Secrecy (Hosie)

Part 75: NOLA

The following morning, Hope and Josie make their way back to the school, luckily before Alaric and Caroline had the chance to notice Josie wasn't home.

From there, Hope and the Saltzman family head to the airport for their flight to New Orleans.

————

Freya offers to pick them up at the airport, thrilled to see her niece after what she refers to as 'an inexcusably prolonged period apart.'

She meets them at the gate, immediately pulling Hope into a tight embrace, "Welcome home gorgeous."

When Freya finally releases her, she notices that Hope seems anxious, a bit paranoid as she scans the airport.

"Don't worry darling. We've got numerous security measures in place for your safety. We'll have to be discreet while in the Quarter, but other than that, there will be no unwelcome guests at the wedding,  and no threats the entire time you're home."

Hope nods, and Freya then faces the Saltzman family, offering them a warm smile and a hug to Josie before leading them to the car, with Hope updating her on all things Malivore and Triad along the way.

"I don't know how I feel about you trusting Clarke for information."

"Oh, I don't trust him. But he could prove to be useful. And if he crosses me I'll tear out his liver." Hope shrugs nonchalantly as she looks out the car window.

Freya just shakes her head, "You really are your father's daughter."
Hope responds with a smirk in her aunt's direction.

——

Freya suddenly parks the car in an alley just minutes outside the Quarter before handing a bracelet to Hope, "Put this on. If you run into any trouble, press your thumb to the charm and your location will immediately be sent to us. It'll incapacitate anyone within 20 feet for about 45 seconds, just long enough for you to get away. We're hoping we won't have to use it, but just in case."

Hope does as she's told, "Got it. See you back at the compound."

"Wait, you aren't going with us?"

Hope turns to face Josie, who immediately looks worried, "I can't be seen with family in the Quarter. I'll sneak in through my bedroom window. There shouldn't be any witnesses there."

Josie nods slowly, "I forgot... You're used to this kind of thing."

Hope leans in to leave an assuring kiss to her cheek, "I'll see you at the compound in a few minutes."

Josie nods and Freya reminds Hope, as she has so many times before, "Remember, stay aware and alert. Don't draw attention and keep your eyes open. If anyone seems suspicious—"

"Freya. Relax. I'll be fine." Hope gives her a reassuring smile before getting out of the car, and making her way towards the compound, taking a different route than Freya and the Saltzman's will take.

Freya waits until Hope is out of sight before putting the car in drive and heading toward the compound.

—————

When they arrive at the compound, Freya shows them to their rooms before heading to Hope's bedroom to open the window.

She sees that her timing is perfect when Hope uses her supernatural strength to jump up to the small terrace and climb into the window.

Hope lets out a sigh of relief as she looks past Freya to see Rebekah in her doorway, who visibly relaxes at the sight of her niece unharmed, "Welcome home little one."

Hope gives her a smile before moving to bring her into a hug, "It feels good to be back."

"It means a lot to me that you're here Hope. With everything going on back in Mystic Falls, I wasn't sure—"

"I wouldn't miss this for the world. And I think Dorian and Emma will handle things at the school just fine while I'm here."

Rebekah raises an eyebrow, "And your friends, Milton and Cleo, they know of your identity as well?"

"They figured it out on their own, but they won't be a threat Rebekah. I trust them."

Rebekah nods slowly, "Just remember, trust is a luxury that this family cannot afford to give away freely. Be careful."

Hope nods in understanding before she hears a soft knock on the doorframe.

The three Mikaelson's turn to see Josie, and Rebekah and Freya excuse themselves from the room, with Rebekah offering the young Saltzman girl a brief hug.

Josie enters the room, taking in the decor, "So this is your bedroom." She raises an eyebrow suggestively.

Hope gives her a sly smile, "You've already seen two of my bedrooms. Now you've seen them all."

"Yeah, but this one feels different. Almost sacred."

"I've got a lot of memories here. Good. Bad. And everything in between."

Josie smiles sweetly as she slips her hands onto Hope's waist, whispering lowly, "Maybe we can make a few memories of our own."

Hope takes that as an invitation, and she leans in to bring their lips together in an assertive collision.

Until she hears fast footsteps and feels someone grabbing onto her leg.

She pulls away and looks down to see Nik, hugging her leg tightly.

"Hi little one," She picks him up, leaving a kiss to his head, "I've missed you. So has Jo."

Nik smiles giddily and turns to Jo with a small giggle, "Jo."

Josie gasps, "He said my name!"

Nik mimics Josie's excitement before turning to Hope and pointing out the bedroom door, "Us play bawl."

"You want to go play ball?"

He nods eagerly, "Bawl."

"Okay, let's go," Hope carries Nik downstairs, as the toddler points to lead the way, and Josie follows suit.

But then Hope dreads the tantrum that's certain to come when she realizes what Nik points to is in fact not a ball, "Dude, that's a light bulb. Not a ball."

He shoots her a pout, "Bawl."

Hope only gives him a stern look, "You're so stubborn."

Josie raises an eyebrow at her, "Sounds like someone else I know."

Hope shoots Josie a playful glare before turning back to her little cousin in her arms, and when she sees his bottom lip start to quiver, she caves and comes up with an even better solution.
"Let me show you a trick," She sets him down on the ground and kneels in front of him, placing her hand between them with her palm up. She waves her other hand above it, muttering a quick incantation, "Tenebras Sphero Lucem Pueris."

The child's eyes widen in awe and wonder as a glowing sphere appears in the Tribrid's hand, completely harmless and intended for child's play.

"How's that, little one? Is it to your liking?"

He laughs excitedly, clapping his hands together, "Play bawl!"

Josie just watches lovingly as the two interact.

She's certain Hope will be a great parent.

She imagines the two of them raising children together, maybe two or three, loving them endlessly as they love each other.

That's her dream.

To be with Hope for the rest of her life, and she knows, without a doubt, it would be a happy one.