you lost me. I'm a little confused." I admitted.

"I'm dating Alaric, Alaric Saltzman, your ex's best friend. And I've got to say that I understand why 'Ric never wanted us to meet before. He knows that I've never liked Damon and I wouldn't hesitate to put my two cents in. You deserve better and I'm glad that you've got better now, with Kol and my brother. Kai may have his flaws, but believe me, when I tell you that he's a good man. He'll never lie to you. He doesn't believe in it. He's unflinchingly honest, to a fault. He always has been, even when it's gotten him into trouble. And you, God, you're just as beautiful as everyone says. And from what I've heard and seen, you've got a kind heart to boot. I really hope that we'll become great friends." Jo expressed. I gave her a timid smile. Everything that's happened today has overwhelmed my emotions, but definitely in a good way.

"I would really like that, Jo." I assured her. She smiled.

"Oh, come 'ere." She pulled me into a hug and I gladly hugged her back. "Let's pick out the rest of your furniture – shall we?" She suggested.

"We shall." I agreed.

"Look at my two best girls getting along. It doesn't get any better than this."

Jo stayed for dinner and Kol came to join us. It was nice – more than nice. It felt like I had a family again and I loved it.

"We should all go out some time together. I'm sure 'Ric would love it…" Jo offered. "Unless it would be too awkward for you, Bonnie, then I totally understand." Jo started to backpedal. Her thoughtfulness made me smile.

"I would love that, Jo, really. I've never had any qualms with Alaric. He's great. I look forward to it." I promised her.

"Are you sure? Because you won't hurt my feelings, if you're not." She added.

"I'm positive. It'd be fun." I smiled.

"Then it's settled." Kol smirked and caressed my hand. I gave his hand a quick squeeze to let him know that I really was okay.

"Perfect."