Hosie~ One Shots

Winter Wonderland

It was an unusually cold morning at the Salvatore School for the Young and Gifted, and the entire campus was cloaked in a pristine blanket of snow. The sky, a canopy of swirling gray clouds, threatened to unleash even more of winter's bounty. The students, awoken by the uncharacteristic silence that the snow had brought, were soon abuzz with excitement as the announcement rang through the hallways: Classes were canceled for the day.

Josie Saltzman peered out the window of her dorm room, marveling at the transformation of their familiar grounds into a winter wonderland. Snowflakes, delicate and pure, drifted lazily from the sky, each one unique and ephemeral. She sighed, her breath fogging up the cold glass, and her thoughts drifted to Hope Mikaelson.

Hope had been a constant in Josie's life, a beacon of strength and resilience. Despite the darkness and chaos that often surrounded them, Hope's presence had always been a source of comfort. And lately, Josie had found herself longing for more than just friendship.

Lost in thought, Josie was startled by a soft knock on her door. She turned to find Hope standing there, bundled up in a thick coat, her cheeks flushed from the cold, and her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Hey," Hope greeted, her voice carrying a warmth that seemed to melt the chill in the air. "I was thinking we could take advantage of the snow day. Want to join me for a walk?"

Josie's heart skipped a beat. "I'd love to," she replied, grabbing her own coat and scarf. Together, they stepped out into the wintry landscape, the crunch of snow underfoot the only sound breaking the serene silence.

As they walked, they talked about everything and nothing, their breath forming little clouds in the frosty air. Hope led them to a secluded part of the school grounds, where the trees, heavy with snow, formed a natural, almost magical canopy. It felt like they had stepped into a different world.

They came upon a frozen pond, its surface smooth and glistening. Hope grinned and tugged on Josie's hand, pulling her toward the ice.

"Do you know how to skate?" Hope asked, her excitement palpable.

Josie shook her head, laughing. "Not really. I might end up falling more than skating."

"That's okay," Hope said, her eyes twinkling. "I'll be here to catch you."

Hope's words sent a warmth through Josie that had nothing to do with the layers of clothing she wore. They found a pair of skates in a nearby shed and, with some effort, laced them up. Hope stepped onto the ice first, her movements graceful and sure, while Josie wobbled uncertainly, clutching Hope's hands for balance.

"Just follow my lead," Hope encouraged, guiding Josie step by step. As they moved, Josie began to find her footing, her initial trepidation giving way to joy. They glided across the ice, laughter echoing in the still air.

At one point, Hope let go of Josie's hands, spinning in a circle before reaching out to pull her into a gentle embrace. They stood there, face to face, their breaths mingling in the cold air. Hope's eyes, a deep shade of blue, held Josie's gaze with an intensity that made her heart race.

"Josie," Hope began softly, her voice barely more than a whisper, "there's something I've been wanting to tell you."

Josie's heart pounded in her chest. "What is it?"

Hope took a deep breath, gathering her courage. "I... I care about you, Josie. More than just a friend. Being with you, it feels like everything I've been through makes sense, like all the pain and loss led me to this moment with you."

Josie's eyes widened, a rush of emotions flooding through her. "Hope, I feel the same way. I've been so scared to say it, but I... I love you."

A smile broke across Hope's face, and she leaned in, her lips meeting Josie's in a tender, lingering kiss. The world around them seemed to dissolve, leaving just the two of them in their own winter wonderland. The kiss was everything Josie had ever dreamed of—sweet, soft, and filled with unspoken promises.

When they finally pulled away, both were breathless, their faces flushed. Hope rested her forehead against Josie's, a contented sigh escaping her lips.

"I guess this snow day turned out to be pretty magical," Hope said, her eyes sparkling with happiness.

Josie nodded, her heart full. "It really did. I'm so glad we have this moment."

They spent the rest of the day exploring the snowy landscape, building snowmen, and even engaging in a playful snowball fight. As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the snow-covered grounds, they made their way back to the warmth of the school, hand in hand, knowing that whatever challenges the future might hold, they would face them together.