Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Hope casually leaned against a tree outside of her high school called Mystic Falls.

Mystic Falls was a very small town in Virginia. Hope had lived her almost all her life with her parents. They passed away a few years ago and her aunts moved into their family home to take care of her. They were both lovely but extremely busy.

On one side of her was her friend Maya and on the other was Landon. They had been a trio since middle school when it became apparent the three of them were outsiders to the popular crowd at Mystic Falls.

It was funny that Landon’s adoptive brother Rafael and Maya’s brother Ethan were both extremely popular. They were jocks, major football stars,so once they hit middle school they scooted away from their siblings.

Hope used to hang out with a few of the more popular kids, mainly a girl named Josie Saltzman but also her sister Lizzie.

Lizzie hated Hope throughout elementary school and only tolerated her presence because of Josie. That changed when Lizzie blew up on Hope one day in the lunch room.

She accused Hope of starting malicious rumors about her. Hope denied it vehemently. Her eyes sought Josie’s during the fray and when their gaze met Josie looked away, refusing to show any support.

 

Hope felt something snap and she gave up, and left without a word, an acceptance of guilt in Lizzie’s eyes.

The last few weeks of elementary school were hell for Hope, as Lizzie mercilessly tarnished her name and essentially made her an outcast in a short amount of time.

Hope was thankful after a long summer vacation spent without any friends that both Landon and Maya moved to Mystic Falls when middle school started.

They seemed to naturally fall together and now as they began their sophomore year they were all firmly bonded.

Hope took a bite of her sandwich as she watched the popular crowd of students loudly eating at the large table right outside of the school.

 

It was the usual crowd.

Rafael had his arm slung around Lizzie’s shoulder, they apparently started dating that summer. Ethan was talking adamantly to his best friend MG.

MG was an anomaly. He was friendly to everyone and Hope had to admit she didn’t dislike him. He had a bright smile and very curly hair.

Jed and Josie were sitting next to each other. They were dating last year and all over each other constantly.

Jed was tall and muscular, captain of the football team, but also so very dumb. Hope couldn’t understand for the life of her why Josie started dating him. She supposed it was natural.

Both Lizzie and Josie were in the cheerleading squad so of course they would date the football team.

It seemed though there was a rift between Jed and Josie because they were barely speaking to each other, and not touching at all. Hope was curious what happened over the summer……

She sighed and looked away.

Hope needed to let go of that old friendship.

“I know it’s just the first day but doesn’t anyone want to skip?” Hope asked.

She really wanted to go smoke and chill.

Maya laughed. Her voice was rich and full. Objectively she was beautiful as well. Maya could easily be part of the popular crowd at school but actively chose not to. She didn’t like how they treated the rest of the student body and didn’t want to be a part of bullying.

She and Hope became friends over Lizzie’s constant comments and harassment towards Hope.

Lizzie spread a rumor Hope and Maya were lesbians last year. Maya told her off in front of everyone and kissed Hope grandly in front of everyone.

 

It was right before summer vacation. They were inside the lunch room ( Freshman weren’t allowed to eat outside). Hope and Maya were happily discussing the music festival they were going to in a weeks time, right when school was out, when Lizzie suddenly yelled to the room about the pair.

 

“Oh look at those two Lesbians,” she loudly to her friends surrounding her.

Hope froze as everyone began laughing at them. Maya on the other hand took charge of the situation. She embraced the taunts.

“What’s wrong with being gay Lizzie?” She spat at her. Her gaze briefly met her bother’s but he looked away, clearly not wanting to be associated with the pair.

Hope felt panic rise. Earlier in the year she had come out to both Maya and Landon. How did Lizzie know?

Maya turned to Hope.

“There’s nothing wrong with being gay,” she announced as she stepped forward and passionately kissed Hope in front of everyone.

 

That was something else. Maya and her were best friends but they did kiss each other, for practice mostly but also for fun. Maya was very comfortable with no strings and Hope liked feeling connected to someone. They were very clear with each other they didn’t want to date. Maya and her were uncompatible relationship wise but they were both very horny teenagers….

Honestly it was fun messing around with Maya.

Hope kissed her back with practiced vigor and that shut everyone up. As they pulled apart Hope’s eyes briefly scanned the group watching them, and she and Josie briefly made eye contact.

Hope saw a flash of what she swore was jealously but it disappeared just as quickly.

They flounced on past the group, Maya pulling Hope along behind her.

From then on it seemed the popular crowd was choosing to ignore their existence. Maybe Lizzie finally realized bullying was starting to be really uncool but for whatever reason they stopped terrorizing them?

Over the summer Landon, Maya, and Hope spent a lot of time together. Landon got a summer job so Maya and Hope had a lot of one on one time.

They were in her house sometime during the middle of the summer alone, her mom went on a trip and left Maya and Ethan alone for a few weeks.

Hope planned on staying with her for a week because her aunts were out of town for most of the summer for work.

Hope had lost her parents during middle school. It was tragic and all over the newspapers.

For a month Hope didn’t go to school and did her lessons virtually. She struggled to cope. Maya was here for her through it all and practically lived at the Mikealson Manor that month.

Hope and Maya were on the couch, giggling and making out. They had just come in from the pool, it was around seven and both were burnt and tipsy from the vodka they had snuck from Hope’s Aunts.

The door burst open and a group walked in on them.

Both Hope and Maya were still in their bikinis. Maya was straddling Hope and their bodies were pressed together. They were so involved they didn’t hear the door even open.

“That’s hot,” a voice called from the doorway.

Hope and Maya broke apart.

Starting at them was the entirety of the popular crowd.

Kaleb was the one who made the announcement. Kaleb was the party king. He had a really cool sound system apparently and was the DJ at every big party thrown by the students of Mystic Falls.

 

The Saltzman twins were there of course along with a few unfamiliar faces.

Maya rolled her eyes.
Hope and Maya got up.

“We’re throwing a party,” her brother said bluntly.

Maya laughed.

“I’m shocked, so typical,” she retorted.

Her brother looked angry.

“Sorry to interrupt you two but some of us want to have a normal highschool experience,” he shot back.

Hope could sense Maya’s anger growing.

She started to respond of Hope cut her off.

“Let’s just go to your room,” she suggested.

 

Wordlessly they left the room and Maya stomped up the stairs to her room. She slammed the door shut and rounded on Hope.

“He’s such a douche!” She exclaimed.

Hope nodded in agreement.

“Yeah-,” Hope began.

“Those Saltzmans twins too, judging us,” she continued,” everyone is just so uncomfortable with themselves they have to put us down.”

Hope let her go. Maya like to rant and it always calmed her down. Once she ran out of words they both sat on the foot of her bed.

Hope wordlessly grabbed the bottle of vodka and the soda she still had in her bag. She also pulled out a joint. Hope was glad she thought to grab it as they left the room.

Maya looked considerably happier.

“You’re a good friend Hope,” she breathed.

The next few hours they drank and laughed over the sound of the party happening below. They also got high. The cross fade was real. Neither was that drunk though, just happily vibing.

They were sprawled on their backs in Maya’s bed dreamily staring at the ceiling. Maya suddenly shifted to her side to face Hope.

Hope shifted to the same position opposite her.

“Hope, I have a serious question,” she said finally as they stared at each other.

Hope raised her eyebrows.

“Yes?” She asked curiously.

Maya considered her words,” so don’t freak out but I want to have sex with you,” she voiced.

Hope was taken aback. And yes she was freaking out a little.

“Maya were best friends,” she responded slowly.

They had only ever made out with each other, and some healthy groping. Both had seen each other naked but only briefly. The pair was very comfortable around each other. Hope was pretty sure Maya was one of the few people she felt comfortable even hugging.

Landon and her had hugged a few times. But with Maya she didn’t mind her casually hanging off of her and even was okay with her holding her hand occasionally.

 

Maya nodded vigorously.

She sat up and pulled up Hope into a sitting position across from her.

“I trust you more than anyone and I do want my first time with someone I love. You are my best friend and I know we won’t be in a relationship,” she said, “I just don’t want my first time to be awful and I know with you it will be kind and wonderful.”

Hope considered her words. Maya was right, they were social outcasts after all and Hope wanted to experience sex. She knew Maya would also be kind and caring. Hope also did love Maya. Not in the sense of “I want to spend my life with you love” but her heart would always be warm around her. Hope felt herself open to the idea slowly as her mind processed the overall situation.

“We have a weird friendship,” she said finally with a laugh. Maya smiled back at her words.

“So is that a yes?” She asked.

 

Hope sighed. Of course it was a yes.

“yes,” Hope said simply.

Maya happily squealed.

They had sex…..

Hope woke the next morning and they were all wrapped up together. It was amazing. Looking down at Maya she saw her friend was very content with the situation. They were naked.

“You’re staring,” Maya murmured.

Hope laughed.

“Forgive me this is my first time waking up naked with someone,” Hope said.

“Mhmmm,” Maya said.

“I’m going to the bathroom,” Hope said quietly. She grabbed a black robe Maya had hanging on her wall and quietly left the room.

“Bring back water,” Maya called as she left the room. Hope laughed and turned, she wasn’t paying attention at all. Her mind still buzzing. She had sex! And it was great. Hope would be lying if she didn’t admit she’d done research, some even with Maya.

They watched porn once together.

“This doesn’t feel really authentic,” Maya had discussed as they watched two women going down on each other.

Hope had to agree with her so together they did some further research….

All of that came in handy last night. Hope was pretty proud of the multiple orgasms she gave her friend. With Maya there wasn’t pressure, and it was easy to check in with each other on how they were feeling during the entire experience.

Maya refused to be outdone by Hope and also gave her similar pleasure. For the first time in a long time Hope felt content, her stress was at an all time low and her body didn’t feel tense.

She ran into someone in the hallway.

Josie Saltzman.

“Oh” Josie said as they briefly collided. She looked Hope up and down and blushed slightly.

Hope stumbled and straightened herself.

 

Josie looked very uncomfortable and forced her gaze away from Hope.

“Your robe,” she managed as she stared firmly at the wall behind Hope.

Hope looked down and hurriedly rewrapped herself. Somehow it had opened as they collided so Josie got a clear view of her naked body.

“Oh shit,” Hope said as she finished re situating it. They stood in silence for a moment.

 

“So you and Maya?” Josie questioned slowly.

Hope raised her eyebrows.

“We’re not together,” she responded simply.

Josie looked at her in disbelief.

“But your guys….hook up?” She asked curiously. Hope looked at her in confusion. They haven’t spoken in years and all she wants to know is why she and Maya are hooking up.

Hope shrugged.

“Yeah,” she said simply.

Hope walked away and into the bathroom.

 

Since that party Maya and Hope only hooked up when one of them was having a bad day or needed a release. It was a fun summer really.

Last night after mind blowing sex, they decided to cool things down. Maya was hoping to try to start dating this year and she was encouraging Hope to as well.

At any rate, they agreed to appear less as a couple to the world so they could be open to more dating opportunities. This year another Highschool a town over was merging with them, so there were new people arriving at the school mid semester after the holidays.

Interestingly Josie and Lizzie’s mother was going to be the new principal which she was sure Lizzie was very unhappy about.

 

So Hope and Maya sat slightly more apart the usual. Maya and her still obviously would hook up if they were single and wanted to but they were cooling their whole “we gay and don’t care touching they usually did at school.”

 

“We’re not skipping Hope,” Maya said in respond to her question. She was distracted as she was carefully setting up her new dating profile. Hope sighed deeply and looked at Landon.

“Hey dont look at me I’m trying to do well so I can go to college and get out of here,” Landon said firmly, “no skipping for me.”

Hope leaned her head against the tree. Neither of them were willing to encourage her avoidant behavior. Bleh.

She didn’t tell Maya but her she and her Aunt Freya got into an argument after Maya quietly left her room to run home to shower and change before school.

 

Freya and Keelin were supposed to arrive during the day today but came home late last night which meant of course they heard Hope and Maya who weren’t trying to be quiet.

Hope had really gone for it too, they tried out some new positions and toys and she made her be very loud.

Hope had lazily went downstairs after getting ready and was shocked to find both Keelin and Freya sitting at the table waiting for her.

“Sit down Hope,” Freya ordered.

Hope felt herself blush.

This was going to be so weird. So so weird and awkward. At least she could count on them being okay with the whole being gay thing.

“So we saw Maya leave,” Freya began slowly.

“We also heard her last night,” Keelin said under her breath.

“Yes that too,” Freya said uncomfortably.

 

Hope refused to look at them.

“You know part of us letting you stay here by yourself during the summer is you behaving responsibly,” Freya said sternly.

Hope felt angry. They didn’t want a teenager on their trips. She rolled her eyes.

“It’s just sex Freya,” she said angrily,”it’s not a big deal.”

Freya looked taken aback.

“Well if you don’t think sex is a big deal we’ve obviously not given you enough education about it,” she shot back.

Hope sat back in her chair angrily and crossed her arms.

Freya spent the next thirty minutes talking at her and about why you only have sex with people you are in a relationship with and even talked about safe sex with men and women. Hope listened in silence, glaring at the ground .

“It’s that all?” She asked as the room finally grew silent,”I’m going to be late to school.”

Hope looked up. Freya looked angry and Keelin looked annoyed.

“No, you and Maya have to leave to door open when she is over, no exceptions,” Freya said,”and we will be calling her mother to let her know as well.”

Hope felt herself grow tight.

That was bad. Very bad.

She left and headed to school.

Hope knew she needed to give Maya a heads up. She wished she would agree to just skip now so she could explain it all.

As the bell rang and they all began to hurry to their next class Hope pulled her aside.

“I need to talk to you after school about this morning,” she whispered.

Maya looked at her curiously but agreed silently with a nod.

They separated.

Hope had AP Literature next.

She arrived just as the bell rang. Unfortunately the only seat left was right next to Josie. Hope sat down uncomfortably and kept her face firmly towards the front.

“Welcome,” the teacher Mrs. Howser said to the room.

“We will be doing a lot of reading and papers in this class but we will also be doing a research project throughout the year that will be worth 30% percent of your final grade,” she announced.

 

“Congratulations your partners for the project are sitting directly beside you, and sorry there will be no swapping,” she said as a few groaned were heard through the room.

Hope was just annoyed. A project worth so much of her grade, she was sure to have to spend a lot of time with Josie over the next year. Since middle school Hope had never truly gotten over Josie not defending her. She often wondered if they would be still be friends if she had.

Oh well. This day could go to hell.

The class went on.

Mrs. Howser laid out the project to them.

The had to pick any newsworthy event that had happened here and research it. They had to write a paper about it and present to the class their findings. She suggested they pick a mystery that needed to be solved or something with a lot of layers to dive into.

Together they were supposed to interview anyone they could about the situation and visit the place it occurred. Each month they would have to supply notes and updates to her about their progress so no one left it to the end to complete.

At the end they had to present their findings orally to the class. Hope closed her eyes. Today really sucked.

As the bell rang Hope began to immediately stand up.

“Hope wait,” Josie said.

Hope stopped and Josie held out her hand. “Let’s exchange numbers so we can coordinate about this,” she said softly.

Hope wanted to tell her to shove off but she begrudgingly gave her number to her.

Hope made it to the end of the day and found Maya waiting for her. Landon had to rush off to his post school shift so it was just Maya waiting for her.

“Hey,” she said as Hope made it to her.

“Hey,” Hope said,”Let’s get out of here today has been enough.”

Maya agreed and together they headed outside. Hope and Maya would take turns walking each other home after school. Sometimes they’d stop for milkshakes at the Mystic Falls grill or hang at a park. Today though Hope wanted to stay focused.

She told Maya everything that happened after she left. For the first time ever she saw Maya looking embarrassed.

“They heard us having sex?” She asked slowly.

“Yup,” Hope confirmed.

Maya closed her eyes. Hope knew she was thinking about it. Last night they’d both gotten a little carried away, Maya screamed loudly as she came…each time.

“I can’t believe they are going to tell my mom?!,” she exclaimed angrily. They walked in silence….

“Do you think she will be mad?” Hope asked slowly.

Maya was quiet.

There was just the sounds of cars passing them and the wind blowing. Both were thinking over everything.

“I don’t know,” Maya said finally,” I guess I’ll find out soon.”

Hope stayed silent. Maya’s mom was nice but she was the local sherif. Sheriff Machado. Hope also knew her mom grew up super religious.

Ugh.

Hope felt like she didn’t like her oftentimes, that she blamed her for the rift between her children. Maya and Ethan were also fraternal twins like the Saltzman sisters.

Hope sighed deeply.

They stopped outside of Mayas house. The sheriffs car was out front and as Hope glanced at the living room window she saw her peeking out to watch them.

“Your mom’s watching us,” Hope said quietly. Maya shrugged. She hugged hope soundly.

“I’ll call you later,” she said in her ear. They pulled apart.

Maya straightened her shoulders and walked into the house. Hope watched her go and felt worried. Neither knew how her mom would react.

Hope walked on to her house. At least she didn’t have to worry about her family being upset she was gay she reminded herself. Freya and Keelin got married years ago. All of their family was supportive. All accept Hopes grandparents but they had passed years ago. They found it “distasteful” for a wealthy family such as their own and basically ignored her existence. Freya shockingly still included in their will. She was given joint ownership of the Mikealson Manor in Mystic Falls and a lovely monetary inheritance.

Hopes father was a successful businessman and he had his inheritance. When she turned eighteen Hope would receive her inheritance and her trust fund. She could do whatever she wanted.

Hope didn’t tell Maya and Landon about it. Part of her wanted to offer Landon money for school and his future but she knew he was far too proud to accept.

 

She made it home. Freya was in the living room with Keelin and Hope quickly tried to rush upstairs.

“Hang on there,” Freya called.

Hope stopped halfway up the stairs.

Freya patted the seat next to her, gesturing for Hope to join them. Freya looked a little guilty.

She sat down apprehensively.

“What’s up?” She asked as she looked between her aunts. They both looked guilty.

Freya sat back against the couch. Hope now noticed she had a glass of wine and she glanced over to Keelin who had a dram of whiskey.

So it was bad. Her aunts only drank early if something bad happened.

“What’s going on?” Hope demanded.

Freya looked down at her glass.

“I-um let Sheirff Machado know about the situation with you and Maya,” she began slowly.

Hope nodded.

“She um, well to put it lightly she went ballistic,” Freya admitted.

Nervously Hope looked between them….

“And?” She questioned.

Tears formed at the corners of Freya’s eyes.

“I’m so sorry Hope I should have discussed-I just -I ddidnt realize how homophobic her mother is,” Freya studdered.

Hope felt her mouth go dry.

“What are you saying?” She asked, anger now growing inside her, pulsing.

“She’s sending her away to live with her father for more “structured living””Freya explained.

Hope felt numb.

“Where?” She asked.

“California,” Freya said slowly.

Hope stood up. Panicked.

“When?!” She demanded.

“Tonight.”

Hope walked to the door.

“Where are you going!?” Her aunt called but Hope was already slamming the door.

She ran. Ran back to Maya’s. They were best friends. Maya made everything more bareable here, easier.

Hope made it to her door. It was locked.

She knocked loudly and aggressively. The door opened. It was Ethan. Behind him was his normal crew all hanging out. Hope looked wildly behind him.

“Where is she?” Hope demanded.

Ethan looked taken aback.

“Maya’s upstairs,” he said in confusion,” just talking to Mom.”

Hope began to run to the stairs but was met by Sheirff Machado. Hope could feel everyone’s eyes on her back.

“Not another step Mikealson,” Maya’s mother ordered,”you are not welcome here!”

Hope took a step back.

She felt panicked.

“Please don’t send her away!” She begged,”I am the reason she did it and I’ll stay away from her.”

There was silence in the room

 

“My daughter has made it clear that she was the instigator and I am not foolish enough to believe this won’t continue if she stays here,” she spat back.

“What-Mom, what’s going on you’re sending Maya away?” Ethan demanded behind Hope.

Sheriff Machado closed her eyes. She obviously hadn’t expected this to be the specticle it was becoming.

“Ethan your sister has made some inappropriate decisions with Hope and I am sending her to live with her father for the semester, she is in obvious need of more firm guidance,” she explained.

 

Hope felt cold. Their father wasn’t kind. He was very strict and religious. Hope knew that he was physically aggressive to both Maya and Ethan as children. His belt came easily to his hand when Sheirff Machado was gone.

Hope turned to Ethan her eyes pleading.

Ethan stared back at her then back at his mom. He looked away.

“It’s been decided Hope,” the sheriff said calmly,”now you need to leave or I will arrest you for trespassing.”

Hope felt like everything was spiraling.

“Can I please just say goodbye?” She asked finally as tears began to fall.

Machado looked over her shoulder.

Hope looked up. Maya was at the top of the stairs looking broken.

Hope pushed past her mom and ran up
The stairs and forcefully hugged her and whispered in her ear,”I won’t leave you with him, I’ll come for you,” she promised.

Maya’s body was limp and she let herself be held by Hope. She buried her head in Hope’s neck. “Promise me,” she breathed.

Hands were pulling her away from Maya.

“I promise,” Hope called back and Sheirff Machado forcefully pulled her out of her house and to the front door.

“You need to leave,” she ordered.

Ethan and the rest of the popular crowd were in a stunned silence over the whole situation. Most looked appalled.

Hope glared at Ethan.

“You are weak and disgusting,” she yelled at him from the doorway, “you are pathetic!”

Ethan looked frozen to the ground. His eyes were wide and fearful. Hope knew why.

“Get off me,” Hope yelled as she pulled herself from the Sheriffs grasp.

“Your ex husband is monster and he will hurt her,” she said as a last ditch effort to sway her. No one could hear them know as Hope was very close to her face, trying to reason with her.

Her eyes flashed dangerously.

“You need to be careful what accusations you make, her father is very strict but he has never and would never lay a hand on his children ,” she said defensively.

“False accusations can get you in a lot of trouble so I suggest you not try it again,” she finished angrily.

The door slammed in Hopes face.

Hope stumbled back, still in shock. Maya was her best friend and now she was being sent to the hands of a monster. Hope always tried to get her to tell her mom about how he beat them, only in places that could be hidden. Their mom
Worked crazy shifts and was hardly around. It was her dad who got them dressed for school and such.

Hope began to walk back in the direction of her aunts. She was sobbing.

Her mind couldn’t focus and she ended up tripping and falling, scraping her knee. Dejectedly she sat on the curb. Sobs racked her body.

A few hours later she walked back into her aunts home.

They both looked up as she entered.

Hope stared at them blankly.

“I hate you,” she hissed and silently walked up the stairs to her room. They didn’t have to immediately call her mom, and because of that Maya was heading to trouble. Hope would keep her promise. She had to.

1 month Later.

Hope stared at the ankle monitor on her. She was in Caroline’s office.

Her aunts were there along with Sheirff Machado, and her principal Caroline Forbes.

A week ago Hope was arrested. She was attempting to find Maya’s father’s address after a few weeks of constantly berating Ethan for it.

Machado caught her of course.

She was give 1 month of ankle monitoring. School and home that was it. Hope was told she was lucky it wasn’t more and they were keeping it off her permanent record. It was a warning.

They also told her she wasn’t allowed to talk to Ethan at all or they would put a restraining order against her.

Hope sat silently as her Aunts signed all the forms about her school attendance and papers about her staying away from Ethan. Hope glared at the wall.

“You need to agree to all this,” Caroline said pointedly as she pushed all the paperwork forward for her to sign.

“You will be expelled if you break any of the rules we’ve set for you,” she went on to explain.

Hope silently signed the papers.

Caroline gave her a pass and she went to her class.

 

Everyone knew she got arrested and was now wearing an ankle monitor. They also had labeled from loaner to psycho who was harassing one of the star football students and was now a criminal.

Hope went through her day refusing to look at anyone.

Landon was still there of course. But he had started to hang with wade and a group of band students. Hope gave him space. He was really making friends and she didn’t want her status to ruin that.

Hope sat by herself at the tree. She stared up at the sky and worried. Was Maya ok?

“Nice bracelet,” a voice hissed as they walked by. It was Lizzie. Hope swallowed her retort. She wanted to fight but one of her rules was she couldn’t. It would cause immediate expulsion and in her current state she wasn’t so sure she would punch Lizzie.

Hope buried her hands in her head.

Someone sat beside her.

“What’s up Mikealson,” a soft voice said beside her. Hope looked over.

Sebastian.

He was well known to the study body as THE drug guy.

“Leave me alone Sebastian,” she growled.

He laughed. “Hey I’m just trying to help you out,” he purred.

Hope looked away. “There’s nothing I need from you,” she said.

Gently he took her hand. “I wouldn’t be so sure about that love,” he said as he slipped something small in her hand.

“What is it?” She demanded.

He laughed. “It’s just something to help you relax love, try it tonight and let me n me if it helps,” he suggested softly. “It will make you feel numb, things won’t hurt so much.”

With that he stood up. “See you later love,” he called for everyone to hear. Hope blushed angrily. The last thing she needed was for them to think she was into him, the other “known” criminal to the student body.

Teachers loved him. He was handsome and charming. Sebastian was also very rich and his family had donated a lot to the school. His father was the real

He walked away. Hope deftly put the pill in a little pocket in her bag. She’d never been interested in drugs, well other than weed, but for some reason she didn’t toss what he gave her.

Hope for home right after school as mandated. There was a note on the counter. Her Aunts had to leave for the weekend but they left money on the counter for her to order in and let her know the fridge was stocked.

A few hours later.

Hope lay on her bed. She was staring at the ceiling. Her mind was rippling as thoughts raced through her mind.

Hope closed her eyes. She could try it. Just to see.

Slowly she took the pill out of her bag. It wasn’t big. Trying it once surely wouldn’t hurt. She took it and closed her eyes.

Hope lay back on her bed and stared at the ceiling. Slowly she felt her panick subside. Her mind slowed and the promised feeling of numbness overcame her. Hope stared at her ceiling until things became blurry and for the first time in a month she fell asleep.

The next morning Hope woke up feeling rested. No nightmares, just feeling fest and better than she had in months. Instantly she felt guilty.

She took a pill. A pill to help her forget her friend who was likely in danger. The rest of the weekend went by slowly. She couldn’t leave and was bored most of it.

Saturday night sucked. The night mares and anxiety returned, and she woke up tired and grumpy on Sunday. Goddamit.

Hope’s aunts returned on Sunday and she barely looked up at them or said anything to them. They let her be. She knew they felt guilty about everything. Forgiveness wouldn’t come easily.

Hope went to school with one thought on her mind. Sebastian. She needed to see what it was she took and if it was possible to get more…..

Her project with Josie was going slowly. They decided to research the history behind the founders day festival for their project.

They always met at the library at school. Hope ad to schedule it with Caroline and the police department. It was embarrassing for that month.

Hope and Josie stuck strictly to business for the most part.

There was one day where Josie suddenly brought up Maya.

“Hope, I just wanted to say, I’m sorry for what happened with Maya that wasn’t right,” she said.

Hope had snapped at her.

“What do you care?” She had asked angrily. “You stopped being my friend in middle school Josie and we both know whose fault that was,” she continued harshly.

Josie looked down.

After that they stuck to business.

 

Four weeks later

A lot had happened in four weeks.

Hope was eating lunch, but now with Sebastian. He wasn’t as terrible as she thought initially. Sebastian was defiantly using her but to an extent she was using him to.

They were hooking up.

Hope felt weird the first time they did it. It was right after her ankle monitor was removed and she finally had freedom again. She kept her head down. Her aunts were starting to give her more leave way again.

Maya was still on her mind but she felt trapped. She needed to be careful and figure out saving her quietly.

 

It was after she began buying from him, and they were in his room doing the exchange, when he began to look at her in a particular way.

“What?” She had demanded.

He smiled.

“You’re very pretty,” he voiced as his eyes raked over her body.

Hope rolled her eyes.

Hope was wearing shorts and a v-neck, nothing special. “I have money, I’m not fucking you for drugs,” she said bluntly.

He laughed.

“Hope there are many girls who want me to fuck them,” he bragged.

Hope knew he wasn’t wrong. Lizzie Saltzman was one of them along with Alyssa Chang and several other girls in their grade. He had the air of danger about him and was very smooth.

“Then why are you looking at me that way?” She demanded.

He leaned back on his bed.

“There are other ways to unwind,” he suggested.

Hope stopped as she began to tell him no…but he wasn’t wrong…it was what she was doing with Maya, but with him there wouldnt be any complications. He was a guy and she was a woman.

Hope also imagined it would be less emotions, she didn’t have to talk about it after or anything. It could just be strictly physical.

“You have to promise not to tell anyone,” she said slowly.

He smiled sensing her willingness.

“I swear love,” he said sweetly.

Hope wasn’t sure she believed him but right now she didn’t know if she actually cared.

Her aunts were out of town and his parents were too. It was evening. She had been cooped up with her ankle monitor. They last month had been boring.

Hope made her decision and got on top of him suddenly, straddling him. “I will have sex with you but I’m crashing here…,” she said as she slowly put half of one of the pills he gave her in her mouth.

He smiled again as her lips slammed into him. The next morning Hope woke next to a very naked Sebastian. God he was good at this. He was still asleep and Hope appraised his toned body.

He was a good fuck. That’s all there was to it. He was attentive and had endurance, endurance Hope matched.

Sebastian was very careful to use a condom.

Hope ended up on top of him aggressively riding him near the end. Her mind was numb but her body was on fire. It was nice to get lost in the movement and pleasure.

He stirred.

“Morning,” he said as he looked over at Hope with an almost impressed expression.

“I have to say luv, that was the best sex I’ve had in a long time,” he admitted .

Hope rolled her eyes. She sat up and began to gather her clothes. As she bent over to grab her underwear she felt a presence behind her. It was Sebastian, still naked, his dick hard.

“Fancy another go,” he asked.

Hope turned to face him. They were both still naked. She was about to turn him down when she realized, no she did want another go. She did fancy it.

She pushed him back into the bed but instead climbing on him she decided to go a different route. Hope began to kiss along his chest and down until she reached his cock.

Hope had never given a blowjob before but she had watched a lot of videos on it with Maya, and done her own research.

Sebastian seemed very surprised and lay back as Hope confidently worked his dick into her mouth and proceeded to suck and lick his cock. He moaned as she took in his entire length and began to set a fast pace.
Up and down.

He grabbed the top of her head and held her in place briefly as he came. Hope took it all in her mouth and swallowed it all. He released her.

“Gooddamit Mikealson you are an amazing fuck I’ll say it again ,” he breathed.

Hope smiled. She started to get up. He grabbed her arm. Hope paused again.

“Let me return the favor,” he said sweetly as he pulled her down and switched his position as began kissing along her neck similarly and working his way down her body.

Hope moan as she stared into the ceiling as he went down on her. Sebastian was very good at this.

They both showered and right after Hope rushed over to meet Josie at her house. It was a Saturday. They were meeting to work on their project. Hope managed to make it there only ten minutes late.

She knocked. Josie answered. Her eyes scanned Hope briefly and stopped on her neck for a second. She looked away.

Hope smirked. She didn’t bother covering up the hicky Sebastian had given her. Never would she be ashamed about having sex, it was her body, her choice.

Everyone was chill with a guy sleeping around but as soon as a girl did it she was suddenly a “slut.” No, Hope would own it and not allow herself to be put down for it.

They worked in silence for a while as they read each other’s notes and then discussed them together. Working with Josie was easy. She was very intelligent.

Hope would never tell her but she was pretty okay with being her partner on such an important project.

“Are you going to the party tonight?” She asked suddenly.

Hope was confused.

“I’m not really the party sort?” She said slowly. Josie nodded.

“Well if you do want to, I’ll just text you when the address in case you decide to?” She offered kindly.

What in the hell was actually happening….Josie Saltzman was trying to hang out with her. Hope had a lot of resentment towards her.

“I am still grounded ,” she lied evenly ,” but maybe another time?”

Josie smiled. Hope returned it. It felt natural. It was a little crack in Hope’s otherwise dismissive exterior towards Josie……

 

—— —- —-

Hope was still replaying that conversation in her head from a little over a week ago.

Hope continued sitting next to Sebastian casually as they ate lunch. They never did any PDA and had become actual friends. So much so he only would sell her so much when it came to drugs and often tried to convince her of other avenues for dealing with her issues.

Hope knew he hooked up with other girls at parties, she didn’t care. Hope started attending parties actually. They were okay. Sebastian friends accepted her into her group, he wasn’t friends the “it” crowd in a deep sense. It was all on the surface.

Tara and Alex were very funny. They were dating. Both were very into skating. And skiing. Their parents were also well off so they would do weekend trips to ski lodges and “dope” skate parks. They had been dating since elementary school.

There was also Derek and Craig, both playboys who loved hitting on girls and partying.

Hope was the least fond of them but they at least had a sense of humor and she could enjoy their company when drunk more.

They knew Sebastian and her were fuck buddies but it didn’t matter. It was just sex after all and Hope and Sebastian were very casual about it.

“You going tonight?” Sebastian asked casually.

Hope shrugged her eyes drifted to where Josie was sitting. The buzz around school was that she and Jed had finally broken up. Everyone saw their growing frustration with each other and now they sat on opposite ends of the their group from each other. Lizzie and Rafael had broken up months ago.

Hope was relived about that because Rafael was starting to spend a lot more quality time with his brother Landon. They were actually pretty close. Hope even hung out with him and Landon for a movie night a few days ago. He was nice to her.

The twins were sitting together and Hope couldn’t help but feel curious if Josie was going to. She steeled herself.

Josie was obviously trying to make an effort to reconnect with her.

She texted her.

“Are you going to the party tonight?”

Hope watched as Josie read the message. There was a smile on her face. Hope looked down quickly and saw her typing…

“Yes, are you?”

Hope took a deep breath.

What was she doing?

“I’ll be there,” she sent.

Hope got up.

“I’m going, do you guys mind giving me a ride?” She asked the group.

“Hell yes, finally getting Mikealson to a big party,” Craig cheered.

Hope really only ever drank with them when it was in a smaller group. She was invited to the last three parties thrown but had refused. It felt bad to be having so much fun when she had ceased to do anything to help her friend. Hope felt guilty.

Hope and her crew arrived at the party a little late. They decided to pregame at Sebastian’s. Hope ended up fucking him on a counter in his parent’s kitchen. Everyone else was in the parlor, drinking fancy whiskey and smoking.

 

Hope had gone to the kitchen to grab snacks and Sebastian naturally followed. His eyes were bright and lusty. Hope was feeling nervous and stressed so she let him fuck her on a counter.

Hope was conveniently wearing skirt. She let her panties fall from her skirt as he hoisted her on the counter. He pulled out a condom and don’t even bother taking his pants fully off.

His cock came out and he put on the condom and Hope opened herself up to him. She wrapped her legs around him as he filling entered her with on strong thrust.

“Fuck,” she moaned as he entered her so fully, so quickly. It hurt, but in a good way. Hope like it rough she had discovered.

They had sex a lot the past few weeks. One time she was hanging out with him after they had worked out and he simply pushed her against the wall in his families home gym and fucked her. That was hot until one of their maids walked in on them.

Hope made him stop but she was pretty sure he happily would have continued if she was okay with it. The thing about him though was he never forced himself on her. Hope always felt like she could say no and he would respect it. For as cocky and full of himself as he was he was also a decent guy. Hope was slowly even starting to consider him a friend…..

As they finished up in the kitchen they both cleaned up quickly and came back to their group both sweaty.

 

Tara wrinkled her nose at them.

“You two totally just hooked up,” she accused.

Hope shrugged and Sebastian smirked.

Alex laughed and Tara just shook her head. Tara was staying sober tonight since she was the driver. Apparently they all took turns. Hope was surprised how responsible this notorious “irresponsible “ group was.

They made it to the party and Hope scanned the room.

Josie was talking to her sister who looked angry. Uh huh, Hope recognized the situation from her elementary years.

They were having a blowout fight over something. Usually when this happened they wouldn’t speak for a few days or even a week. Hope felt like it was a bad time to approach her.

Sebastian had disappeared already to “sweet talk some women and conduct business,” in his words.

Tara and Alex were dancing happily.

Who knew what Craig and Derek were up to?

Hope decided on grabbing a drink and as she took a drink she heard a small voice behind her.

“Hope you came,” Hope turned around.

Josie was there, smiling brightly at her. She grabbed a cup.

“Wanna go sit by the fire outside?” She suggested. Hope did want to go outside. It was very crowded in the house.

They left through the back door and sat by the fire, apart from the main group out there already. There were a few curious glances thrown their way.

They were an odd pair to be spotted alone together. Josie sighed and threw Hope a glance.

“Hope, I’m really sorry for everything,” Josie began slowly.

Hope took a sip.

“What are you sorry for specifically?” She asked.

Josie seriously looked at her hands. Hope noted she was shaking.

Her face was flushed and Hope couldn’t help but take in her beauty, even in her current anxious state. She was always so cute to Hope even when she had resentment towards her over the last few years….

Hope felt herself softening towards her a little the past few weeks. Since their last study session Josie had spoken to her, during class and even once in passing at lunch.

Hope wanted to hear her out….

“I um, it’s my fault all they issues with Lizzie,” she admitted. Hope looked at her curiously. Josie stared into the fire and began to speak.

“I actually wrote a note to give to you proclaiming my crush on you, but um, I accidentally grabbed the wrong book and she had mine, the one I tucked the note in. I panicked because she started to read it but didn’t get far enough to realize it was a note to from me to you. She asked why your name was on it and I told her that you had a crush on me and she immediately went off about how horrible you were and said how being gay was bad,” she said quickly.

Hope stared at her.

She looked at the ground. Josie looked really ashamed.

“I didn’t want to be outed so I told her I wasn’t gay and even if I was it wouldn’t be with you because of how terrible you talked about her to me and everyone else about her episodes,” Josie whispered now.

Hope gaped at her. Josie made Lizzie hate her. Whatever she was expecting it was not that. Josie had tears in her eyes.

“I um, I told her earlier what I did and she is very angry with me,” Josie admitted,” I understand if you never want to talk to me again,” she finished.

Hope looked away. Her initial reaction was to yell at Josie. How could she do that to her? They were best friends at the time!

Hope understood the fear of being outed though. All of their parents were a little on the conservative side and at the time there was the issue of their father Alaric, who was still living with him. He was very religious and also an alcoholic. Caroline kicked him out at some point and retook her maiden name. Hope was happy for Josie that it happened. The man was never good to his daughters.

They were also very young at the time.

Hope sighed deeply.

“Josie, I don’t , and couldn’t ever hate you,” she admitted. Her heart thudded.
“I might need some time to forgive you but I am willing to hang out with you and work past it,” she finished after a little more thought.

She felt Josie relax beside her.

Hope looked at her.

“I’m going to leave now, but maybe we can hang this week?” She suggested.

“I just need to be alone and clear my head,” she continued.

Josie nodded understandingly.

“I laid a lot on you just now,” she admitted,” you take all the time you need.”

Hope smiled weakly.

So many thoughts.

Hope walked all the way back to her aunts house. It was about a thirty minute trek but Hope used the time to calm down. She didn’t want to rely on the pills she got from Sebastian to function.

Instead she pulled out a joint and causally smoked it as she made her way home.

Josie had a crush on her. HAD. Did that mean the crush was gone? Hope never really thought about it at the time but she had always felt special to Hope.

Her stomach got butterfly’s when they touched hands or cuddled during the movie. At the time she didn’t understand the feelings, now looking back, Hope couldn’t help but wonder….did she have a crush on Josie as well?

Oh gosh. What if she currently had a crush on her?

She did feel nervous around her. Her smile made her feel warm. With Maya and Sebastian it had never felt like that. She enjoyed their touches, both for different reasons, but it never made her feel the same warmth.

Maya she loved, but in the end they would only ever be friends. They messed around to be sure but it was mainly to explore together, neither of them proclaimed love to each other.

With Sebastian….well it was Sebastian, he wanted to be a bachelor forever and have nothing to weigh him down. He was honest, and kind. But she wasn’t IN love with him.

He just was really good at fucking…..

Hope considered as she walked and made it Hope quicker then she thought. Hope texted her friends and let them know she went home and was safe.

They had a group chat. Everyone thumbs up her message and she smiled. It was weird having a group.

Hope’s fingered hovered over Josie’s name. She hesitated.

“Wanna come talk more at my place?” She sent. Oh God. So much for taking time.

Hope panicked and cleaned up the house as Josie immediately responded yes.

She was there fairly quickly.

Hope looked at her curiously.

“Tara offered me a ride,” she explained.

Oh Tara. Tara was very nice and probably saw her leaving and offered. Hope had zero doubts she was headed back to the party to make sure the boys got home safely.

Hope welcomed her in and they made their way to the living room. They grabbed waters and Hope turned on the TV.

She put on a Disney movie.

Hope didn’t even register what it was her mind was too focused on Josie.

“I’m surprised,” Josie said as the movie began and there was a silence.

Hope looked at her and sighed deeply.

“Josie do you still have a crush on me?”
She asked bravely. Hope didn’t want to beat around the bush. Her heart was racing and she needed to know where she stood with her.

“Yea,” Josie breathed. Hope looked at her.

Josie’s face was full of fear, scared of rejection from Hope.

Hope took her hands.

“I have a crush on you too,” she admitted softly.

“Oh,” Josie said.

Hope looked Josie in the eye and glanced down at her puffy lips. Their eyes met again briefly and Hope leaned forward.

They kissed.

Only it wasn’t aggressive or full of pent up frustrations. No, it was slow and gentle, curious and exploritory. Hope took her time and both of them slowly pulled apart.

“Wow,” Josie said.

“Yeah,” Hope managed to say back. Her heart was punding and she felt warm all over.

“Wanna sleep over? When I say sleep I mean just that,” she clarified.

Hope didn’t want to jump into bed with Josie. She was special and Hope wanted to take things slow. They still had a lot to work through and Hope wanted to be careful with both their hearts.

“Yes, let me just tell my sister and mom I’m sleeping over at a friend’s,” she agreed.

 

Hope woke up fully clothed. She was cuddling Josie would was peacefully sleeping in her arms. It was different waking up with her. She wanted to just hold her and feel her against her chest. It felt like Josie fit perfectly in her arms.

She’d even texted Freya to give her a warning a friend slept over, so it would be less awkward the next morning.

Josie’s phone began to buzz. Hope glanced at it. Caroline was calling her. She gently shook her.

“Josie your mom’s calling,” she informed her.

“Mhmmm ignore it,” she grumbled.

Hope wanted to but she knew that wouldn’t be the best idea.

“Josie,” she said louder.

“Fine!” She exclaimed.

Hope couldn’t hide her smile. Some things never changed. When they had sleepovers as children Josie refused to wake up early and was very much not a morning person.

Josie liked to cuddle and slowly start her day.

Josie called her mom who wasn’t mad and only wanted to see if she would be home soon. She told her in a few hours and got off the line.

Josie looked at Hope.

“Got any food?” She asked as she cutely smiled at Hope. Hope laughed.

“Yes, come on grumpy,” she said.

They freshened up a little and made their way downstairs. Freya was there, cooking breakfast.

She turned around. Surprise flashed across her face.

“Hope oh Josie, this is the friend who stayed?” She asked Hope confusedly.

“Yeah we just were catch up and watching movies,” Hope explained briefly. She knew her aunt would start asking more questions soon but right me she wanted to feed Josie and get her home.

Freya watched the pair curiously as they ate. Keelin joined mid breakfast and was surprised to find out who their guest was.

“Oh Josie, I haven’t seen you in awhile,” she said awkwardly. They both were very much aware of their rift and how bad it had gotten with Lizzie’s bullying. Hope couldn’t blame them for being so shocked to see her here, just casually hanging out.

Josie finished eating and left. Hope walked her to the door.

“So um I’ll see you at school Monday ?” Josie said lamely.

Hope smiled.

“Yeah, maybe we eat lunch together?”

Josie beamed.

“I’d love that.”

The next day.

 

Hope was finishing her lunch when she saw Caroline and Sheriff Machado entered the lunch yard. Josie and Hope were sitting next to the tree she used to eat at with Landon and Maya. Hope looked up as they entered.

 

They walked over to Ethan and pulled him from the yard and had him follow them. Hope saw as they entered more Police.

What was going on?

Ethan didn’t come back.

Hope was anxious and skipped school the rest of the day. She was in the dark and very worried. Hope didn’t respond to the few messages Josie sent and concern. She knew almost immediately Hope left school because their class after lunch was together.

Hope spent her evening fretting and even took a tiny half pill in order to force herself to finally sleep.

The next day Hope came to school and there was a weird silence in the halls. Hope heard whispers.

“It’s just awful,” one whisper came.

“Her poor brother,” another hushed voice said.

Hope spun around.

“Hope Mikealson,” a voice said from behind her. She spun around quickly.

Mrs. Forbes was there, her expression softer than she had ever seen it. Even when Hope would come over all the time she seemed very firm and strict with her.

“My office,” she said as she gestured Hope into the room behind her. Hope felt a pit in her stomach.

She sat down in one of the chairs across from Caroline. Hope glanced at a photo of Josie on her desk, it looked like last year’s year book photos.

Caroline sat across from her and Hope moved her gaze up her face.

“Maya Machado is in the Hospital,” she informed her,” she was transported from California by helicopter overnight.”

Hope starred at her numbly.

“Is she-is she ok?” She asked as her voice cracked.

Caroline looked at her hands.

“From my understanding she will recover,” Caroline said slowly,”but she was hurt very badly.”

Hope felt tears spill.

Her poor friend. Hope failed her.

“Can I see her?” She asked finally once she was able to speak again.

Caroline sighed deeply.

“That is up to Sheriff Machado not me.”

 

Hope sat nervously in the back of her aunts car. It was the next day and they were on the way to the hospital.

Sheriff Machado had called the previous
day to ask Hope’s aunt to bring her to visit Maya. She had been asking for Hope apparently.

Hope was nervous.

 

They entered her room and both Ethan and his mother looked up. Maya was pretty bandaged but she turned towards the door and cried happily,”Hope!”

Hope ran to her side and took her hand in her own.

Her face was badly bruised and there was a bandaged wrapped around her head. “I’m so sorry Maya,” Hope said softly. She kissed her forehead gently.

Sheriff Machado spoke up,” I am the only one at fault here,” she admitted,” I’m
So sorry for everything.”

 

She said this to both of them. Her eyes looked heavy with guilt. Ethan looked messed up. That was the only way to describe his appearance.

There were dark circles under his eyes and he looked exhausted. “I let this happened,”he suddenly sobbed.

“I could have spoke up and I didn’t,” I’m so sorry he cried. Hope didn’t offer any comfort to either of them. They did allow this to happen.

Her bother and mother excused themselves and Hope’s aunts left to give the pair privacy. Hope sat down and careful held her best friend’s hands. Maya began to speak once they were alone.

She told her how her father was a drinker now and was on her constantly. He hated his one and only daughter was a lesbian and decided that beating it out of her was the best course of action.

Apparently the neighbors heard her screams a few nights ago and called the police durning a particularly violent assault after a night of heavy drinking on his part... Her father was now on the run.

Maya said he would probably try to leave the country. Hope prayed that was true. Hope shuddered to think what would have happened if no one had intervened.

Maya was coming back for good. Hope was very happy about that.

Sheriff Machado apologized for her homophobia and promised to let her live her life, without judgment. Maya couldn’t forgive her just now but maybe in the future.

Hope and Maya spent the rest of the time
On lighter subjects. She told her about what had transpired since she left. How she got arrested and was on house arrest. Hope did admit to casually hooking up with Sebastian , but did leave out the casual pill use.

She also told her of her budding romance with Josie, and told her about the lie Josie had told Lizzie. Hope also told her about the beautiful kiss they shared and how it felt like love.

 

While Maya applauded her casual hook up, girl power and all that, Hope knew she wouldn’t be ok with casual Drug use. Really the only person who knew about that was Sebastian.

Hope left feeling a weight off her shoulders….Maya was home and safe, things were looking up.

 

A few weeks went by.

Maya and Hope were shopping.

Hope had officially finally asked Josie out in a real date and Maya was helping her pick out an outfit for it.

It had been a wonderful few weeks.

Josie sat with them at lunch along with Sebastian and all his friends. Hope let him know she was interested in someone and didn’t want to keep booking up.

He respected her boundary didn’t try to initiate anything with her. Hope and him hung out a lot doing chill things. They worked out, biked, and she even confided in him about Josie.

He was a solid friend and told her to man up and ask her out. Hope appreciated his candid advice and Maya seconded it when she told her about it.

Maya and Josie got along really well. The first few days Maya was officially back at schools there was a little tension between the pair. Hope got the sense that Josie felt a little threatened by Maya.

They had a sleepover and Hope ran to get a pizza while the other two stayed behind. She wasn’t sure what sort of conversation they had while she was gone but whatever transpired between them seemed to help.

Since then they joked together and got along well. Maya was way more a girly girl then Hope so they bonded over fashion and makes up.

Josie quit cheerleading.

She confided in Hope that she only joined because Lizzie wanted her to. “It would help with their popularity,” apparently.

Lizzie was on the edge of their group. She and Josie were getting alone now so the two groups of friends sat by each other, though there still was a gap between them.

It was nice.

“Earth to Hope we gotta figure out this outfit situation,” Maya said as she broke into Hopes thought spiral.

Hope came back to the present. She hated shopping but agreed to go with Maya because she knew it made her happy. Plus she really did need the help.

Maya was doing well all things considered. She couldn’t sleep alone the first week or so, she kept having nightmares.

Hope stayed over almost every night. Her mom didn’t protest once. Hope suspected that she could hear her daughter’s sobs each night and knew Hope was helping.

Maya started therapy that Monday and Hope had high hopes for its positive impact on her. Today was once of the first days Maya seemed truly like her old bubbly self. Hope wanted to encourage it.

They did find an amazing new button up for Hope that fit her amazingly.

“God you looked hot,” Maya said as she’d looked her up and down.

“If things don’t work out tonight you know where to find me,” she said jokingly.

They both laughed.

Neither of them were truly interested in that from each other anymore but both felt comfortable joking about it. They were each others first for so many things, Hope would never be ashamed of it. Not after everything.

They both were happily chatting as they walked out of the mall, both extremely distracted and not paying attention to their surroundings.

It happened so quickly.

One minute Hope checking her watch and the next she had a rag being put over her face. Darkness over took her and the last thing she remembered was being dragged into some sort of vehicle.

Chapter Text

Hope woke up in the dark. Dark that was deafening. Her mind was groggy as she began to search around her blindly with her hands. There was only concert floor.

Hope forced herself to sit upright, her head began to immediately spin and she felt nauseous. Where was she?

Carefully, she brought her hand to her head and felt a large lump. Someone must have hit her on the head.

Oh god what if she had a concussion?

Hope almost laughed out loud at the absurdity of her flashing thought. Right now a concussion was the least of her worries….

Where was Maya?

“Maya?” She managed to croak.

Her voice seemed to echo.

No answer. A sinking feeling feel over Hope. She was alone.

Hope sat in grueling silence for an immeasurable amount of time. She couldn’t tell you if ten minutes had passed or hours.

Her solitude was eventually broken by heavy footsteps in the ceiling above. It sounded as if someone was descending stairs above her. A door suddenly opened.
The light, after complete darkness, was blinding and Hope cried out in pain.

“Ouch,” she exclaimed as her arms involuntarily moved to block her face. There was a dark chuckle.

Hope’s face was still covered as she heard heavy footsteps cross the room. There was fumbling and a sudden overhead light turned on.

 

Hope’s head was still buried in her arms. More than anything she wanted to pretend this wasn’t happening, that she was sleeping, and soon she would wake up from the nightmare.

That wasn’t the case unfortunately.

“Lower your arms,” a firm, masculine voice said evenly. Hope didn’t want to, but she did, fearful of refusing her captor.

Hope lowered her arms and let her head lean against the wall behind her. She was still squinting as the man started to come into focus.

“Jesus,” she exhaled as she realized who her kidnapper was.

Mike.

 

Maya’s father. She’d only seen his photo once but it was him. He was a visual mix of Maya and Ethan’s features though he lacked any if the kindness she had seen in both his children before.

“Why are you doing this?” she demanded as tears began to leak out of the corner of her eyes. Furiously, she wiped them away, she didn’t want him to see her cry.

He leaned forward.

“I’m going to punish you for what you have done to my daughter,” he responded darkly. A twisted smile appeared in his face. He reached forward and sharply gripped Hope’s chin. His face was inches from hers.

She could smell liquor in his breath, it was an overwhelming scent and made her feel sick.

“You’re disgusting,” he hissed.

Hope spit in his face angrily. In retrospect that was possibly the worst thing she could have done given her current predicament. He punched her squarely on one of her eyes as he cursed her. He stood up and kicked her in the stomach.

“You’re going to learn some respect here,” he growled.

Hope was clutching her stomach. Pain radiated throughout her body. Did he break a rib?

Hope heard the sounds of him taking off his belt.

“Stand up and put your hands on the wall,” he ordered flatly. Hope could feel the anger radiating off of him. Shakily she managed to pull herself up and turned away from him, putting her hands up as instructed.

Smack.

Crack.

Thump.

Over and over again he hit her with his belt. Hope stayed silent during the first three hits but her resolve quickly shattered as the pain became too much.

She cried out now each time, and he stopped after the tenth time.

Hope collapsed. She could feel blood running down her back and her body was shaking uncontrollably.

“You will respect me,” he snarled.

Hope whimpered.

He seemed satisfied, and left, slamming the door behind him.

Hope let out a sob.

What was she going to do?

Time passed.

 

JOSIE

Hope had been missing for a week and a half and Josie was going insane. The police had no leads, they were generally just giving up in her opinion.

Josie was desperately doing research on her own. According to Maya it was her father who kidnapped Hope from the mall. Josie had a feeling Mike didn’t take her too far. No, from what she learned from Maya he was overly obsessed with her sexuality. Josie had a feeling he still wanted to keep an eye on his daughter.

Maya gave Josie a photo of her father so at least she knew what he looked like. It was baffling to her with all their police resources they couldn’t find him.

Josie visited Hope’s aunts and they seemed broken. Freya looked worn. They politely talked to Josie in their living room but when they went to the kitchen Josie snuck to try to hear their conversation. She knew that she was crossing a line, but she felt like they were hiding something from her.

“He has her cloaked, I can find her,” Freya was saying on the phone. “Maybe-yeah I know, yeah, it’s horrible, I’ll keep trying,” she continued.

“I’m brining Bonnie in,” she said into the phone.

Josie was confused by Freya’s conversation but it wasn’t like she could ask her questions. She was eavesdropped after all. Bonnie was her aunt, she didn’t see her too much but Josie had no idea Freya knew her. She moved to the mountains, claiming to need the peace and quiet. Josie saw her maybe once a year now, oftentimes during the holidays.

It was frustrating they obviously knew more but didn’t want to tell her. What did cloaking mean? Was he like a spy? Josie knew he had been in the military and Maya said he got out but still left for long periods of time.

Maya had only heard one name for his new company, Triad, but searching the company came up with zero results. It was like it didn’t exist.

Josie sighed deeply. There had to be something she could do. She buried her head in her hands. It was Saturday and Josie was at her usual table at a coffee shop in the center of Mystic Falls. Her mom tried to get her to let go, leave it to the professionals, so Josie went here to do “school work.”

Her sister Lizzie was over the whole affair and they got into a fight over it. Lizzie was mad the effort Josie was putting into this and claimed she was putting her life on hold. Josie exploded on her. She knew Lizzie is as just made she wasn’t going to parties with her and still disappointed Josie quit cheerleading.

Josie and Lizzie weren’t currently on speaking terms.

Even Maya told her that she should try to let go. That everyone was doing all they could. Josie ignored them all. Hope didn’t deserve to be given up on. Now she really felt like she was hitting a wall. All leads were fully explored.

“Josie Saltzman?” A smooth, silky voice said in front of her. Josie’s head shot up and in front of her was a tall man in a suit. He was clean shaven and had piercing eyes.

“That’s me,” she said slowly, glad that she was in a public place.

“May I sit?” He asked politely.

Josie narrowed her eyes.

“Why?” She demanded.

He shrugged and smiled.

“I might be able to help you find Hope, but if you’re not interested,” he said and he started to turn away.

“No, no, I’m interested,” Josie said hurriedly.

 

“I figured you might be,” the man said smugly.

He introduced himself as Ryan Clarke.

Josie was annoyed by him but if he had any leads on Hope she would listen, even if it meant being very annoyed by this man. He sat down and looked Josie in the eye.

“Tell me Miss Saltzman, do you believe in the supernatural?” He began.

He went on to talk more.

 

Josie sat in silence after the man stopped speaking. He claimed to work for the company called Triad and to have known Mike. He worked for them a long time but snapped about six months ago and went off the grid. He knew where he was now, where he likely was keeping Hope.

What disturbed her was his declaration that magic existed and so did an array of supernatural creatures. Josie was worried the man was unhinged but decided to play along.

“Can you prove it?” She asked slowly, “can you prove Supernatural creatures exist?” A slow smile grew on his face.

“I can but we would need to leave this shop,” he informed her, “our goal is of keep that world hidden to humans, in order to protect them.”

 

Josie felt her chest tighten. She knew her mother would be horrified of her walking off with a stranger, but Josie had to play this out, in case it truly could lead her to Hope.

“Okay,” Josie swallowed nervously,” Okay lead the way.”

They both got up. Josie followed Clarke outside and to the alleyway behind the coffee shop. It wasn’t a heavily trafficked place, used only for trash cans for the surrounding businesses.

Ryan put his phone to his ear.

“Please send Selene,” he ordered,”I’m sending coordinates.”

Josie kept her distance from him as they waited for someone to arrive. Selene I guess?

It didn’t take long thankfully because Josie was growing more nervous as time clicked by. A woman walked down the alleyway. She was tall and very beautiful. Her eyes were a striking green and as she approved them a wide smile grew on her face.

“You called Clarke?” She questioned as she joined the pair.

“Yes, I need you for a demonstration for Josie here, I’m trying to convince her the supernatural exists,” he informed her as he head turned to Josie behind him.

Her eyes flickered to Josie.

“I can do that,” she agreed.

Selene muttered something and there was suddenly a ball of fire in her hand. Josie took a step back, her eyes wide.

The woman threw it and it hit the wall opposite them, leaving a scorching back mark in its wake.

She wasn’t done. Selene smirked as she pointed at Clarke now and he began to float and grow rigid.

“Very fun Selene put me down!” He demanded indignantly.

Josie started to smile despite her completely feeling freaked out. Selene caught her eye and gave her a wink as she said loftily ,”as you wish,” and let him fall to the ground on his butt.

 

He got to his feet and dusted himself off.

“Very funny Selene,” he said.

She shrugged.

Clarke looked at Josie.

“Are you convinced ?” He questioned.

Josie pondered. “I’m not, not convinced,” she answered honestly,” this all just seems so, unhinged.”

He nodded.

 

“How about we go save Hope and go from there?” He offered.

Josie looked at him and Selene. “Right now?” She asked.

“Right now.” He said.

So Josie went with them. Clarke had a large SUV and together the three of them got into it and sped off. As they drove Clarke was talking into a headset calling “backup” to meet them at a location he had tracked Mike to. Josie held her breath. Hopefully she wasn’t wrong to trust these two.

 

HOPE

Mike fed her twice a day. Usually peanut butter sandwich and some sort of liquid. Hope felt disgusting. Sometimes he would attach a hose to the sink in the room and spray her down. The water was usually either ice cold or unbearably hot.

He also gave her a bucket to relive herself in. She wasn’t allowed to leave the room at all. Hope had no idea how much time was passing.

Over time she became very docile. She did whatever he asked to avoid further beatings. He tortured her. Fire, water, anything to make it interesting and fun. Hope knew he scarred her on purpose with fire.

It was another day in hell as she heard clambering on the stairs. He came down very drunk. So drunk in fact he forgot to shut the door behind him.

“I decideddd that what yuuu actuallyy need is as mans to shows you hows a’good it can be,” he slurred as he stumped over to her.

 

He kissed her messily and stared to push her against the wall. His hands were started to reach up her shirt and she could feel his rough hands against her breasts.

Hope panicked, a beating she could handle, but not this. Suddenly she heard more noises upstairs. Many footsteps were sounding and they seemed to be heading towards them.

Mike turned to walk over the stairs. He looked up in distress. “They found me,” Mike breathed, suddenly cold sober.

He looked at Hope.

Hope now saw a knife in his hand. He started to walk towards her again but stumbled.

“Mike drop the knife,” a woman said at the bottom of the stairs. Hope stared at her in confusion. She didn’t look like a police officer, as she as wearing a dress and looked casual, almost bored.

He stared at her.

“They sent you?” He breathed. Hope caught fear in his voice. Mike was scared of this woman.

“They did,” she said.

The woman muttered something and he passed out. Her eyes fell on Hope. Behind her commando men entered the room. They picked up Mike’s limp body and took him out of the room.

The woman stood aside. A familiar face.

“Josie,” Hope breathed.

Josie ran to her and held her tightly.

“Hope,” she said back.

“How did you-who are these people?” She whispered.

Josie turned to look back at the door. Hope’s eyes followed her’s. There was a man in a suit. “They helped me save you Hope,” she informed her.

“Thank you,” was all Hope could manage.

 

1 week later.

 

Hope say up in the hospital bed. Josie was in the chair beside her bed. A lot had happened the last week. For one they weren’t in Mystic Falls. Clarke and Selene asked to take them to their headquarters so they could be debriefed. They promised to allow them to go home after.

They took Josie’s phone and anything that was traceable on her. Josie and Hope were uneasy about it but they told them it was standard procedure. Today Hope was well enough to walk and they were finally going to be debriefed. Both girls were anxious to let their families know they were okay.

A woman came into the room and smiled at them. “They are ready for you,” she explained. Gently she and Josie helped Hope out of the bed and as a group they walked out of the room.

Hope was given a cane and the two girls slowly followed the woman down bleak and winding hallways. There were no windows and everything was cement. Hope felt like they were underground.

They made it to a room with a large table in the middle. Selene and Clarke were waiting for them there. The two girls walked in and took a seat. Clarke smiled at them. Hope got the impression that didn’t come naturally for him.

Selene seemed more genuine and greater them both kindly.

“Okay,” Clarke said to them,”Let’s begin.”