Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Hope knew that if her week sucked after everything that happened with the Necromancer and the fallout with Alaric, that Josie’s was a million times worse. Josie was buried alive by something possessing her bio mom and then had to actually kill her bio mom to stop it. That is fucked up, even by a Mikaelson’s standards. And it should have felt strange to Hope, having empathy and caring about someone else. But this was Josie. Hope tried for most of her lifetime not to care about anyone, especially the kids at school. Especially Josie.

She could at least admit to herself that she did care though. Hearing the Necromancer’s words about her father; about how he wouldn’t have peace until she did, it only made her feel worse about everything that she had done. She pushed people away because it was easier, at the time, to be alone than to risk losing another person she cared about. It was easier to keep people away because when no one was around, then no one could hurt you. But that had always been a lie. Because she’s been hurt for years. Every time the twins gave her the cold shoulder. Well, Lizzie did that. Josie tried to be kind only to have Hope poke at her in retaliation. And every time she let her guard down and stopped poking, Lizzie (and Josie) would reach out only to be shot down again. In response, Lizzie would be bitchy again and then the whole process started over.

But Hope was tired of being hurt by it all the time. Because it did hurt, as much as she pretended she didn’t care about it. About them. And mostly, Hope was tired of being lonely. She knew that self preservation was only part of the reason that she had always kept her distance. The other part, the bigger part, was how guilty being happy made her feel. There were a few moments over the years, when she and Josie shared a moment. Or when Lizzie actually smiled at her as if they could have been friends in another lifetime. It was in those moments that she was reminded that they didn’t actually like her. They liked Hope Marshall. The girl she had to pretend to be to protect herself from the world.

Hope Marshall had been a lie. And being friends with anyone made her feel like she was lying to them because she couldn’t be honest about who she was. In class, whenever Klaus Mikaelson was brought up and portrayed as the big bad wolf, she had to pretend that she was just as appalled by her father as everyone else was. And it sometimes was easy, because he wasn’t around and she was mad at him for it. So it was easy to hate him. To wonder. Especially, after the vision she had seen all those years ago. The one where her father had killed someone---was killing someone.

It didn’t get easier when she returned to the school, after everything went down. Everyone knew she was really a Mikaelson now; and a tribrid at that. And maybe things should have been easier now that she didn’t have to pretend anymore. But she hated the world back then. Sometimes she still does. Because not only did they know exactly who she was now, but they all knew exactly what she lost. Her mother. Her father. Her uncle. And as far as she was concerned, all three of them were entirely her fault. Most days, she hated looking in the mirror.

It wasn’t just that she hated looking at herself, most days she simply hated herself. And it would have been easier to wallow in peace if Josie had actively hated her, too. Lizzie sure did. That was what upset her the most when she got back, the fact that Josie somehow still refused to look at her as if she was a monster. It wasn’t like they were friends. Not at all. And Josie did actively dislike her, but for very specific reasons this time. She knew that Josie disliked the fact that Alaric took Hope under his wing and spent special time with her at the expense of time spent with his own daughters. Josie disliked the fact that Hope was often rude to her without any provocation. And Josie probably disliked the fact that Hope had spent most of their lives lying to her about who she was. Hope knew that her dad and Caroline, Josie’s mom, had some kind of history. A semi romantic and not all bad one. So she assumed that Josie knew as well. The fact that they basically had a shared history, a common ground, and should have been instant friends rather than merely acquaintances was not lost on Hope.

So, yeah, Josie had valid reasons for disliking Hope. And Hope didn’t blame her at all. What made Hope upset, was that all those reasons still didn’t add up to Josie hating her. And it actually was almost painful that Josie looked at her as if still hopeful for friendship, because it gave Hope, well...hope. It made her feel less like a monster and more like a normal teenage girl. A girl who wanted friends. A girl who used to believe in love. A girl who missed her parents. A girl who just wanted someone to understand what it was like to feel so much that it was easier to pretend that she didn’t feel anything at all.

But wanting those things and deserving them were two completely different things. She didn’t deserve happiness or friends or peace or love, not after the things she had done. She didn’t deserve any of it because her parents were dead, because of her, and she was here. Alive. When she laughed she felt guilty. Or she had. Until two nights ago, when she learned that the only thing her father wanted for her was for her to find peace; so that he could as well. And she owed him that much at least. So she decided she would try her best to find peace. That meant that she likely would have to actually open herself up. Knowing that life was full of pleasure and pain was one thing, but actually inviting the possibility of pain and hurt and sorrow in her life was still terrifying. Scarier than any monster she had ever faced.

It had become more and more difficult to keep herself closed off though. Josie had that way about her that sort of just seeped into the cracks of her armor. It wasn’t intrusive, she realized. Or even a weakness. Just a fact. Josie had a quiet calm about her, which was the exact opposite of her sister. And she was genuinely kind. Selfless in a way that was new to Hope; being a Mikaelson and all. But kindness and gentleness didn’t make Josie weak, not in the least. She was fiercely protective of her family; a fact that Hope could admire, being who she was. Josie was also not without imperfection. She had dated Penelope Park after all. And then lit her on fire (which is a entirely different matter). Josie was also a powerful witch in her own right. Hope had gotten to see that first hand. Her strength and conviction. Her passion. But if Hope had to pick apart Josie’s weaknesses, or imperfections, she’d have to say that the one thing Josie could really use help with (aside from her romantic preferences) was confidence.

When Hope decided that she wanted to put herself out there (more like was forced to by the school counselor, but that was beside the point), she knew that Josie was her first choice as a friend. And it felt natural to give the girl a gift for her birthday. Well, not natural. She had been embarrassed and nervous, so she hid the gift in Josie’s room. But when she saw that Josie wore it the next day, she wasn’t embarrassed anymore. It made her happy that Josie appreciated the gift enough to adorn it for all to see. She even overheard her proudly explain to MG that it was a gift from Hope. Lizzie had given her a strange look, which may have been envy since Hope hadn’t thought of getting her a gift as well. The gift was more than just thoughtful, it had also been practical however. She wanted to help Josie gain confidence by allowing the girl to be heard.

Hope knew that Josie likely had a lot to say, and she wanted her to be able to say it. To feel confident enough to speak over her sister. To be seen for her own merits and achievements rather than just being Lizzie’s twin or Alaric’s daughter, or as of late, Penelope’s ex. Most of all, Hope wanted to hear anything and everything Josie had to say. She had been in the background far too long, she deserved the spotlight.

How could Hope have known that the gift meant to empower Josie, was the very thing that saved the girl’s life? She would never be more grateful that the charm worked. She (and MG and Penelope) were able to save Josie from being buried alive. But Hope started to worry that they didn’t save Josie from everything else. From everything that came after. Surviving was hard, Hope knew that first hand. And killing a parent, yeah, that sucked, too. Hope wasn’t naive enough to assume that just because Josie lived, that she was somehow fine and dandy. She knew life didn’t work that way. And she knew that she wanted Josie to be okay. That she wanted to be the one to help make sure that she was. To be there for her. To help heal her. The problem was that she didn’t know how to do that. Especially, when Josie was god knows where with Lizzie and Caroline.

She had left two days after the whole ordeal. And then the whole Necromancer happened and Hope was preoccupied and then completely shattered. And now that she knew that she wanted to find peace, for her dad’s sake, she also had to admit that she needed Josie to find peace as well. More So than ever. She wanted to be the person Josie needed her to be, but it’s been two days since she last heard from Josie. Two very long days. They had only texted four times since Josie left. And Hope wasn’t sure how to be a friend anyhow, but it was much harder to be a friend to someone who was in another continent and only answering her texts sporadically.

She let out a heavy sigh as her wandering mind returned back to the present. She toyed with the phone in her hands, as she twirled it around in her fingers. Josie’s last text had been a simple “Yeah, I’m good” when Hope asked if she was doing okay. She knew it was a lie. There was no way in Hell that anyone could be good after what Josie had been through. So she responded with a follow up text about missing her and telling her that she was there if she needed or wanted to talk about it. Again, that was two days ago. And maybe Hope had been rethinking her text and second guessing it. Was it clingy to admit that she missed her? They were hardly close enough friends for that to have been the case. Except that somehow it was.

Did she go too far? Push too hard? Was Josie in danger? Did she get kidnapped and murdered and was therefore unable to answer her phone? Did she just simply forget to pack a phone charger and her phone finally went dead and she was unable to contact her? Or maybe she was far enough away and removed from the situation that she realized she no longer wanted to be Hope’s friend. That thought somehow terrified Hope nearly as much as if Josie was dead or in danger.

She couldn’t control the onslaught of thoughts. Some more ridiculous than the others, but all of them troubled her. Hope mostly just needed to make sure that Josie was alive. Not okay or fine or good, but at least still above ground. And also that they were still friends. With that in mind, she closed her eyes and decided to bite the bullet, so to speak. She took a deep, steadying breath and released it as she opened her eyes.

She shakily found the name in her phone and pressed SEND to place the call.

“Speak of the devil.” Lizzie answered in lieu of a proper greeting.

“You were talking about me?” Hope wondered sincerely.

“Yeah, mom and I were talking because Josie’s been texting you.” Lizzie explained. “She’s in the shower now, so we won’t have long to talk.”

“Josie’s hasn’t really been texting me, which is why I’m calling. I wanted to see how she really is doing.”

Hope heard Lizzie sigh loudly on the other end of the line.

“Give it to me straight, Saltzman.” Hope demanded. She didn’t want Lizzie to sugarcoat anything.

Lizzie actually chuckled. “Straight. Funny.”

Hope rolled her eyes, not that Lizzie could see her.

“Come on, you said we don’t have a lot of time.” Hope practically growled.

“She has been texting you, even it it is only a few times...it’s basically more than she talks to anyone else. She hasn’t said more than a whole sentence to me or mom since we’ve been here. And I get that she is usually the quiet one of the two of us, but even for her...it’s…”  Lizzie lowered her voice to a near whisper, a plea. “I’m worried. Mom is too. Well, I’m terrified actually. I think it’s like the twin thing...I’m feeling what she’s feeling and she’s...she’s terrified. Or something else, anxious maybe. She usually calms me, because she’s usually calm. But…”

Hope listened intently. Normally, it would piss Hope off that Lizzie was somehow making Josie’s pain all about herself, but it didn’t feel that way this time. It felt like Lizzie was actually reaching out to her, and trying to explain how Josie was feeling the best way she knew how. She felt how Josie was feeling. And all she had was the feeling because Josie wasn’t saying a word. So much for the stupid charm and making quiet things heard.

Her eyes widened. Maybe this was the charm doing its job. Josie wasn’t speaking so the charm was communicating for her.

“Does she still wear the necklace I gave her?” Hope asked in a rush.

“Seriously? I tell you that I’m worried about my sister and that she is not doing well and you’re concerned with whether she’s wearing your necklace?” Lizzie hissed. “And you call me selfish and egotistical.”

“Come on, I’ve never called you that to your face.” Hope replied sardonically. “Answer my question, Lizzie.”

“I...she wears it. She hasn’t taken the damn thing off since you gave it to her. Which I’m still upset about by the way. It was my birthday, too, why didn’t you get me anything?”

“Focus, Lizzie, remember why I called.”

“I know. I just...if I pretend that everything is normal, then I don’t get overwhelmed by how helpless I feel that I can’t help my own sister. That I wasn’t there to save her...that she could have…”

“Lizzie…” Hope breathed soothingly. “I would love to unpack all of this later, and I’m not even saying that sarcastically, but right now I want to help Josie just as much as you do. Okay? And the necklace, you may not know this but...there is a charm I put on it. It’s what helped us find her. It’s supposed to make quiet things heard. I think...I think that since she isn’t talking right now...that the charm is trying to work through you. Like through your connection with her. That’s why you feel her emotions so strongly. So you have to listen to them, Lizzie. Promise me that you’ll do that.”

“I will.” Lizzie told her emphatically. “Mom and I were talking, just before you called, and I know that she hasn’t texted you very much since we’ve been here but she has texted some. And she hasn’t texted MG yet at all. She also hasn’t spoken to dad when we video chat with him. So...whatever you’re doing to make her respond to you, keep doing it. Okay? Just know that even if it seems like she isn’t answering or paying attention to your texts, she does read them. I’ve seen her. And...I don’t know. I guess...I guess I want to say thank you for being her friend. For saving her. And even though I am still kind of jealous, I am really happy that you got her a gift, now that I know it’s what saved her.”

That was the most Lizzie had probably ever spoken to her and none of the words were insulting, well, for the most part.

“Where are you guys? When will you be back?” Hope wondered.

“Oh, she’s coming. Gotta go!”

Hope held her phone in her hand as the line went dead and she frowned. She even considered throwing the damned thing against the wall. But before she could do so, it buzzed her in hand to let her know she just received a text.

From Lizzie.

Huh? Maybe they were friends now, too. Sort of.

Ask Josie those questions.

We’re only staying away because she didn’t want to go back yet.

Hope frowned again. She typed up a response and then deleted it and then typed again. Finally she sent one.

Okay, I will.

She quickly sent another.

Thanks, Lizzie

She received a thumbs up emoji in response. And then she bit her lip as she struggled to think of the words to send Josie.

After a litany of attempts, she finally held her breath as she pressed send on one that she found semi-adequate.

A lot has gone down here since you’ve been away.

I know that you may not be ready to talk about it or come back,

but I could really use a friend.

I’m having a rough time and it sucks.

Sure it was the absolute truth. And it was pretty shitty to throw more on Josie’s already full plate, but she was trying to get a response from the other girl. And everyone knew that Josie cared more about others than she did about herself. So maybe she wasn’t ready to talk about herself yet and Hope decided she wouldn’t push her to. But that didn’t mean she had to shut down and shut herself away completely. (Yes, that is hypocritical coming from her and she new it, but damn it. Josie didn’t deserve to feel the way that Hope always did)

The text got the desired result when Josie instantly responded.

Are you okay?!?!?!

Sorry I’ve been MIA, but I do want to be there for you.

You saved my life, I at least owe you that much.

Hope smiled even as she rolled her eyes.

You don’t owe me anything for saving your life, Josie.

If anything it was selfish, I don’t want to live in a world without you in it.

She bit her lip and shook her head at herself. She was coming off as a sentimental idiot and it was embarrassing.

Thank you for saying that, Hope.

But you still didn’t answer my question.

Are you okay?

I’m better, now.

I did something foolish, again.

Your dad probably hates me.

He doesn’t hate you.

No one ever could.

Believe me, Lizzie and I have tried.

Hope laughed out loud. Josie was actually making a joke. That was the best thing ever. She made a mental note to let Lizzie know. And then to also razz Lizzie about the fact that she didn’t actually hate her even though she always acted like she did.

I am offended that I have somehow lost my edge,

my family may disown me.

Well, you’re welcome to mine.

You’ve pretty much stolen my dad anyway.

Ouch. Two insults in two minutes.

I thought we were friends, Josie.

We are. I promise.

What did you do that you think my dad will hate you for?

I may have accidentally been responsible for letting the Necromancer escape….

What?!??!

How?!?!?!

Why??!?!?

It was selfish. He could raise the dead and I...I guess I wanted to see my parents again,

Regardless of the repercussions.

I understand that.

Your dad didn’t.

He does. After seeing his...my...after seeing Jo again,

he has to understand what that means.

I’m sure he’s just disappointed in you.

Not that you wanted to see them, but that the Necromancer got away.

Disappointment. That’s somehow worse that actual anger.

But you should have seen his face. I don’t think he’ll forgive me any time soon.

Yeah, well, I helped to re-murder the love of his life.

I wish he was just disappointed in me.

Hope’s heart tore in half at Josie’s words. She felt like she couldn’t breathe and was being crushed by the weight of them. She struggled to swallow.

Josie…

He doesn’t blame you for that.

No one does.

She waited thirty minutes for an answer but never received one. So she texted Lizzie. And instead of teasing her like she had wanted to earlier, her heart wasn’t in it.

I may have said the wrong thing.

Tell Josie, I’m sorry.

She didn’t get a response from Lizzie either. She sighed as she chucked her phone across the room. The screen most likely shattered, but it wasn’t like she had any use for a phone now. She didn’t have any friends left. She knew she’d screw things up with Josie eventually, but she didn’t think it would be so soon.

Hope tried to busy herself with homework and then got restless enough to go for a run. Being a wolf, like her mom promised, was the most free she ever felt. It helped her clear her mind and the fresh air was exhilarating. When she finally returned to her room, she gave in to the impulse to check her phone. The screen was cracked, but it still seemed to work. Not that she received any messages to know for sure. When it was finally time to try to sleep, she lay in her bed anxiously. Her mind had been clear during the run, but now she was replaying all the possible ways she truly screwed things up with the only friend she ever had.

The only reason she fell asleep that night was because she was too exhausted not to.

Xxxxxx

Hope woke up in the middle of the night startled by the ringing of her phone. She snapped forward in her bed as she blinked her eyes owlishly. Then she checked the clock in her room, and frowned because it was 3:30 in the morning. As she reached for her phone, a whole new set of dread set it. It wasn’t Josie’s name that lit up her broken screen, it was Lizzie’s.

Great, she was about to get yelled at. Or worse.

“Hello?” She croaked into the phone and then quickly cleared her throat.

“I woke you up.”

“Yeah, well, I’m awake now so don’t feel obligated to apologize.”

Lizzie sighed. “Sorry, Hope. I wanted to let you know, not through text, that...well, I wanted to say that you didn’t make things worse or screw things up. I wanted to say, ‘Thank you.’”

Hope was stunned. “You’re thanking me? For what?”

She was fully awake now, so she sat up straighter in bed and pulled her legs up into her chest as she rested her arms against her knees.

“Whatever you said to Josie...she...she isn’t calm, but she, I think it was contentment that I felt from her. Or at least it was nothing scary or painful this time.”

Hope smiled to herself. “Where is she now?”

“Sleeping.” Lizzie admitted quietly, as if remembering that fact and deciding not to wake her sister.

“Sleeping? What time is it over there? Where are you anyway? You never said.”

“It’s afternoon.” Lizzie paused for a second and Hope listened to her breathing while she waited for the blonde to gather her words. “Josie doesn’t sleep at night. She hasn’t since…” She trailed off. “Anyway, mom and I think she’s too scared to close her eyes because she’s scared of waking up in the dark and thinking she got buried alive again. So she stays up all night and then eventually, after a day or so of no sleep...she’ll just pass out in the middle of the afternoon. Like her body can’t take it anymore and just shuts down for a few hours. But she doesn’t sleep long because she always wakes up screaming, yelling for help. She has really bad nightmares, Hope. Or we assume so. Because she has never actually told us about it or the lack of sleeping. Not really. A few words here and there, but the rest we had to piece together.”

Hope hated that it was that bad for Josie, but it wasn’t like she thought the girl was fine. She knew she wasn’t. That’s why she’d been so worried.

“Where are you guys? I’ll come to you.” Hope told the other girl.

“You can’t just...I mean, you shouldn’t come here. You’re helping already, Hope, you don’t need to fly halfway around the world just to sit and pray that she’ll say an actual sentence to you.”

“I know I don’t have to. I want to.”

“Why?”

“Why what? Why do I want to help, Josie? Because it’s Josie . She’s the best person I know.”

“Well, I know that. Since when did you? The two of you were barely friends three months ago.”

“Come on, Lizzie. We’ve known each other most of our lives, we don’t have to be best friends to care about each other.”

“So...if it were me, you would hop on the first plane to Romania just to check on me?” Lizzie sounded understandably skeptical.

“Well, not the first plane.” Hope admitted.

Lizzie actually chuckled at the admittance. “I wouldn’t do that for you either.” Then she sighed thoughtfully. “But Josie would have. The only reason I reached out to you every couple of years was because she begged me to. She hated that you were all alone. It didn’t matter that you chose to be, she just wanted you to have someone in your corner. Someone at the school that you could count on, if you ever needed it. So I would go out of my way to try and be your friend and you always shut me down. It actually hurt, Hope. Because contrary to popular belief, I do have feelings. And even though it hurt my feelings and I admit, my ego, the real reason I was always so pissed at you was because it hurt Josie even more.”

Hope actually felt like shit. She was a shit person.

“I…”

“No, I get it. You had to hide who you were because people were hunting you and your family. When we found out, Josie actually compared you to a superhero who had to hide their secret identity to protect the people they cared about. The fact that you were the tribrid spawn of a supervillain never even crossed her mind.”

Hope let herself smile at that. Josie really was something else.

“I never actually hated you though.” Lizzie continued. “I wanted to because you stole all of dad’s attention, and you somehow always seemed unaffected by everything. By everyone. And I envied that. I care what people think and it sucks. And Josie...not only does she care what other people think of her...but she also feels their pain, you know? Like not literally, but she empathizes with them. When I hurt, she hurts. When you hurt, she hurts.”

They were both silent for a moment. Lizzie must have realized she was rambling to Hope of all people.

“I don’t mean to overstep my bounds…” Hope laughed humorlessly at herself which made Lizzie laugh too. “I can’t believe that I was about to censor how I talk to you. I must be tired.”

“Tell me what you need to, Hope, I can handle it.”

‘Because I’m used to it’ went left unsaid.

“Why don’t you let people see this side of you?” Hope wondered honestly.

“What do you mean? I’m oversharing and rambling and I’m still somehow being a bitch to you.”

“No, you’re being honest and vulnerable and you. You’ve said more to me in the last two days than you have in the last ten years. And not only that, but hardly any of it was about yourself. It was about Josie. And the parts about me were rather insightful. Yet, you let everyone think that you’re a narcissistic and selfish bitch. I’m pretty sure that Penelope broke Josie’s heart because of you. Because she didn’t understand who you were and how much you cared about Josie. Not that it excused her behavior or her cheating, but...you have to know that the girl is still completely in love with Josie, right?”

Lizzie huffed. “Don’t get me started on Penelope. You do know she and Josie kissed on our birthday. After you guys saved Josie. Right?”

Hope didn’t know that. And for a reason she tried not to dwell on, she didn’t like it.

“I didn’t know that.” She stated as she tried to keep her voice even. “Are they getting back together then?”

“Ha! You forget that Josie doesn’t talk to me anymore. So how would I know? I had to learn about the kiss from Satan herself.”

“Penelope told you they kissed? How do you know it’s true then? As I was trying to point out, she has made it her life mission to destroy you.”

“Yeah, she hates me. And you’re right, she believes I’m the real reason that things didn’t work out with Josie. She tried to get between us. She thinks I’m a leech on my own sister, and that I drain the life out of her. But what she always failed to realize is that whenever she struck out at me, it also hurt Josie.”

“Not to mention the cheating. Don’t forget that part.” Hope growled.

“You seem to hate her more than I do.”

Hope inhaled deeply as she closed her eyes tightly. Then she opened them and exhaled slowly. Evenly. “I don’t actually hate her. Anymore. She helped me and MG save Josie. When she found out Josie was in danger, she dropped everything without question and helped me look for her. I just hate what she did. To Josie.”

“Huh…”

“What?” Hope asked when Lizzie seemed like she wasn’t going to elaborate on her own.

“I didn’t realize you were even paying attention to what was going on around you. Most of that was almost nine months ago. You barely left your room except for class and even then, it was sporadic. How’d you know all of that was going on?”

Hope bit her lip shyly as she contemplated how vulnerable she was willing to be with the other girl.

“Just because I kept to myself, that didn’t mean that I didn’t know what was going on around me. Dad always said to ‘know thy enemy.’”

“Uh huh. And which one was your enemy, Penelope or Josie?”

Hope would have sworn that Lizzie wore a smirk as she asked the question.

“Anyone and everyone at that school was a potential enemy. It was recently announced that I was actually a Mikaelson, so I didn’t know who to trust. Trusting anyone at all was hard for me, after Roman.”

“Wow, you really are more screwed up than I am, aren’t you?” Lizzie mused, but it wasn’t laced with any sort of malice.

“I never denied it.”

The blonde hummed. “You’re right. You actually always warned us about it.”

“I may be a lot of things, but I try not to be a liar.”

“Can I ask you something?”

“You’re going to whether I say ‘yes’ or not, so just ask, Lizzie.”

“Were you shocked when you found out that Josie liked girls?” Lizzie wondered. “It surprised the hell out of me when she first told me about dating Penelope.”

Hope thought about the question sincerely. “At first I was a bit surprised, but it wasn’t like I shouldn’t have expected it. Josie loves people. So I guess it shouldn’t have been all that surprising that she didn’t rule out loving someone just because they were a girl.” Her eyes widened. “I’m sorry if that isn’t politically correct or whatever. It wasn’t meant as an insult or judgement, just an observation. And honestly, I guess I feel the same way. It’s about the person, you know. Love is love.”

“Wait?!?!?! Are you...did you…” Lizzie lowered her voice to barely a whisper. “Are you saying you’re gay, too?”

Hope sighed. She honestly didn’t know what she was saying. “I don’t know. Is it okay to not know?”

“It’s absolutely okay not to know. And it’s also okay to know and not feel the need to come out to anyone. It’s your prerogative. You don’t owe anyone anything. But in case you’re wondering, whatever you are or aren’t is fine with me. And it will be more than fine with Josie, too.”

“Thank you, Lizzie. That means a lot.” And it did.

“I actually enjoyed our talk, Hope. But I should let you get some sleep. And I think I’m going to run to a cafe and grab some hot chocolate and pastries for Josie before she wakes up. Also, my mom told me to tell you ‘Hi.’ She just walked in the room and wants to talk to me.”

“Goodbye. Lizzie. And thanks again for checking in. I was moments away from buying a plane ticket to fix whatever I thought I ruined.”

“You didn’t even know where we were, how were you going to buy a ticket?”

“I would’ve figured that out when I got to Europe. If I couldn’t have found you, I’d always just go visit my Aunt Rebecca.”

“You really are something, Mikaelson.” Lizzie responded sounding almost wistfully.

“Night, Saltzman.” Hope yawned in response before hanging up her phone.

She was able to fall asleep quickly after the conversation. Although, thoughts about Josie and Penelope Park kissing may have soured her dreams a bit.

She woke up when her alarm went off three hours later. As much as she hated it, she made herself go to her classes. It was about lunchtime when she received a text from Josie. It had to have been close to nighttime there. Hope assumed that perhaps the brunette was having trouble sleeping.

Instead of responding via text, she decided to call her. She knew that Josie might not answer, but she had to try. She really wanted to hear the other girl’s voice so that she could know for herself that she was okay. Or at least, relatively speaking.

To her delight, Josie answered on the second ring.

“Hey you. Sorry I fell asleep on you earlier. I didn’t mean to just stop texting.” Josie greeted softly as she answered.

“It’s okay. Sleep is important.” Hope rolled her eyes at herself because she sounded like an idiot.

“Yeah, well, I haven’t been getting a lot lately.”

“You’ve been through a lot, Josie, it’s okay to not be okay.”

Josie just hummed an affirmative before she sighed. “Is it okay if we don’t talk about me? You said that you were having a hard time, I want to hear about it.”

“I already told you that I made a mistake and disappointed your dad. And well, I used MG to do it, so now he hasn’t really been talking to me. I feel bad that I got him in trouble, and that I used him the way I did. I don’t want to be that person.”

“Then don’t be.”

“You make it sound easy.”

“It can be. You’re a good person, Hope. You’re the only person who doesn’t believe that.”

“I’m not though. Not really.”

“You saved my life, twice really. You saved Lizzie from that gargoyle. You helped Rafael through his stuff. And that’s just what I can think of off the top of my head.”

“I’m pretty sure that’s all there is. My greatest hits. All three of them.”

They were both silent for a moment.

“What about the time when I was in fourth grade and I was being teased by one of the other witches, I don’t remember her name…” Josie started, but Hope interrupted her.

“Sadie Freeman. She’s still a bitch.”

“She picked on me because I didn’t have any friends besides Lizzie and you kicked her in the knee and then cast a spell where she couldn’t talk for a week. You also sat beside me at lunch that day, I always thought it was to prove to Sadie that I did have another friend besides my sister.”

“I almost forgot about that day.” Hope commented. She remembered it like it was yesterday as soon as Josie brought it up, but she hadn’t thought about it since that day.

“And every time I felt sad when my mom or dad left the school for official business , I would always somehow find a little sketch of something cute in my room. Underneath the door, waiting for me. Little cats or puppies and sometimes, just a pretty sunset or beautiful flower. But it was always there and I know it was you, even if you never mentioned it.”

“I hated seeing you sad. I always have.” Hope didn’t realize that Josie always knew they were from her. “If you knew it was me, why didn’t you say something?”

“I guess I figured that if you wanted me to know, then you’d say something. And I didn’t want you to stop making them.”

Hope smiled sadly at that. If she had been confronted, she likely would have stopped. Josie really did know her better than pretty much anyone else ever could.

“Tell me about your dad.” Josie said out of nowhere.

“What?” Hope’s voice cracked.

“I only know what we learned about him in school or from my dad’s point of view. And then later from my mom’s. He sounded like two completely different people when you hear them each talk about him. So I figured the truth is somewhere in the middle and what better way to get the whole picture than from his daughter.”

“Why do you want to know anyway?”

“Because he’s your dad.”

Hope sighed shakily. “My dad did do some really bad things. A lot of bad things. But he was still my dad. And I know that he regretted some of the things he did. He and his brothers and sisters had a very complicated relationship, but they were his family and he loved them so fiercely. Sometimes, I think he loved them too much and that is where all the problems stemmed from. He also just wanted to be good enough for them. He tried so hard and then when he failed he would get so frustrated and angry and then do worse things. But I understand that about him, the need to be enough. To have someone love you back just as fiercely and completely as you love them. He was very protective of the people he loved. It took a lot to get on his good side, because he didn’t forgive or trust easily, but if you were lucky enough to be loved by him...to be one of his chosen family...then he would kill for you. And he would die for you. He died for me.”

“Hope…”

“He also...he loved music. I think that’s why he loved New Orleans so much. It’s the birthplace of jazz. And he loved to read. History or poetry, it didn’t matter. He loved it all. He tried to pretend that he didn’t care as much as he did. But he was sort of a romantic at heart, and poetry was something he loved. My dad was also the most talented painter. Painting calmed him, I think. Or it seemed to. It calms me. I paint when I’m happy because I want to share it with the world in a way that is real--a way that lasts. Because happiness is so fleeting, it’s important to document it. But I also paint when I’m sad, as a comfort. As a way to feel connected to him. It’s nice to share something with him, to have something like that in common. Something that is beautiful and not scary or deadly or horrible.”

“You sound like you have the very best parts of your dad in you. And from what little I’ve heard about your mom, you’re a lot like her as well.”

“My mom was wonderful. She was perfect. She was the only person I ever knew that commanded the respect of witches, werewolves and vampires. Everyone loved my mom. Well, not everyone. I mean, she was murdered because she was a hybrid. And people are scared of what they don’t understand. But she was a great person, Josie. You would have loved her.” Hope smiled to herself in memory. “She would have loved you. You remind me of her a lot, you know. She was selfless and strong and full of compassion. Everyone respected her not because they feared her the way they did my father, but because they adored her. People adore you too, Josie. Witches, vampires and werewolves.”

“You’re not just referring to yourself are you, because you’re all three?”

Hope laughed. “Not at all. I was thinking more of MG, Penelope and Rafael. But yeah, I think you’re alright also.”

Josie actually chuckled a bit at that. And to Hope, it sounded genuine.

“Speaking of Penelope…” Hope trailed off hoping that Josie took the bait.

“What did she say?”

Well shit. It wasn’t like Hope could lie to Josie. She couldn’t bring herself to, no matter how much she wanted to continue this avenue of discussion. Her paused made Josie sigh in frustration but she continued talking anyway.

“She won’t stop texting me. I don’t know what to say to her. I told her after I kissed her that it was a mistake and that I didn’t want to get back together. But I also knew how she felt about me and shouldn’t have kissed her to begin with if I had no intention of being with her.”

So Josie was the one who initiated the kiss. Hope didn’t see that coming.

“You had just been through something traumatic. You weren’t in the right frame of mind.” Hope supplied helpfully. “I’m sure that Penelope doesn’t hold any of it against you. She’s probably just reaching out to check in on you. She does care, Josie. And so does MG. And your sister. We all care. And you don’t owe us explanations and you don’t need to smile and pretend everything is fine when we know it isn’t. We just want to let you know we’re here in whatever capacity that you may need or want us. So don’t be so hard on them or assume that they want anything more from you than to just be your friend. You’ve been there for us all plenty of times, we’re just trying to return the favor.”

“You don’t think I’m a horrible person for leading her on?”

“She hurt you really bad Josie, and she knows it. I’m sure she also knows that doing one good thing doesn’t nullify all the bad things she did to hurt you. She understands she has to work to be back in your good graces again. At this point, I’m pretty sure that she’d settle for being just friends with you again. I know from personal experience that it’s better to have you in my life in any capacity than to not have you at all. Even when we were basically frenemies, I liked knowing that you were there. The world needs you, Josie. We all need you.”

Josie was quiet for a long time and Hope started to think that she said the wrong thing again.

“So that’s a ‘no’ then?” Josie asked tentatively.

Hope laughed wholeheartedly. “That is definitely a ‘no.’ You are not at all a horrible person.”

“How do you not hate me?” Josie asked shyly.

“How? Did you not just hear everything I said?”

“I did. I heard how much you love your dad and how much you miss him. I heard about how you made a deal with the Necromancer so that you could try to see him again. But Hope...I’m the reason he’s dead. Lizzie and I...we killed him. When we took that dark magic from you and we put it in him…”

“You listen to me, Josette Forbes-Saltzman. I never once blamed you or Lizzie for any of that. You took that dark magic out of me because you were asked to. You took it to save my life. My dad...he wanted to save me. He wanted to protect me, from him. And when he took it, he saved us all by dying. That was his decision. I spent most of these last few years hating myself because it was my dark magic to begin with. And I’ve hated him for being noble for the first time in his life and doing the right thing for everyone else, even if it broke my heart. But I never once hated you. Not even a little bit.”

Hope heard Josie’s soft sobs on the other end of the receiver.

“Josie, are you...it’s okay. I promise, I mean it.”

“You don’t hate me.”

“No.”

“You don’t blame me?”

“No.” She repeated emphatically.

“And you don’t think dad hates me for Josette?” It was barely a whisper, spoken through broken sobs.

“I think your dad loves you and I think your dad was grateful that he got to see her again, even if for a little while. I think it was great that she got to see how you and Lizzie grew up, and witness the wonderful people you became. I think it’s horrible that you were forced to do what you did and it breaks my heart that you’re hurting over it. But no one could possibly think any of it was your fault or think any less of you for what you had to do.”

“I was scared to go back home because I was scared he wouldn’t be able to look at me. He said that I remind him of her the most. And I’ve even got her name. I just...if he looks at me like I…”

“You’re scared of him seeing you the way you see yourself...like a monster.” Hope concluded.

“Yes.”

“I’m responsible for my own mother’s death, Josie. Not directly, but...well, anyway, I’m at fault. And I’m also at fault for my dad. Plus, I did actually, although unintentionally, kills someone. Which I’m sure you assumed since I triggered my werewolf gene. But when you look at me...you’ve never once seen me as a monster, or pitied me. Why is that?”

“Because I don’t think you are a monster. And you may have not made the best choices sometimes, but it doesn’t make you a bad person either. Like I said before. You also don’t deserve my pity, or anyone else’s. You’re stronger than that. You deserve better than that.”

“How about we make a pact then? I will try to see myself the way you see me, if you try to see yourself the way I see you. Deal?”

“I think I can do that. I’ll try.”

“Okay, good. And when you’re struggling...when you start to see yourself as something other than you are, I will be there to remind you that you are anything but a monster. Just like you’ve always done for me.”

“That sounds good. I like that idea.”

“And could you do something else for me, Jo?”

The nickname slipped off her lips and she didn’t bother to correct herself. Josie didn’t seem to mind.

“What is it?”

“Next time someone reaches out to you, will you answer them? You don’t have to spill your guts or carry on a conversation. Just let them know you’re still alive.”

“My friends?”

“And your sister.”

“Lizzie...I’m scared that…”

“Scared that what?”

“I’m scared that if I start talking to her that I’ll start crying and then I’ll never be able to stop. I think it’s easier to not talk than it is to admit that I don’t know what to say.”

“You did pretty good with me just now.”

“Because you’re an ocean away and I can’t see if you’re pitying me or not. I can feel how anxious and upset and angry Lizzie is. And I’m scared to learn if it’s all directed at me.”

“You’re twins. Maybe what you feel from her is a reflection of what you’re actually feeling. Like...she senses your anxiety and fear and it makes her feel that way. If you talked to her, you’d know for sure. Isn’t knowing betting than guessing?”

Josie sighed. “I do miss her. It’s been strange to miss her when she’s right in front of me. And I know that a lot of it is on me because I’ve shut down. But now it’s been so long I don’t even know where to start.”

“Start wherever you want to. You don’t owe her anything more than what you feel comfortable giving, so long as it’s something.”

“I’m surprised you’re looking out for her. When did the two of you become friends?”

“It’s recent. In all honesty, I reached out to her when you didn’t return my texts. Not to go behind your back, but just to check in. And when the conversation didn’t turn into a string of insults, we realized that we didn’t hate each other as much as we thought.”

Josie was quiet.

“I wasn’t trying to hurt you Josie. I was just worried.” Hope pleaded for her to understand.

“What did you talk about? I know it was about me. What was it?” Josie demanded.

“I thought I might have said the wrong thing or ruined things when you didn’t respond right away and she just assured me that I shouldn’t give up. Not that I ever intended to. She was just glad that you were talking to someone, even if it wasn’t her. Because she cares, Josie. She cares about you more than anyone.”

“And that’s it?”

“She admitted that she doesn’t hate me. So I had to let her know that the feeling was mutual.”

“So you are friends now.”

“You’re still my best friend.” Hope admitted truthfully.

“I am.”

“Come on Josie, I don’t spill my soul to just anyone. I don’t make friends with my mortal enemy for no reason. I care about you. I think I always have.”

“You’re my best friend, too.”

“That’s a lie. I know Lizzie is. And then MG. I’m third best at most.” Hope knew it and it didn’t even bother her. Well it did, but she’d get over it.

“You’re right. Lizzie is my best friend. But you beat out MG. Unless you also kissed my ex.”

“I did not kiss Penelope, no.”

“Good.”

“Josie...I was thinking, I know you may not be ready to come home yet, but I would like to see you. Face to face.”

“I’m not letting you fly all the way over here just to check up on me, Hope. I appreciate that you want to, but it isn’t necessary. I’m in good hands. I’ve got both my mom and Lizzie watching over me. Too closely if you ask me, but yeah, I’m fine. Or, I will be. Some day.”

“I knew you’d say that, that’s why I was thinking of a little something different.”

“What do you mean different?”

“Astral projection.”

“Magic. Are you even capable of doing that kind of magic?”

“My Aunt Freya is. She could teach me. Or help me.”

“You just got in trouble with my dad and you want to risk his wrath again by doing magic outside the classroom. You know it’s against the rules.”

“I won’t do it at school then. I’ll go down and visit my aunt. Your dad can’t punish me for breaking school rules if I’m not at school.”

“Hope, I’m not sure.”

“And so we’re clear, I would break the rules for you though. Just so you know.”

“I appreciate that. I think.” Josie took a sharp intake of breath before she exhaled loudly. “Astral projection, huh?”

“Yup. We could actually talk face to face. No more international phone charges.”

“I didn’t think of that! My parents are going to kill me when they get my phone bill.”

“Then aren’t you glad I’ve thought of the perfect solution.”

“The perfect solution is going back home and actually seeing you face to face. But this will have to do in the meantime. I mean, if you can figure out a way to get it to work.”

“I will. Trust me.”

“I do trust you.”

That small utterance warmed Hope’s heart.

“Well, I should go. I’ve got to get to class.” Hope announced.

“I guess I’ll see you later then.”

“Yeah, I’ll see you.”

Hope smiled as they said their goodbyes and she hug up. About ten minutes later she received a text from Lizzie.

Thank you.

She smiled to herself. The blonde had been awake for at least part of that conversation. It must have been frustrating for Lizzie though, knowing that Josie barely spoke three words to her and yet held a long and deeply sincere conversation with Hope. She felt bad for the other girl.

 You’re welcome.

   I hope she takes my advice and talks to you in the morning.

So do I.

Astral projection, huh?

I happen to like the idea.

It’s a good one.

I think so too.

Josie was right. You’re one of the good ones, Hope.

That’s high praise coming from you.

Yeah, well, it’s all you’re getting.

I’ll take it.

Goodnight Mikaelson.

Bye Saltzman

Hope didn’t even realize she missed lunch and the period after, but she also didn’t care at all. Josie talked to her. They were still okay. Instead of going to her next class, she went to speak with Alaric.

“I’m guessing your request to visit your aunt has something to do with trying to learn how to use astral projection.”

“How did you know?”

He sighed loudly and even produced a slight smile on her otherwise overstressed face.

“Josie actually texted me. I’ve been trying to get her to respond all week, and then suddenly out of the blue she texted me. About 10 minutes before you walked in. She wanted to make sure that if you did use magic in school, outside of a classroom, she wanted to make sure I understood why and didn’t expel you.”

Hope couldn’t help smiling. “She said that?”

He leaned forward across his desk and studied her face. “Caroline said she hasn’t so much as looked at her or Lizzie all week, but that she is glued to her phone when she talks to you. What’s going on between you and my daughter?”

Hope shrugged. “We’re friends. And I’ve been through Hell in my lifetime, as you are well aware, so I guess Josie just figures that if anyone could understand what she might be dealing with, it’s me. Or maybe she knows that I might be the only person who will never judge her or who will never get scared away by whatever demons she may have.”

He narrowed his eyes at her. It was as if he was scrutinizing her words for their verity. “Josie is a kind hearted selfless girl, and yes, she got buried alive and almost died...but I don’t understand...what demons could she have? I get that she’s traumatized and haunted by what happened, but Josie…”

“Josie is a pure hearted person who was forced to basically kill her birth mother, the love of your life. How well do you think she can handle that?”

Alaric’s eyes widened and his mouth dropped open. He closed it as he swallowed harshly and shook his head as if to clear his mind.

“Has she told you this stuff or are you making assumptions?”

She raised an eyebrow at him questioningly. “Are you saying that she and Lizzie didn’t kill your wife?”

“She was already dead. She...they just returned her...they didn’t kill Josette.”

Hope nodded. “I agree with you. I know that they couldn’t murder someone who was already dead. And I know that Josie wouldn’t hurt a fly. But what we know doesn’t change the way that Josie and Lizzie feel about what they were forced to do. Again.” She knew that Alaric understood that she was talking about Klaus and what the young twins had been asked to do back then. “Lizzie might not be as noticeably silent and distressed about everything that happened, but she’s suffering as well, Alaric.”

Alaric stood up from behind the desk and started to pace anxiously. “I’ve begged Caroline to bring them home. She said that Josie refused. How can I help my little girls if they aren’t here?”

“I can get them to come back. I know I can. If you let me do this. If you let me talk to her face to face...I only want to help Josie. I would do anything for her.” Hope begged.

He stopped pacing and turned to face Hope directly. “You’ve already somehow helped her more than I ever could. I…” Alaric walked toward her and rested his hand on her shoulder and looked her in the eye. “I used to talk to you about not turning out like your father. I was worried that your anger and your isolation and all the walls you put up...I was so scared about what you would become. But I was wrong to fear you, Hope. You’re so much more like your mother. Her compassion, and love, and strength. But you do have some of your dad in you as well. His sense of loyalty and, in his own way, his honor. His protectiveness over his family or the people he considered to be his family. He would be so proud of you. They both would be. I am proud of you, Hope. So proud.”

Hope hadn’t realized she was crying until her tears started to drip on her neck and her exposed shoulder. Alaric, bless him, didn’t comment on it. Instead, he stepped away and gave her room to wipe at the tears frantically. To distract from her current state, she decided to deflect as usual. Only this time, it wasn’t poking like she had always done to Josie or Lizzie. This time it was with a harmless, yet sarcastic retort.

“So, does that mean it’s a ‘yes’? I can go visit Aunt Freya and use the astral projection spell to talk to Josie?”

He smiled at her and shook his head ruefully. “It’s good to see some things never change. You’re always going to be a pain in my ass, aren’t you.”

Hope laughed at that. “I will certainly try.”

“Yes. Find out how to bring my daughters home.”

She nodded and turned to walk away.

“And for the record, you’re far better for her than Penelope Park ever was.”

Hope stopped suddenly and frowned. Then she glanced over her shoulder at him. “I told you, Josie and I are just friends.”

He smiled again. “I know.”

She walked away with a furrowed brow trying to understand what had happened. Although, she didn’t dwell on it since she had a phone call to make and some packing to do. The idea of seeing her aunt again and then getting to talk face to face with Josie put a smile on her lips that didn’t leave for the rest of the afternoon.

Hope was nearly finished packing when there was a hesitant knock on her door.

“Come in.” She announced without looking toward the door.

“Hey.”

It was MG who stepped into the room, and he shut the door behind him.

“Josie finally responded to my text today. She said that she’s doing better, that she won’t be gone much longer. And that I have to forgive you.”

She shook her head with a smirk. “She’s really making the rounds.”

“What do you mean?”

“I was talking to her this afternoon, and…”

“Wait, like actually talking? Or texting?” He asked for clarification.

“Talking.”

His raised eyebrows looked hilarious but Hope didn’t tease him about his reaction.

“ Anyway, we were talking and I asked her to check in with everyone else so that you all didn’t continue to worry. Not that you’ll suddenly stop worrying, but I know it sucks to be shut out when all you want to do is help.”

MG nodded his head thoughtfully. “That would explain why she also messaged Penelope. That girl has been on cloud nine ever since.” He studied her intently. “Should I tell her that she doesn’t stand a chance getting back together with Josie, or are you gonna do it?”

Hope shrugged.

“Come on! You can’t pretend that it doesn’t bother you that they kissed again.”

“It doesn’t. Do I think Josie deserves better? Yes, absolutely. But is it Josie’s choice? Yes. It is.”

“Come on, when you found out that Penelope cheated on Josie you were just as pissed off as Lizzie was about it. Which at the time was slightly odd, but suddenly is making more sense.” MG declared.

“If you’re implying what I think you’re implying...you’ve got it all wrong. I don’t know how many times I’ll have to say this today, but Josie and I are just friends.”

“Lizzie and I are just friends, doesn’t mean I don’t want more.” He countered.

She frowned and shook her head. “You shouldn’t go into a friendship hoping for more, MG. It isn’t fair to that person. Because then you are just, I don’t know, waiting to swoop in and be the knight in shining armor, but all she really wants and needs is a friend.”

Her words made him frown. “It’s not like I’m not okay with just being friends. Wanting to be seen as more someday doesn’t make me a bad person, Hope.”

“That’s not what I meant. I just...I think honesty is important. I think both people have the right to have their feelings validated. As long as you give Lizzie that same courtesy, that she knows you won’t just ditch her if she only ever just wants to be friends.”

“I know! And I won’t pressure her, I just want to let her know that I could be an option. I don’t have to be, but I do want to be. If she turns me down, I promise I’ll walk away. No means no, right?”

Hope nodded at that. At least he seemed to understand what she was trying to say. She knew that her words didn’t always come out right.

“And just because I think Josie deserves better than Penelope, that doesn’t automatically mean that I think I’m the one who deserves her. I know she deserves better than me as well. Hypothetically speaking. Since we are just friends.”

He smirked at her. “Right. You’re right.”

“So, you came in here because Josie told you to forgive me. And have you?”

He nodded. “I helped you because you’re my friend, Hope. And I did understand why it was so important to you. I hate how it happened and I hate what happened after. But I don’t hate you. We’re still friends.”

“Thank you. I don’t have many of those. And I’d really like to keep the ones that I’ve got.”

He chuckled at that. “You and Penelope seemed close that night. Killing zombies together. Those who slay together stay together right?”

Hope genuinely laughed at that. She did enjoy MG as a person. He was kind and funny and full of positive energy. She felt lucky to count him as a friend.

“You seem dead set on playing matchmaker. How do you know I’m not straight?”

“You and Raf seem pretty close. And he is single, and you’re single.” He pivoted the conversation with ease as he smirked at her and winked.

“You are awful.”

“No, I’m supportive. I don’t care who you fall for, as long as it isn’t Lizzie.”

She laughed again. “Trust me. It will never be Lizzie.” She contemplated that statement for a minute. “We are friends now though.”

“Oh, friends.” He teased.

She threw the shirt she was currently packing at him and smiled when it hit him square in the face.

“You’re lucky I wasn’t holding something heavier.” She told him seriously.

“Believe me, I am well aware of that.” He said as he tossed the offending shirt back at her and she easily caught it. “What are you packing for anyway?”

“Roadtrip. I’m going to New Orleans to visit my Aunt Freya.”

“Really?” He sat on her bed and looked at her. “Scheduled visit or are you running away?”

She raised an eyebrow at him. “I cleared it with Alaric if that’s what you’re asking.”

“Aren’t you worried that you’ll be gone if Josie comes back?”

She shook her head. She was doing this for Josie. This was her attempt to get the other girl to come back. But she wasn’t about to tell him that. Not only would he likely tease her, but she also didn’t want to disappoint him if it didn’t work. She would be disappointed enough for herself if she failed.

“Well, I guess I could text you. If she does come back while you’re gone.”

“I appreciate that, MG. Truly.”

Instead of leaving after that, MG stayed put on her bed. “You’d appreciate it enough to do me a favor in return? Like put in a good word about me with your new friend, Lizzie?”

She rolled her eyes and swung her arm at him playfully, but it had the desired effect and he hopped off her bed to avoid her.

“Kidding. Sort of. Anyway, I’ll let you finish packing.” He walked toward the door. “And since you’re also the reason that Josie finally responded to my texts, thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” She told him sincerely.

“Talk to you later.”

“Yeah, you too.”

MG walked out of her room without another word. Hope hurriedly finished her packing and made it to the bus station with time to spare. As she closed her eyes and rested her head against the cool window, she let her thoughts idly wander. Weeks ago, she was still in self imposed isolation. She was angry, depressed, alone and hurting. Currently, she was still many of those things, but she was also genuinely hopeful for the first time since she could remember. And she was full of...affection. Maybe something close to contentment. Not quite happy. Not with two of her friends still hurting so badly. But she was still happy from her talk with MG and Alaric and coupled with her recent closeness to both Josie and Lizzie--she fell almost full. Or in the very least, no longer empty. That had to be a good thing, right?

Xxxxxxx

Freya was at the station waiting for her when Hope got of the bus. She was immediately enveloped in a hug and it made her realize how much she had missed her aunt. How much she missed New Orleans.

“It’s so good to see you.” Freya said as she pulled away and held both of Hope’s cheeks in her hands. “You look more beautiful every time I see you.”

She shrugged with embarrassment. “Good genes I guess.”

Freya smirked at that. “Damn right.”

They walked toward her aunt’s car as they chatted about Keelin and the baby and life. Then the conversation moved to Hope and school and why she was there.

She talked to her briefly about the twins and what had happened and how she wanted to help when she was on the phone with her earlier.

“If I remember correctly, the twins were never that nice to you. I thought we hated them.”

Hope scowled at her aunt from the passenger seat as she buckled herself in. “I never said I hated them.”

“You never had anything good to say about them either.” Freya pointed out.

“I did complain about them often. Lizzie mostly. But that...I…”

“You wanted them to like you and you were hurt that they didn’t? Lizzie’s popular and one of those mean girls, isn’t she?”

Hope sighed. “Well, no. I mean, she’s popular because she’s Alaric’s daughter and she’s pretty and blonde.” Hope looked out the window as she spoke. “Josie is prettier though. And nicer. Plus, she’s actually likely to be Valedictorian of her class because she’s super smart. And yet, somehow, Lizzie’s the popular one.”

“That’s usually how it works. The nice, smart girls are often overlooked.”

“And unheard.” Hope mumbled.

“But what about you? I’m sure you’re just as pretty as those girls. Prettier, probably, if I’m able to be biased. And you’re really smart. You could totally have been part of their clique if you wanted to.”

“I could have been. I wanted to be.” She looked at her aunt. “But I also wanted to be alone. I was sick of people I cared about dying on me, so I refused to care about anyone else.”

“Oh, Hope….”

“So I was a bitch. Lizzie wasn’t one of those mean girls, Aunt Freya, I was. I was not nice to the twins at all, especially when they tried to be friends with me.”

“Then what changed?”

“I guess I did.” She looked back at the window. “I was sick of being alone. And it’s not like it worked anyway. They both still about died and it had nothing to do with whether or not they knew me. So I figured, why keep denying myself what I want.”

“And what is it you want?” Freya asked and Hope could feel the older woman staring at her.

“I wish I knew.” When Hope turned to face her aunt, Freya looked away toward the road. “All I know is that they are my friends and they are hurting. Especially, Josie. And I need to help them.”

“So...astral projection. You said they were in Romania, that’s a long way to project yourself. It’s hard without a deep rooted connection to the place or person. And you’ll need something of Josie’s to ground yourself with. Like I said over the phone.”

“I have one of her sweatshirts. She left it in my room when we hung out doing homework a few days before her birthday. It still smells like her. Not as strong anymore, but I can still sense her. I think it’s the werewolf part of me.”

Freya studied her briefly but didn’t say a word about it. She eventually looked forward again and the rest of the ride to her house was in silence. Hope was grateful for it. She needed to get her head in the game so she could prepare for the magic spell. She understood that it would take a lot out of her. But she also knew that it would always be worth it. Josie would always be worth it.

They arrived at the empty house twenty minutes later, and rather than continue to exchange archaic pleasantries, they both got right to work. Freya prepared the room as she followed protocol succinctly. Hope busied herself with her phone. She texted Lizzie to make sure that Josie was awake. Then she asked her to make sure that Josie stayed in the room so that when she projected herself there, their time wasn’t wasted.

Lizzie’s resulting text made her blush.

Want me and mom to leave the room as well?

You know, to give you some time ALONE.

Ha. Ha.

She was not going to give Lizzie the satisfaction of rattling her cage when she needed to concentrate. But she also knew that Josie would probably open up better if they were alone.

Actually, could you?

Please

Wow, you work fast Mikaelson.

Lizzie…

It’s for Josie.

Do you really think she’ll open up to me with you and your mom in the room?

Fine. I’ll make sure you have thirty minutes.

Anything beyond that is just begging for trouble.

Thanks, Saltzman.

I’d say anytime. But don’t make this a habit.

I don’t plan on it.

She set her phone down with a smile. Lizzie really wasn’t so bad once you got to know her. And it was painfully obvious how much she cared about her sister.

“I’m about finished setting up. Did you make sure Josie’s there?” Freya’s question brought Hope out of her head and into the present.

“Yeah, Lizzie said she’s awake and she’s going to be alone in her room. At least for the next thirty minutes.”

“Lizzie? Why didn’t you just ask Josie?”

“Because, if it doesn’t work right away, I didn’t want to get Josie’s hopes up and then disappoint her.”

Freya nodded wordlessly. “Are you ready then?”

Hope set her phone down and grabbed Josie’s sweatshirt out of her bag. She brought it to her nose and inhaled deeply. The scent was pleasant to her nose and, in a way she didn’t want to think about, it reminded her about the best things about home. She slipped the shirt over her own and hugged herself.

“It’s kind of big for you.” Freya commented, although the way that she looked at Hope let the girl know that there was so much more on her mind that what she said.

“Yeah, she’s quite tall.” Was Hope’s simple reply.

Freya lit some candles and opened her grimoire between them. Then she reached across it to hold Hope’s hands. Hope chanted the words she had been told to practice. Distantly, she heard Freya chanting as well. She closed her eyes as she was instructed to and thought about Josie. Freya had told her that she had to focus on a strong feeling, a well remembered memory. So she did. She thought about her own fear when she couldn’t find Josie. She thought about how terrified she had been of losing the other girl. And she remembered so intensely the relief and happiness she felt when they dug up the shallow grave and Josie was still alive. Not just alive. But that she stared at Hope as if she was her hero. And that was when Hope noticed the necklace. The talisman that she had gifted Josie for her birthday. It brought her pride that not only had the charm actually worked in a way she didn’t anticipate, but that Josie still wore it at all.

When she felt something inside her change….a weird feeling overcame her. Freya’s voice was no longer heard in the distance and the flickering lights instead seemed to be beaming brightly around her. She took a deep steadying breath, then she slowly opened her eyes. She was in a room she didn’t recognize. As she slowly took in the empty room around her, a door to her left opened and Josie walked out.

The brunette was only wearing a towel and her dark hair was still dripping water. Hope’s eyes widened at the sight and she blushed furiously at having been caught staring by the girl in front of her.

“Hope!” Josie shrieked and her arms automatically went up to better secure the towel wrapped around her. “You’re here. Like actually here. It worked then?”

She seemed to be more intrigued than embarrassed as she walked toward Hope. “How real is this? Can I touch you?”

Hope swallowed thickly and shook her head. “I...no, you won’t be able to feel me. Or I you. It’s just...I’m here, but not.”

Josie nodded.

Hope stared at the ceiling awkwardly. “Could you put some clothes on though? But quickly? Lizzie is only giving us thirty minutes before she busts through the door and ruins everything.”

Josie blushed at that and then went to the dresser to grab some clothes. Wordlessly, she returned to the bathroom to get dressed.

Hope stood up and walked toward the now closed door and rested her hand on it. Or she tried to, but she couldn’t feel the door. She idly wondered if she could walk through it.

“I’m going to murder your sister, just so you know. She told me you were awake, she didn’t tell me you were in the shower. I would have waited. I didn’t mean to intrude.”

“It’s fine, Hope. I really am happy to see you, even if it’s not real.”

“It can be real though. I mean, our conversation is really happening. We’ll both remember it. It’s as real as it needs to be.”

The door opened again and Josie walked through it. And almost right into or through Hope. Both awkwardly stepped back in response.

“Sorry.” Josie apologized the same time Hope did and both girls giggled nervously in response.

“I heard you were looking out for me yesterday. Making sure your dad didn’t expel me and that MG forgave me. Are you like my guardian angel or something?”

She cursed herself for her cheesiness.

Josie shrugged as she walked passed Hope and continued to towel dry her wet hair. “I just thought since you saved me a few times, I’d return the favor. You may not know this because you don’t have many friends…” She smirked at Hope playfully. “But friends do that sort of thing for each other. It’s all about giving and taking. Sometimes some are better at giving and some are better at taking, but over time, it all evens out. Or it should, if it’s a true friendship.”

“Then I guess you’ll have to teach me.” Hope ran her hands through her hair and looked at Josie vulnerably as she sat on one of the empty beds. “I really do want to be a good friend to you, Josie.”

Josie’s hands stopped what they were doing, and she sat the towel down on the dresser then took a seat next to Hope. “You’ve already proven to be a wonderful friend, Hope. Don’t be so hard on yourself.”

“I just feel like I haven’t done enough. You’re still hurting. I would give anything to fix it.”

“I am hurting. But I’m also healing. And I know that someday, I will be okay. Maybe not back to how I was before...maybe I’ll be better. Because what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, right?”

“Whoever said that is a masochist.”

“I don’t doubt it.”

“You don’t need to be better than you were, you’re already the best person I know.” Hope admitted shyly. But she tried to use enough conviction in her voice to make sure that Josie would believe her.

“Everyone can get better, Hope. We are always growing and changing and learning. It’s just the part of growing up.”

“Are you sure you’re only sixteen?” Hope asked honestly. Then she smirked at the girl. “You sound like you should be at least seventeen.”

Josie rolled her eyes, but she did have a ghost of a smile on her face. “How is everything at school? Any attacks since the Necromancer?”

Okay, so they were going to be changing the subject abruptly. Good to know. Hope tried not to respond noticeably to the awkward change of subject. She would talk about whatever Josie wanted to talk about.

“Nothing interesting or horrifying has happened since I inevitably screwed up and let the big bad monster escape.”

Josie scooted closer to her and rested her hand on Hope’s thigh. Hope couldn’t actually feel Josie’s hand, but it was the thought that counted. And the thought was a comfort to her.

“You never did tell me what he said to you. You said you used him to try to see your parents again, but you didn’t say whether or not it was successful.”

Hope’s eyes didn’t leave Josie’s hand on her leg as she spoke. “I didn’t see them. But just before he got away, he mentioned to me that my dad...that he wasn’t in peace. He told me that Dad would never be in peace until I was.”

She took a steadying breath, rested her hand atop Josie’s, and looked at the other girl. She really wished she could feel her now. To feel the warmth of Josie’s touch.

“I don’t know how to find peace, Josie. And it terrifies me that because I can’t...my dad will suffer for an eternity. I might not have actually killed him, but I am the reason that he’s still in pain. And that hurts worse than blaming myself for his death to begin with.”

She never intended to admit the truth to the other girl. Or to anyone. But when Josie looked at her with those big, compassionate brown eyes. Those eyes that held no judgement. The eyes that refused to view her as a monster. It was impossible to resist. The truth kept tumbling off her lips and she was helpless to stop it.

“I want to make him proud of me. I want to live a life that makes his sacrifice worth it. I’ve tried a bit since I’ve gotten back to the school.” She sighed. “No, I haven’t. At all. But I am trying now.”

“Can I say something?” Josie wondered quietly.

Hope’s eyes widened. “Of course! You don’t need to ask permission to speak your mind Josie. Ever.”

With her free hand, Josie touched her fingers to the talisman she was wearing and it was the first time Hope noticed she had it on.

“I talked to dad. Not long after you spoke with him, I’m assuming. And it made me realize something. They are our parents. They love us and are proud of us just for existing. We don’t have to be or do anything special for that to be true. And we can disappoint them from time to time, but it won’t change how much they love us.” She toyed with the necklace as her eyes fell on Hope. “When I first came out to my parents...I was terrified. I thought that I was disappointing them. That I couldn’t be me and make them proud at the same time. But they hugged me and kissed me and they told me they loved me no matter who I loved. Now Lizzie...that’s another story.”

“Lizzie didn’t accept you being bi?”

“Lizzie was worried that people would tease me and that I was now apparently twice as likely to get my heart broken...as she put it.”

“But you won’t, when you find the right person.” Hope said without thinking. Then her cheeks felt hot and she was glad that she wasn’t really in the room or else she’d die of mortification. Josie didn’t seem to notice her struggle though.

“The point is, family is awful and beautiful and complicated. But it’s still family. You’re a Mikaelson, you should understand that more than most.” The noticeable uptake in Josie’s voice alerted Hope to the fact that the last sentence was meant to be playful banter.

“All I’m saying is that your parents love you regardless. And if they are watching you at all, then they also have to be so proud of the woman you are becoming. Because you are amazing Hope Mikaelson. You’re the only person who doesn’t see it.”

Before Hope could respond with a ‘Thank you’ the door opened and both Lizzie and Caroline walked into the room. Caroline’s eyes immediately zeroed in on their connected hands and the closeness in which they sat to each other. Though she didn’t comment on it. Lizzie, however, wasn’t nearly as tactful.

“I was joking before when I asked if you wanted some alone time.” She teased which caused Josie to blush and pull her hand away. That, in turn, made Hope growl. Lizzie waved her off easily. “Easy, little wolf, learn to take a joke.”

“A joke? That’s what you call not mentioning that Josie would be in the shower when I appeared in the room?” She stood up menacingly.

“How are you doing this anyway?” Caroline asked as she studied the girl. “I didn’t realize you had gotten so powerful that you could project yourself.”

“Aunt Freya’s helping me. I’m at her house in New Orleans.” She addressed the older woman and gave her a rueful smile. “In case you were thinking expulsion.”

Caroline rolled her eyes and shook her head. “You are absolutely your father’s daughter.”

“I am.” Hope replied defensively.

“Hey, that wasn’t an insult. I actually greatly admired your father.”

“You wanted him to be something that he wasn’t.” Hope countered. “He tried so hard to be what you wanted from him, but in the end he was still just a monster.”

“You don’t believe that.” Caroline demanded. “And neither do I. He wasn’t a monster. Not truly. Yes, he did monstrous things. But I’m a vampire, so I’ve also done things that were not entirely good.” She lowered her voice and spoke with a sort of compassion that brokered no doubt that she was the one who raised Josie to be who she was. “But even when I was human...I was still, just human, you know? I sucked as a person sometimes. I made mistakes. Luckily, I now have a lifetime to work at being the kind of person I always wanted to be. Wanting better for your father, for you….it isn’t about changing you. It’s about seeing you. And knowing what kind of amazingness you are capable of. And you are, Hope.”

For the second time in two days, Hope found herself crying uncontrollably. Only this time, she was unable to properly wipe away her tears. She glanced at Josie who was staring at her, not with pity but with adoration and it was too much. It was all too much.

“Shit.” Hope huffed. “I came here to help you, and here I am crying like an idiot.”

Josie was at her side instantly, but when she went to reach for Hope, the shorter girl raised a hand to stop her.

“Don’t bother hugging me, I can’t feel it anyway.”

“Well then, I owe you a hug when I get back home.” Josie told her with determination.

Lizzie’s eyes widened as she studied her sister. “Are you saying...can we go home now?”

Josie shrugged. “It would appear that my friend needs me.”

Hope rolled her eyes. Of course Josie would do something for a friend rather than herself. They had been begging her to come home. They had been trying to get her to talk, to cry, to feel. And the only thing that got her to really open up was the possibility of helping someone else. Hope wasn’t going to complain about it, because it meant Josie was coming back to the school. But that didn’t mean she didn’t feel guilty about it. Guilty that she was so beyond screwed up that Josie felt the need to rush home to help her.

“I don’t need you that much. I do fine on my own.” Hope couldn’t help arguing stubbornly. She even wore a pout for proper affect.

“Sure. You’ve been so lonely you made friends with me.” Lizzie teased and then stuck her tongue out to emphasize the poke.

“You realize that you just insulted yourself, right?” Hope responded with a smirk and it deepened when Lizzie’s arrogance was wiped off her face.

“Are you really sure you’re ready to go back there?” Caroline wondered as she addressed Josie directly. “You still don’t sleep at night.”

Josie embarrassedly glanced at Hope. “Mom!”

“Sorry. But it’s the truth. And you only started to talk to us yesterday. Kids back at school are going to want to ask questions and they’re going to keep checking on you. I just want you to be sure that this is what you want.”

Josie narrowed her eyes at her mother. “You’ve been trying to get me to go home since we got here. Now you’re having second thoughts?”

“I just want you to be okay.” Caroline pulled Josie into her, then Lizzie. “I just want both of my baby girls to be okay.”

Hope felt like she was intruding on a moment. So she decided it was the best time to leave. She probably already stayed too long, she knew that she and Freya were going to be exhausted after this.

“I should go then. It’s taken a lot of power and energy to be here this long.”

Josie eased herself away from her mom and stepped into Hope. She wrapped her arms around her neck and leaned close to Hope’s ear. Hope wished she could feel the other girl’s touch.

“I owe you a real hug when I get back.” She whispered.

“I’ll hold you to it.” Hope breathed out.

When Josie stepped away, Hope closed her eyes again and refocused on her actual surroundings. The dining room of Freya’s house. The flickering lights. The touch of Freya’s hands in her own. Her aunt’s continuous chanting. And as she took a deep breath, she breathed in the scent of Josie’s sweatshirt. It grounded her. It brought her back to reality. And when she opened her eyes, she saw her Aunt Freya’s worried ones on her.

“You’re back. Are you okay?” Freya’s hands were suddenly all over her face. She wiped at her cheeks and frowned at the remnants of tears that she found there. “You were crying.”

“Caroline...she said some really great things about my dad.”

Freya’s concern fell from her face and she smiled at Hope. “Caroline Forbes. According to your father, she always was the one that got away. He would find it poetic that you and Josie are...so close.”

Hope’s face heated up at the implication of her aunt’s statement, but she didn’t refute it this time. She was sick of arguing with everyone who seemed to believe that she and Josie were more than friends.

“How did it go otherwise?” Freya asked when Hope had failed to willingly indulge her with the gossip.

She smiled proudly. “Well, Josie’s coming home.”

Freya’s eyebrows shot to her forehead in shock. “That was significantly easier than I expected it to be. The way you talked about her, I thought it would be a struggle to get her to come back home so soon.”

“Yeah, well, apparently she thinks I’m so emotionally scarred and full on screwed up that she needs to come home to take care of me.”

Freya stared at her. “Wait, you’re serious? She coming back because...she’s coming back for you?”

“Not for me. Because of me. Josie can’t stand the thought of someone else hurting. So she is coming back to make sure that I’m okay.”

“Huh?”

Hope looked at her aunt with confusion. “What’s going on in that head of yours?”

“Nothing.” She sighed. “I was worried that your feelings may be one-sided. I guess this is good, then.”

Hope frowned. “Good how? She thinks I’m a trainwreck that needs saving.”

Freya shook her head. “You just performed incredibly difficult magic to help her. How is that any different?”

“I don’t think she’s a trainwreck! She’s my friend and I just wanted to make sure she was okay.” Hope defended herself and her actions. Then the reality of the statement hit her like a gut-punch. “Oh. I see what you did there. Clever.”

“I think it’s good she’s coming home, even if it is not the way you expected it to go. I think you can help each other heal. You both could use a friend right now and I think you found a good one in Josie.”

Hope smiled to herself. “Yeah, I’m lucky she took a chance on me. After all these years and everything I put her through.”

“If you ask me...”

“I didn’t.” Hope interrupted with a grin.

“I’d say that she’s the lucky one. The magic you performed today...it...she’s lucky to have someone like you in her corner. Someone that would do what you did for her.”

“I’ll be sure to tell her that when she comes home.”

Hope smiled widely. Josie was coming home. And she promised Hope a hug. Friends were excited about those kinds of things, right?