Hosie~ One Shots

A Failed Anniversary

Josie Saltzman hummed softly to herself as she placed the final touches on the dining table. Candlelight flickered gently, casting a warm glow over the rose petals she had carefully scattered. The scent of her homemade lasagna wafted through the air, mingling with the sweet aroma of freshly baked chocolate cake. She glanced at the clock, her heart fluttering with anticipation. Hope would be home any minute now, and Josie wanted everything to be perfect for their anniversary.

She took a step back, admiring her handwork. The living room was transformed into a romantic haven, with fairy lights strung across the ceiling and a playlist of their favorite songs playing softly in the background. Josie smiled, imagining the look of surprise and delight on Hope's face. It had been a hectic few months, and they hadn't had much time to themselves. Tonight was supposed to be special, a reminder of their love and commitment to each other.

As the minutes ticked by, Josie's excitement began to waver. She checked her phone, but there were no new messages from Hope. It wasn't like her to be late without a call or text. Josie sent a quick message: "Hey, everything okay? Dinner's ready. Can't wait to see you. ❤️"

Minutes turned into an hour, and still, there was no response. Josie's worry grew, but she tried to stay calm. Maybe there was some supernatural emergency, she reasoned. Hope would never forget their anniversary on purpose.

At the Salvatore School, Hope was deeply engrossed in a complicated magical ritual with Dr. Alaric Saltzman. A powerful artifact had been discovered, and it required immediate attention to ensure it didn't fall into the wrong hands. Hope's mind was entirely focused on the task at hand, the situation pushing all other thoughts aside.

Alaric glanced at Hope, his brow furrowed. "Are you sure you're okay to continue? You've been at this for hours."

Hope nodded, not looking up from the ancient text she was deciphering. "We can't stop now. We're so close to securing it."

Hours later, the ritual was finally complete, and the artifact was safely locked away. Exhausted but relieved, Hope finally checked her phone. Her eyes widened in horror as she saw Josie's messages, along with the date. She had completely forgotten their anniversary.

"Oh no," Hope muttered, her heart sinking. She quickly called Josie, hoping to explain.

Josie answered on the second ring, her voice strained. "Hope?"

"Josie, I'm so sorry," Hope said, her voice trembling. "There was a situation at the school with an artifact. I lost track of time. I should have called. I'm so, so sorry."

There was a long pause on the other end before Josie spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. "I planned this whole evening for us, Hope. I cooked, decorated... I wanted tonight to be special."

"I know," Hope replied, tears stinging her eyes. "And I ruined it. Please, let me make it up to you. I'll be home as fast as I can."

Josie sighed softly. "Okay. Just... hurry."

Hope practically flew out of the school, using her vamp speed to get home as quickly as possible. When she arrived, she found Josie sitting on the couch, the once warm dinner now cold. The sight broke Hope's heart.

"I'm here," Hope said gently, kneeling in front of Josie. "I'm so sorry I missed tonight. It doesn't mean I love you any less."

Josie looked down at Hope, her eyes filled with a mixture of hurt and love. "I know you didn't mean to forget. It's just... sometimes it feels like we're always second to whatever crisis is happening."

Hope took Josie's hands in hers, holding them tightly. "You are never second to me. You are the most important person in my life. I know I messed up tonight, but please, let me make it up to you."