Warning: this chapter is super cute and full of first-date feels.

Dear Elena,

For the first time, things are good. I'm happy. It's almost foreign, this feeling, the lightness on my chest. I know I said I wouldn't get involved with Kai, but it just kind of happened, you know? Like you and Damon. Granted, that was a little more complicated, but still.

Anyway, he's very persistent.

:::

"If you're not doing all weekend, we can get coffee together," Kai says, and holds out his hand. "Give me your phone, I'll put my number in."

"Well, I'm - " Bonnie begins.

" - going to be doing homework all day and the word 'fun' isn't in my vocabulary, sorry," Kai finishes for her and there is a challenge in his tone.

"Actually," she fires back, "I was going to say that I'm free at 2."

If anything, his grin grows wider.

:::

Nothing romantic - just texting and coffee sometimes - until last night. He asked me out a couple days ago and I had said no, but like I said, he's persistent.

You'd think that when you turn someone down, they'd be the least bit…humiliated, or something. Not him.

:::

"So," Kai steps in front of Bonnie. His eyes are uneasy, but he hides it with a cocky smile. "Tonight. You, me, dinner, and the movie."

Bonnie stops in his tracks, staring at him. She's seen this coming, noticed the numerous times he's opened his mouth only to change his mind. But now that it's happening, now that she's in this moment, she has no idea what to do.

"Like…a date?" she blurts.

"Well, yeah," he says, shoving his hands in his pockets.

"I can't. I'm sorry." Without waiting for Kai's reaction, she spins on her heel and walks toward the exit of the building. Not five feet away from the door, she is stopped by a tug on her arm. "No," he says, shaking his head and laughing disbelievingly. "No, you don't get to just walk away when something becomes real. You don't get to decide that this is it going to work when you haven't even tried!"

Bonnie opens her mouth, but nothing comes out at first. She swallows and whispers, "You don't like me. You just like the challenge."

He smiles, almost mockingly, and says, "You don't get to tell me how I feel." He says it so easily, like it doesn't cost him anything. Like he has never suffered loss. But Bonnie has. And just like that, she's angry.

"Then you don't get to just waltz in here and expect me to fall right into your arms!"

He is right next to her in an instant, the ghost of a smirk appearing on his face. "Trust me," he says lowly, "we're not even dancing yet. I'll pick you up at 7."

And then he's gone.

:::

We had an argument...sort of. But when he came to pick me up, we both pretended nothing had ever happened.

It took me about an hour to decide what to wear. I ended up picking that belted sundress, you know - the one you gave me for my birthday? Caroline freaked out and began interrogating me. It was kind of comforting - like middle-school-us, gossiping about boys and clothes.

Only difference is that you weren't there.

God…Caroline totally went all "mom" on him. It would have been hilarious if it hadn't been completely humiliating. I mean who even asks somebody when and where they were conceived?

He took me back to his place (bonus points: he lives in his own apartment) and okay, so he can cook. Like, actually cook. He made us this really fancy pasta dish.

:::

"This is really good," Bonnie breaks the silence, setting down her fork.

"I have a ton of little brothers and sisters," Kai explained, "so it became kind of necessary for me to know how to cook…and change diapers." His nose wrinkles.

Bonnie laughs. "So, where is your family now?"

An uncomfortable look crosses his face. "Back home, in Portland. We don't really keep in touch." He changes the subject. "Do you want some desert?"

:::

And then, we may or may not have had a water fight.

:::

"Here," Bonnie picks up the remaining plates from the table and bring them to the kitchen where Kai is filling up the sink. "I'll help."

"It's fine, you can - "

"I'll feel awkward just doing nothing. Let me help." She smiles, and pushes past him, turning on the faucet. She can feel his gaze on her - he is inching closer, his body almost flush with hers. She swings around and stops short.

It's the way he's looking at her - probing eyes, jaw clenching. Like he wants to take her right then and there. The space between them is charged with sexual tension, and when Kai leans in to her, she feels a pull. Which is why she jumps back. Her hand, trying to find purchase on the counter behind her, hits the sink instead. The soapy, hot water splashes out, getting Kai in the face.

He breaks out in laughter. "Watch out!" he teases, and scoops water out with his hand. He aims for her, and she ducks, screaming. 10 minutes later, they're both drenched and cannot stop laughing.

:::

Okay, yeah, we totally had one. He let me borrow a t-shirt of his after - which smelled really good. Hey, don't judge!

And then we watched The Notebook. The Notebook! I know, right? He said it was his favorite movie.

Anyway, after the movie we just talked. Until, like, 2am, or something. And no, I did not jump into bed with him (Caroline refuses to believe me). It was nice…kind of like we were playing Truth.

:::

"Favorite TV show?" Bonnie asks, leaning back against the sofa.

"Baywatch!" Kai says immediately. His face turned serious when he asks her, "Bowling or karaoke?"

"Karaoke, definitely."

What, you can sing?" He looks at her with curiosity sparking his eyes. "You'll have to show me next time."

"Next time?" Bonnie says, despite herself.

He only smiles.

:::

I ended up sleeping with him. No, wait, not like that. Shit, I mean…we fell asleep. then I woke up at 5am and his arms were around me and I kind of freaked out, so I took a cab home. Okay, yeah, I should have left him a note or something, but I mean…I wasn't thinking too clearly! It was the first time I'd gone out in a while and I'd already sort of slept with him!

I just got home and started writing this to you. My hand hurts and I'm tired as hell, so I'm going to go back to sleep now. I'll write soon.

Love,

Bonnie

A/N: This chapter's dedicated to Ruqaiyah. Thank you so much for helping me with this story...you're amazing. I love you.

Next chapter will be up soon, probably next weekend.