The Real Me ↠ Hope Mikaelson ✓

28

𝐇𝐎𝐌𝐄 𝐒𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐓 𝐇𝐎𝐌𝐄
some years are for growing, but this one, this one is for blooming.

A MONTH LATER, and the school year is over, meaning it's time for students to head home.

Well, except for the Saltzman twins because it's their home.

Since Millie is still Liv's daughter, she's going back home with her. She wants Hope to go with her though, to meet everyone she holds dear to her heart.

And of course, the twins are coming along, but only for a week.

The two girls have been dating for a month and three days now, going strong and getting better every day. They never run out of things to talk about, things to compliment each other, and they're always there for each other.

Of course, there are arguments here and there because no couple is perfect, but they talk it out as partners.

Liv comes by to pick up her sweet daughter, smiling instantly and pulling the girl into a tight hug, twirling her around in the air.

Caroline, Alaric, and the twins watch with smiles on their faces as the mother and daughter reunite.

Liv lets go of her daughter and smiles at the parents before her eyes find Hope. "Oh, sweetie!" She rushes over to the auburn-haired girl and tugs her into a tight hug. "You've made my girl very happy, and I couldn't be more grateful." She pulls back only to press a kiss to the girl's forehead. "How have you been?"

Hope smiles up at the blonde. "Good. Amazing, even." She licks her lips as she glances at her wonderful girlfriend.

Liv glances between them and smiles, her eyes twinkling. She's found her soulmate just like her daughter has. Isn't that lovely!

Hope frowns. "Uh... you don't mind that I'm tagging along?" She nervously flits her eyes between the two zombies.

Liv shakes her head. "Of course not. I'm the one that suggested it." She then smiles up at Caroline and Alaric. "And I'm happy we came to an agreement about the twins visiting for a week."

Caroline smiles, blue eyes sparkly. "I want my daughters happy. All of them. And the twins love Millie and begged to visit."

The twins are grinning widely, practically shaking in their spots. "We're so excited to leave Mystic Falls for a little while!"

Liv smiles, walking over to them and pulling them into a hug. She squeals and starts to jump excitedly with them.

Alaric shares an amused look with Caroline. "They act like we aren't going on a cruise for a whole two weeks when they get back."

"Oh, one on, daddy, that's different." Lizzie rolls her eyes as she turns and grabs Millie by her hand to pull her against her body. "This week, we get to share with our dearest sister and see where she was raised."

Josie shakes her head and chuckles at her sister.

Millie giggles, standing up on her tippy-toes to press a quick kiss to her sister's cheek before bouncing over to Alaric and Caroline, pulling them both into a tight hug.

She pulls back only to pull Caroline into another separate hug. "I'll miss you... Mom. I love you."

Caroline sniffs, wiping away a tear beneath her eye. "I love you too, sweetie. I'm so happy and relieved you came back into my life, and that you're alive and well. And that you found your soulmate in Hope. It's everything I could ever wish for."

Millie smiles up at her, tears gathering in her eyes. "I'll be back for the next school year."

Caroline smiles and rubs a gentle hand across Millie's cheek. "See you soon, darling."

With that, the Moore girls left the building with Hope and the Saltzman twins following behind them.

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MILLIE SHOULD KNOW by now that her mother is a little liar and had some sort of surprise waiting for her at the apartment.

She just doesn't expect Ravi, Clive, Peyton, and a mystery guy that must be Lowell.

A 'Welcome Home Millie' sign greets her when she walks into the apartment, as do a bunch of pink balloons and a pretty pink Barbie-themed cake.

"Surprise!" Ravi shouts, jumping up and down while clapping his hands. He stops only to run over and sweep Millie off her feet and twirl her around. "Blondie is back!" He exclaims before setting her back down on the ground, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Welcome back, kiddo."

Millie giggles and wraps her arms around his waist in a hug. "Missed you too, Ravi."

"Aw, my little niece is grown up!" Peyton shouts, rushing over to hug Millie tightly.

Lizzie and Josie share a soft look, happy that their sister has this many people standing in her corner and loving her.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't Lil Miss Trouble," Clive teases with a grin as he makes his way over, rubbing the top of Millie's head affectionately, which he knows annoys her. He chuckles when she pouts and slaps his hand away. "Come here." He opens his arms and smiles when she buries her face in his chest. "Miss having you around bothering me at the office and almost ruining crime scenes."

Millie grins, pulling back to stare up at him, mock gasping and clasping a hand to her chest. "Me? Ruin a crime scene? Never." She giggles when he just rolls his eyes.

Liv clears her throat and gently reaches over to grab her daughter's hand, moving her closer to the mystery guy. "Millie... this is Lowell, my boyfriend. Lowell, this is my daughter, Millie."

Millie beams, shocking the guy when she pulls him down into a hug. "You take care of my mother or else." She hears him gulp and she giggles, pulling back to clap him on the shoulder. She then turns to her mother, grinning. "I like this one."

Liv gives her a look before shaking her head and laughing softly. "Good. I think I might keep him."

Millie smiles genuinely, happy for her mother. She has always struggled with dating, especially since turning into a zombie. It's about time she found someone for her.

Turning around, she gestures to her sisters and Hope. "Guys... this is Lizzie and Josie, my younger sisters."

Lizzie smiles and waves. "We're twins."

"Fraternal," Josie adds.

"Obviously," Lizzie continues, locking arms with her twin and tilting her head in sync with Josie.

Ravi shivers dramatically. "Creepy," he sing-songs, making the three sisters laugh.

Clive raises a brow. "So this one must be Hope, right?"

At the tone he uses, Hope straightens her shoulders and gives him a nervous smile. "Uh, hi."

Clive tilts his head, pinning her with an intense stare. "You better cherish our girl."

Hope's eyes can't help but slide over to look at the blonde, who is giving her a wide smile and an encouraging thumbs up. She smiles softly, sliding her attention back to Clive. "Of course. Always and forever."