Work Text:
Present
“Welcome to your 30’s, little bro.” Stefan smiles at Kai, putting a party hat on him.
“Thanks.” Kai gives him a tight lipped smile. “On a scale of one to Damon’s Christmas parties, how stuffy is this party?” He asks, as they enter the boarding house. The former boarding house was fully decorated, black and gold accents littering the house. He had spotted waiters carrying trays of entrees and champagne waiting prepping at the end of the hall by the kitchen.
“Damn it.” He grumbles, preparing himself for everyone to jump out. He hated planned surprise parties. The only time anyone had successfully managed to surprise him was Bonnie on his 21st birthday. He was sure he was going to spend the day buried in work, and end the day by hitting up a random bar with his roommate, but when she popped up outside his apartment with cupcakes from his favourite bakery, he really had been surprised. He could barely keep his hands off her then. His father’s parties were not his style. They were all too flashy and filled with people who he didn’t know or care for. They were mainly his business partners and their families, a few family members and his maternal half siblings. He spoke to a few of them after their mother had passed, avoiding contact with Joshua. He no longer had to play nice for the sake of his mother, and thus, no real reason for him to have to speak to that man again.
He smiles at the crowd, feigning shock as they ‘surprise’ him. He wasn’t interested. He wanted to be at his favourite restaurant eating a large slice of their dulce de lèche cake, pop open a bottle of Clicquot, and If he was extra lucky, enjoy a private visit from his baby mother. But instead he’d spent the day finding a nice suit for this event and pretended to enjoy lunch at Whitmore with his sister and her boring Fiancé. He fakes smiles, thanking people as they wish him a happy birthday, before sneaking off to down two tall flutes of champagne. If there was one thing his father was good for, it was for not skimping out on good booze.
“Having fun?” He jumps. Bonnie smiles, her hands gently placed on her belly over her dress. She was a vision in pink. He smiles, putting his drinks down on the counter, walking over to hug her. “Happy birthday old man,” she congratulates him, smiling as he exits the hug, his hand on the small of her back.
“Jheeze Bon, way to make the birthday boy feel special.” She rolls her eyes, playfully backhanding his chest.
“How’s your day been?” He shrugs, looking over at the buzzing room.
“Given I could count on both hands the people here I actually know, it’s been ok.” She snorts, shaking her head.
“I told him you didn’t want a big fuss, but just like you, he was being hard headed.” He chuckles, taking two of the Hors d'oeuvres from the passing server, handing her one. “Thanks.” She takes the pastry into her hand and bites into it. “They’re good.” She moans, finishing the rest.
“You shouldn’t be in heels.” He frowns, looking down at her feet, she dismisses him, waving her hand.
“I’m fine.” he glares at her, unconvinced. “It’s not worth the fight with your brother.” He rolls his eyes, spotting the devil himself smirking down at the two familiar brunettes.
“Did you send the papers off?” He looks back at her. She nods, rubbing her stomach.
“They’re excited,” She says, smiling up at him.
“I’ll bet,” he smirks. “Can they hear daddy’s voice?” He asks, bending for extra measure. She rolls her eyes, taking his hand and placing it where she last felt a kick. A smile growing on his face at the thumping sensation against his palm. “How are they doing?” He moves his hand away, aware of possible onlookers.
“Doctor says they’re developing well. Both Healthy.” He nods, excited at the prospect of meeting his sons.
“Speaking of kids, where’s Maya? I’ve missed her.” She points over to his dad with the little girl sitting on his lap, talking his head off. He chuckles, her little smile was bright speaking to her grandfather. “She’s really excited to see you. That's all she kept saying today.”
2017
2 years prior.
“She’s tiny.” Sheila rocks the newborn, “She was eager too, an early baby. A Bennett for sure.” The older woman smooths down her great granddaughter's hair.
“Salvatore grams.” Bonnie corrects the older woman, she tuts, brushing her off.
“Same Salvatore that made me hall my ass all the way over here. I’m getting old, you know,” she frowns, before looking at Kai. “At least one Salvatore had the decency to escort me here.” Bonnie sighs, looking apologetically at the older woman. “I’m sorry. We’ve been busy with the baby and Damon’s been swamped with work. I told him we should visit you first but-“
“But what? You know I never liked that boy.” She grumbles before smiling down at the baby. “Precious.” She looks up at her granddaughter. “You’re drinking your tea right?” Bonnie nods, brushing back her hair. She’d left it natural, her curls framing her face. Kai preferred her hair like this as opposed to his brother who’d made a fuss when they’d arrived. What an idiot.
“Would you like tea?” Kai asks, pushing himself off of the wall. Sheila nods, smiling appreciatively at him. When he’d dated Bonnie, she’d been apprehensive around him, knowing his father and how rich, entitled people moved. During the time he’d spent in Mystic falls, he’d gotten to know the older woman through hanging around her holistic wellness and general wellbeing store. Admittedly, he’d gone in hopes of seeing her granddaughter, but Ms Bennett was a decent ally.
“Camomile and vanilla, right?” The elder Bennett nods, cooing at the yawing child.
Once firmly away, she curls the infant's hair around her finger into a ringlet.
“He’s still in love with you, you know.” Bonnie turns back to her grandmother, a confused look on her face.
“Excuse me?” The older woman nods her head in the direction of the kitchen.
“Malachai. He’s in love with you. He hovers around you like a guard dog.” She pauses, looking down at her great granddaughter. “He’s protective over Maya too. Especially at the hospital.” Bonnie freezes, twiddling her fingers nervously, avoiding eye contact with the older woman. “Does your husband know?” She raises her eyebrow at Bonnie. A firm look on her face. She blinks, tucking her hair behind her ears. “Know what?” She plays stupid. Her grandmother squints her eyes, not falling for her act. She glares at the younger woman. She says nothing but is understood. “No.” She says quietly, her eyes glossing over. “And I know it’s wrong. I just-” her grandmother raises her hand, silencing her before Kai walks back in, smiling politely, placing a tray down in front of her grandmother.
“Camomile, Vanilla and Honey, and the shortbreads you like from Foster’s too.” He winks playfully at the older woman.
“Thank you.” Grams smiles, nodding gracefully before handing Maya over to him. He rushes to take her away, cooing at the small child. Her grandmother gives her a look who looks at her through the rim of her tea cup, watching the man interact with his child.
“Hi Princess. Miss me?” He smiles at the sleepy infant.
Present
“You look so pretty Maya,” Kai holds her on his hip, smiling down at her. She hides her face in his chest, giggling at him. “Don’t hide from me,” he whines playfully. She peaks up at him, smiling shyly. It hadn’t taken long from her spotting him with her mother for her to run away from her grandfather and attach herself to his leg like a koala.
“Maya, remember what to say?” Bonnie clips two fingers around her cheek, smiling at her daughter. Maya looks from her mother back to him. She giggles, smiling at him.
“Happy Birthday!” she leans her head on his shoulder.
“Thank you Princess,” he kisses the crown of her head.
“You guys look cosy.” Damon comments, walking from the stairs to snake his arm around Bonnie’s waist. Kai bites his cheek, faking a smile for his brother.
“Maya was just saying happy birthday, right?” Bonnie explains. Their little girl nods, still glued to Kai.
“Well, Happy Birthday too, little brother.” Kai brings a hand to his chest.
“That means so much, thank you big brother.” He rolls his eyes.
“Can you play nice for a single evening?” Damon asks, miffed at the younger man. Kai brings his lips together, pausing before shaking his head.
“I could, but I don’t want to.” He shrugs, putting down Maya, “I better talk to dad before heading out,” he explains, shaking out his jacket. “Nice seeing you tonight Bon,” he smiles at her, deadpanning as he looks at his brother. “Damon.” The little girl pouts, attaching herself to his leg.
“No.” She whines, her lips pouting. Kai chuckles, bringing his hand to cup the back of her head.
“I have to go talk to grandpa princess.” he explains, looking down at her. Her brows knit together as she shakes her head in protest.
“Maya, let go of Uncle Kai.” Damon says firmly. She ignores him, glaring up at Kai until he lifts her once more.
“Wanna come with?” he asks her. She nods, resting her head against his shoulder, a smile back on her face. “You don’t mind if I take her?” He looks to Bonnie. She smiles softly, shaking her head, shooing them off.
“I don’t like them being so close.” She turns to her husband, a confused expression on her face.
“What do you mean?” She looks back to Kai manoeuvring through the crowd.
“See how she didn’t listen to me just now.” Bonnie shuts her eyes, rolling them out of his sight, before looking up at Damon.
“She likes being around him, it’s harmless.” Damon scoffs, looking down at her.
“Just like you two up here giggling?” She knits her brows together, confused.
“What are you talking about? Giggling? We were catching up, Damon. It’s his birthday for goodness sake.” she folds her arms over her chest, huffing in annoyance.
“Did he need to hold your stomach? Did you need to be so close? I’m really starting to believe you like to embarrass me.”
“Embarrass you? Damon I let anyone who asks feel my stomach,” she shakes her head.
“That's not the point.” he grits out.
“It's not?” She raises a brow. “Then what is? Because clearly I don't get it” He clenches his jaw, rolling his eyes dismissively. “If people didn’t know we were married they’d assume you were with him. The amount of people I've spoken to that have confused you two for a couple this evening is enough. Whatever you had going on in the past should stay there.” she blinks, looking at him in disbelief. “So this is what it’s really about? You’re mad people think I’m with Kai? You know I’m not. Who cares what other people think? We don’t talk to half of these people anyways.” He rolls his eyes, shaking his head. “You may not care, but I do. Do you understand how embarrassing it is? People talk about the two of you in present tense, like ‘aren’t they adorable ’, ‘aren’t they sweet. ’ These are business associates, people I have to maintain relationships with. You don't help by enabling all these crazy ideas he has about some kind of reunion because you don’t set boundaries with him.”
“I don’t enable him, Damon. Jesus, your jealousy is getting pathetic now,” she pinches the bridge of her nose. He scoffs, his eyes widening.
“Jealousy? You know what's getting pathetic?” he raises a brow, pointing his finger in a circle. “This get up” he huffs, “It’s a black tie event and I bought you something specifically for tonight and here you are, dressed like a skank.” She freezes, squinting her eyes at him.
“I look like a skank?” She repeats, her voice harsh. “ Me ?” she shakes her head in disbelief. “You’re an asshole Damon,” she takes a step back away from him. “You’re a hypocrite too. I’m dressed like a skank, but those twins you’ve had attached to your hip since we’ve arrived aren't? They’re barely clothed and have definitely drunk too much but modesty right?” he takes a step forward, a faltering guilty look on his face. “Don’t touch me.” She pushes his arm off of her before wiggling her ring off of her finger. “When you can apologise like a man, you come see me, untill then, fuck off..” She throws her ring at him. He crouches down to pick the diamond, shaking his head.
“You’re not seriously doing this Bonnie!” She ignores him, walking past people hanging around on the stairs, making sure to purposely brush her shoulder against the twins shoulders as she walks through them.
2016
25 Years Old
“You look beautiful.” She turns, half smiling at him. She did. A vision in white. He was glad he’d missed the wedding. Seeing her like this walking down the aisle, and not being on the receiving side would have hurt more than just the knowledge of their marriage.
“Thank you.” She smiles weakly, returning back to watching over the garden, clenching onto the railing in front of her. He steps forward, standing beside her on the balcony.
“Why are you hiding? It’s your wedding day isn’t it?” he raises a brow, watching her expression shift.
“I’m not hiding.” She says defensively, turning to look up at him. He chuckles, unconvinced.
“Yeah, sure .” She sighs, looking down at the garden.
“I’m not hiding.” She repeats , “it’s just....” she pauses, “it’s a lot down there,” she explains, holding her hand over her arm, her ring catching his attention.
“It is a lot.” He takes a hold of her hand, looking over at the diamond band, pressing his tongue against his teeth. It was flashy, nothing like what she’d told him she liked many moons ago. They’d spit balled ideas if the opportunity were to arise, and he wouldn’t have gotten her a diamond this big or flash. It wasn’t her style, at all.
“I thought you hated diamonds.” She shrugs, taking her hand from his, wrapping her arms over her chest, hiding her hand.
“Damon likes it.” she says firmly, “He spent forever trying to perfect it, and it’s traditional.” He snorts, stopping himself from rolling his eyes at her answer. Traditional his ass. His brother had bought the ring to flaunt his wealth. “Since when have you liked anything traditional? We used to make fun of all of this.” She sighs, clenching her jaw.
“Would you stop?” She frowns.
“Stop what?” Telling you the truth? He thought, holding his tongue. He tilts his head, poking the inside of his cheek.
“You know what you’re doing Kai.” She turns away from him.
He sighs, brushing back his hair. He’d had enough of this.
“What does he have that I couldn’t give you?” He asks after a brief silence. She freezes, staying silent before turning around to face him. She looks at him in disbelief.
“Is this what this is all about?” She jeers, pulling up her shawl. He rolls his eyes, sharply focusing his gaze on her.
“Answer the question Bonnie.” he presses his lips together.
“You want my answer?” he nods, resting against the railing.
“He gave me stability.” she pauses, “Attention and reciprocation too,” She drops her hands down. “I never knew where I stood with you. We’d be good and it was soo good and then you’d go silent without an explanation. I always felt like I was playing catch up with you.” She sighs, meeting his eyes. “I was in love with you for over a decade Kai, you were my first love, my first everything. Even when we were apart. I always sought after you and I don’t know if I was stupid, but I genuinely believed you loved me back.”
“I did! I do!” She scoffs, shaking her head.
“Well you’ve done a great job of letting me know.” She shakes her head, a glossy layer of film clouding her green eyes. “Any progress we made, you shut me out. Me ! Out of everyone.” she pauses, gulping. “Each time you pushed me away, Damon was there.” she says in a calm voice, avoiding his eyes. “He was there for me and I got tired of waiting for you to grow up” she blinks away her tears, composing herself. He brings his hand up to his jaw, clenching subconsciously. “I know you won’t believe me, but he treats me well. '' He looks to the ground, biting his bottom lip. “If you felt like that why didn’t you tell me?” She rolls her eyes, not surprised by his reaction.
“Because you get like this!” she points her hand out in his direction. “You divert the conversation, we fight and then we break up.”
“That's not true,” he frowns. Her eyes widened with disbelief.
“You brought me on your family trip to Turks and Caicos, got short with me after I spoke to Damon and when I asked why you were upset you broke up with me.”
“I hate him, is that what you wanted to hear?” he flaps his arms up, defensively. He sighs, popping his lips before speaking again. “I hate him. I hate the smug look he gets whenever you’re near, I hate the way he’s looked at you since I first brought you around when we were 16, I hate that he’s touched you and I especially hate that you’ve married him,” she frowns, taking a step closer to him. “Then why did you push me away?”
“I thought I was protecting myself, I didn’t want you to hurt me, and I’m sorry it’s taken me this long to tell you,” he takes her hand, stroking her thumb. “I’m sorry Bon. I really am.”
2007
17 years old.
“You know that stuff kills, right?” He lets out a puff of his cigarette, turning his head in the direction of the voice. She walks over, her socks pulled up to her knees, a large space between her exposed thigh and her plaid school skirt. He chuckles, as she leans over the roof beside him. “I’m still standing.” He replies nonchalantly, handing the lit stick over to her. She smiles, taking a draw from it. “If I’m going, you’re coming down with me,” he pulls her in, holding his hands on her waist.
“You were supposed to meet me after ballet.” She pokes his chest, taking another draw, pressing her plum lips together after exhaling.
“Sorry. Must have slipped my mind.” she rolls her eyes, looks skeptically at him. “Did it? Or were you trying to upset me?” He smirks, taking the cigarette back. “You caught me.” He brings the cigarette to his mouth, looking down at her. “Can’t help it when you look so cute when you’re mad.” She rolls her eyes, leaning her elbow on the railing. Truth be told, he knew she’d find him here. Where else would the self imposed outsider ditch final class but out on the roof. He’d considered heading off campus to smoke but the effort required to distract the admins wasn’t worth his time.
“What are you doing this weekend?” She asks, looking up at him. Her jade eyes filled with curiosity. He had to stop himself from smiling, instead shrugging, throwing the bud on the ground and putting it out with the sole of his beat up converse. “I think I have swim practice Sunday,” She nods, deflating. She looks back over the edge at the city below them, hiding her disappointment.
“What?” He asks.
“Nothing.” she shakes her head,
“It’s not nothing, what? Did you have something planned?” She shakes her head, biting her lip. He smirks, pulling her closer. “You didn’t think I forgot? Did you?” He brushes her hair behind her ear. She blushes, hiding her face in his chest, away from his view. “You know I won't forget your birthday.” she peers up, smiling. “Now, If you can get away from your friends, I have a special evening planned.” She smiles at him, standing on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek.
2012
21 years old.
“This is hot,” he pulls out a pink lace thong from her luggage, stretching it between his fingers to get a better look.
“Give me that.” She snatches it from his hand, shutting the suitcase in the process.
“Aw come on,” he pouts his lips, “it’s my birthday.” He blinks his eyes at her. She rolls her eyes, fixing her lipstick.
“Exactly. So why exactly are you panty raiding?” she holds her hand on her hip, looking down at him, “We’re leaving in a second, come on.”
“Do we have to?” He whines, laying flat on their hotel bed.
“Oh come on! It’s your 21st. Don’t you wanna go out and drink?” he props himself up on his elbows.
“You act like we didn’t bar crawl for your 18th,”
“Yeah, but we don’t have to use our fakes anymore,” she crawls on top of him, straddling him. He runs his hands up her thighs, resting behind her back. “You look great in this dress,” his eyes scan the short Olive dress, subbing his thumb against the fabric against her hip. tilting his head up for a kiss. She pecks his lips, while he moves his hands, extending them to rub against her backside. “You’d look better with it all off,” he smirks against her lips, kissing her again. She wraps her arms around his neck, breaking away to look seriously at him.
“Do you really not want to go out?” He presses his lips together, shrugging.
“We could go tomorrow.” he suggests, quickly stealing a kiss.
“I reserved a table for dinner though,” she pouts her lips, whining.
“Fuck the dinner,” he kisses up her neck, tugging the lobe of her ear with his teeth. “Fuck me instead.” she giggles, meeting his lips for a kiss. He pushes her dress up, grabbing ahold of her ass, palming his hands against them as he slips his tongue into her mouth, moving in rhythm with her own, hungrily pushing for more. She paws at his shirt, hastily unbuttoning the black button-up, exposing his chest before kissing against his neck. He smirks, pulling the rest of her dress over her head, shaking his shirt off before moving to her breast, leaning up to pull her closer before cupping them between his hands.
Present
Last Christmas Eve
“Well don't you look mighty festive,” Kai says, sitting beside Bonnie, finishing the rest of his glass before focusing back on her. She looked like a doll, her brown hair tied back into a tight bun, donning a burgundy off the shoulder dress. “Thanks,” she taps her matching red manicured fingers against her arm rest. She looks ahead, watching their daughter show her dress off in front of her uncle Stefan, his wife and a collective from the office. She was far more sociable than he’d ever been at that age. Kai was glad that Maya had taken after her mother rather than himself. Her beauty, and demeanour was all her. The most she’d gotten from him was lighter skin and turquoise eyes, which even then, were a mixture of his own and Bonnie’s. Her hair was curly unlike his own, and she wore her mother’s smile.
“She looks pretty. You outdid yourself with the dress.” He compliments her, truly impressed by her work.
“Thanks,” she says as though it was routine. He frowns,
“what’s up?” She raises a brow, seeming snapping out of her trance.
“What?”
“I asked what’s up with you?” He repeats himself. She sighs, standing up, smoothing down her dress.
“Meet me in the library,” she says, before putting on a smile, disappearing up the stairs. He sits back, watching over the rest of the party goers. If his father could do anything exceptionally well, It was running a business and hosting social events. He watches as a clearly sleep deprived Maya battles with her ‘father’ over taking a nap, wanting to stay up like the adults around her. He can’t help the smile that creeps it’s way onto his lips.
Maya had always had a peculiar relationship with his brother. She’d cry when he held her as an infant, and was difficult when left around him for too long. He had assumed that in some round about way, she could tell that he wasn’t the man others told her he was. It made Kai feel a little better about being away from his daughter, at least for the time being. The little girl had always sought after his attention, and had no qualms about letting others know. Once she’d learned to speak, she’d learned his name after she’d figured out how to say mom. She’d beg for him to read to her or to show her outfits off to him. Bonnie had gotten to dust off her seamstress skills, creating cute pieces for their daughter, which her husband sadly didn’t approve of. He was glad the little girl was independent and demanding already, standing up against the older man.
He puts his glass down on the mahogany table, making sure to disappear without drawing any attention to himself, which was easy with how many people were in the room. He strides up the stairs, skipping two steps at a time, politely nodding at the party goers heading down on his way to the library. When he had been summoned over to his fathers house, he’d found solace in the grand library whenever he needed space. Stefan knew to find him here and when to give him space. Damon stuck to his side of the house, mostly ignoring him or taking small jabs whenever their father wasn’t paying attention. The accusation of books inside the library spanned for generations of Salvatore's. He would never make his way through them all, but he definitely did give it a try. He peers through the isles, disappearing further into the room before being pulled into a dimly lit corner of the room. Bonnie had taken her hair out of the tight but it had previously been, fixing it to frame around her face. She looked less business chic and more like herself. He liked both but she looked a lot less serious in front of him.
“I know I said it earlier, but you look really good tonight, ” he compliments her, taking a step forward, closing the space between the two of them, taking her hand into his. “You smell amazing too,” he leans to whisper into her neck. She holds her hand out, pressing it against his chest. He looks at her confused, as she shakes her head, a briefly annoyed expression on her face.
“What?” he questions her.
“What was that downstairs?” she asks firmly, taking her hand away from his, crossing her arms over her chest,
“What was what?” He looks down at her in genuine confusion. She rolls her eyes, narrowing them as she looks back up at him.
“You and the twins. You were flirting with them. Since when do you even talk to them?.” he snorts, shaking his head.
“That?” he snorts, shaking his head. “You can’t honestly be jealous Bon,” he looks amused down at her.
“I’m not.” She says firmly, crossing her arms over her chest, “I just don’t like how they were looking at you.” She huffs, looking up, annoyed at him.
“And how were they looking at me?” A grin creeping onto his face. He hadn’t really paid either twin too much attention downstairs, he knew their type and neither were interesting enough to keep his focus. He’d spoken to them to fluff them, add them into the game.
“Don’t be an ass,” she squints her eyes at him. He chuckles, shaking his head.
“Why would that make you mad?” He teases her, cocking his head to the side, his classic smirk on his face. “Aren’t you married, Mrs Salvatore?” He leans forward, his face inches from hers. “Like you’ve ever cared.” She rolls her eyes, turning her head away from him. He takes a hold of her chin, bringing her attention back to him.
“Did you want my attention?” He raises a brow.
“Did you think I wanted to be with one of the twins? Were you jealous?” She pokes her tongue against her cheek, before letting out a chuckle.
“Fuck them then,” she challenges him. “My husband is downstairs, I’ll go get his attention.” He clenches his jaw,
“You wouldn’t.”
“Oh wouldn't I?” She challenges him, firm in her stance. He loved their back and forth, and her ability to hand his energy right back to him. She blinks, looking away from him, becoming small again. “Sorry,” she mutters, tucking her hair behind her ear. He looks down at her, confused as she takes a peak behind them, checking between the bookshelves. “I, uh.” she starts, before shaking her head.
“We’re in trouble,” she says in a hushed tone, a serious look on her face. He raises a brow, straightening his posture.
“We’re in trouble?” she nods, biting her lip. “Like your husband knows about us or?” he trails off, as she opens her clutch bag, pulling out three white sticks.
“Like, we’re in trouble again.” She holds the pregnancy sticks up. He takes them from her, blinking. He falls silent, before looking up at her again.
“Are you sure this is mine?” she rolls her eyes, snatching the tests back from him.
“Of course it's yours,” she says in hushed annoyance. “I fuck you on a weekly basis, I’ve slept with him once Thanksgiving. Protected. He thinks he’s being slick, like I don’t know he’s fucking the Petrova’s” he chuckles, pouting his lips together.
“Is that why you were jealous? Worried I’d jump ship?” he tilts his head, a coy smile on his face. She glares back at him, unamused. “Cmon B. I thought you knew me better than that,” he wraps his arms around her waist, pulling her closer to him. “After this baby, I promise this’ll be the last time we have to be apart.” he kisses her forehead, rubbing her back. “This is one hell of a christmas present,” he jokes, resting his head on hers, feeling her arms snake around his body.
Present
“How long do we have?” She asks, fixing his shirt for him. He extends his arm, looking down at the expensive watch he’d been gifted for his last birthday.
“Giuseppe makes his speech in 20 minutes. Am I good?” She nods, leaning up to fix his hair.
“Perfect.” She smiles at him. He steals a kiss, resting his forehead against hers, closing his eyes.
“It’s our year. I promise.” He reopens his eyes, a serious look on his face. She nods, resting her head on his chest. He wraps his arms around her, gently swaying to the muddled music that had sept its way up the stairs. He kisses the crown of her head, basking in the moment. “I have to go check on Maya,” she informs him. He nods, letting her go from his arms.
“I’ll meet you downstairs,” she nods, exciting his room. He sighs, pulling his phone out from his jacket, chuckling at the latest email from his associate, before exiting the room. Walking into a figure. He rolls his eyes as he makes contact with his least favourite brother.
“Jheeze,” Kai grumbles, holding his hand against his chest. “You scared me, but you do know you’re on the wrong wing. Dad keeps the goblins facing the driveway.” He smirks, stepping outside with his brother, in an attempt to rejoin the party. “Very funny,” Damon deadpans, folding his arms over his chest, blocking his exit. Kai sighs, poking his tongue against his cheek. “What do you want, Damon? It’s my party, I’d like to get back to it,” he forces a smile. Damon rolls his eyes,
“Oh please, let’s not act like you wanted to be there,” Kai doesn’t bother keeping up the act, visibly irritated by the presence of the older man.
“What do you want?” he asks, curtly.
“Stay away from my wife.” Damon says plainly.
“Excuse me?” He blinks, looking at him through his lowered brows.
“You heard me. You need to stay away from my wife and my daughter.” Kai snorts, shaking his head. “I don’t need to do anything.” He blinks, semi amused by his brother's audacity.
“Listen, I understand you had whatever was going on when you were teenagers, but she’s my wife now. Present tense. You need to back off , whatever you think is going to happen, won't. So, you need to stop.”
“Stop what? I haven’t done anything.” he presses his lips together to stop himself from smirking.
“You haven’t? So you’re telling me you don’t enjoy people complimenting you on the family that isn’t yours? You parade my daughter around like she’s yours any chance you can get. Bonnie’s grandmother doesn’t even look my way when you’re around.”
“She doesn’t look your way when I’m not around either. Don’t pretend like Sheila likes you. It’s not my fault you’re insecure, brother.”
“Insecure?” the older man scoffs. Kai nods, cocking his head to the side.
“You wanna know what I think? I think besides your glaring insecurity, you’re threatened by me. By my presence, and how you’re not as important as you think you are. It’s clear you’re not dad’s favourite anymore.” He chuckles, amused by the redness creeping up his brother’s neck. ”And your wife walking around the party with a bare ring finger,” he sucks in air for effect. “That’s a statement.” he shrugs, smiling. “Maybe you don’t do it for her either, maybe that’s why she’s been coming to the office as of recently,” the older man knits his brows together in confusion. “What are you talking about?” his brother manages to say, keeping his temper at bay.
“Oh? You know. The family practice division. You know, they’ve never lost a case.” he chuckles again. “Those twins too, they’re a lot more susceptible to speaking especially in great detail, with pictures and videos when there’s money involved.” he pats the older man’s cheek. “Did you hear that? I think dad’s starting his toast. You have a nice night Damon.”