You Called, I Answered (Salvatore Shield)

1.21 | Ultimatums

Hope and Josie arrive back at the Shield complex by early morning. As they pull into the garage, they catch the sight of the other agents waiting for them, most of them seemingly excited. But what catches Josie's attention is her parents, who also wait for them, looking quite unhappy. Caroline shows relief in her expression, while Alaric looks completely disapproving.

"Shit," Josie sighs. She knew this was inevitable. She went against their orders to stay as far away from missions and field work as possible.

Hope parks the car before reaching to give Josie's hand a small squeeze of encouragement, "Hey, it'll be okay. It's now or never, right?"

"Then I choose never. Can't we just go to Asgard or something?" Josie half jokes, making Hope let out a small chuckle.

When all of the agents start making their way towards the car, Josie and Hope share a brief glance, and the brunette gives the Tribrid a small nod, a silent understanding that the parts of their trip that weren't mentioned in the mission report will remain between the two of them, at least for now.

They both get out of the car to be greeted by the agents, with Lizzie practically tackling Josie with a hug, and many of them high-fiving both Hope and Josie on a job well-done, raving about the fact that Hope saved an actual Asgardian. But silence quickly ensues when Caroline and Alaric approach.

Josie straightens her posture a bit, preparing for a long lecture already, "I know I went against orders--"

"We'll discuss that later," Caroline cuts her off, immediately wrapping her arms around her daughter, "The most important thing is that you're safe."

Josie lets out a breath of air she didn't know she was holding in as her father embraces her next, "She's right...But you're still in trouble."

Caroline then hugs Hope, whispering softly, "Thank you for keeping her safe."

Hope returns the hug with a single nod, "Of course."

MG pipes in, "Oh, Lizzie and I finished the designs you asked for, Hope--"

Lizzie interjects, "Correction, I have the designs you asked for, and he has comic strips."

Alaric looks to Hope, "We will have to discuss the mission, but I'm sure you're wanting to get home to see Rebekah and rest, so all of that can wait until later."

Caroline nods, "You both should get some rest." She turns to Josie, "Your father and I have work to do in the school's office. Come see us when you wake up."

Josie nods as Caroline leaves a kiss to the top of her head, "I will."

With that, Alaric and Caroline begin making their way towards the school, and the other agents begin slowly making their way into the Shield Complex, while Hope goes to the trunk to get Josie's bag.

"I can carry that, Hope," Josie says, not wanting to put Hope through the trouble.

"I don't mind, Jo," She grins teasingly, "I think it may be a bit heavy for you, now that you actually have some clothes in it."

Josie scoffs humorously, shoving Hope's shoulder playfully, "Shut up." And the Tribrid only chuckles while the remaining agents, MG and Lizzie look between the two of them curiously as they begin to make their way into the building.

Lizzie and MG get out of the elevator at the level with the gym so they can continue MG's training, but not without Lizzie giving Josie a pointed look that silently says, We're talking later.

Josie tries not to overthink that as the elevator doors shut behind MG and Lizzie, leaving Josie alone with Hope yet again, though the doors reopen only a few seconds later, breaking their eye contact as they make their way into the living quarters, where they are no longer alone. Jed, Kaleb, and Roman are all in the common room before their training sessions, meaning the two can't enjoy a moment alone together before they go their separate ways for the day.