Hosie~ One Shots

Secret Identity

Hope Mikaelson wasn't your typical high school student. Sure, she had classes, homework, and a healthy dose of teenage angst, but her after-school activities were far from ordinary. By night, she wasn't just Hope Mikaelson—she was something far more extraordinary. Hope was the protector of Mystic Falls, known to the city as the Spider-Woman. Balancing school, friendships, and the weight of a city on her shoulders was no small task, but she managed. What she couldn't quite handle, however, was her feelings for one person—Josie Saltzman.

Josie had always been Hope's best friend, the girl with the kind smile, warm heart, and the one who made everything feel a little brighter. But lately, Hope couldn't ignore the way her heart sped up when Josie was around, the way she found herself staring at Josie's gentle laugh and the way Josie's eyes lit up when they talked. Josie had become her MJ.

Hope had no idea how to tell Josie how she felt, especially when she couldn't reveal the biggest part of her life—that she was Spider-Woman. A superhero couldn't afford to have distractions, and no matter how much Hope loved Josie, she didn't want to put her in danger.

The day had been ordinary enough. The bell had just rung, and Hope was walking beside Josie through the halls of Mystic Falls High.

"You seemed distracted in chem class today," Josie said, brushing her long hair behind her ear, her voice laced with concern. "Everything okay?"

Hope forced a smile, trying to keep her secrets buried. "Yeah, just, uh... a lot on my mind."

Josie nodded, her brown eyes searching Hope's face. "You know you can talk to me about anything, right? I mean... we've known each other forever."

Hope's heart clenched at the sincerity in Josie's voice. The desire to tell her everything, to explain why she had been so distant lately, bubbled up inside her, but Hope swallowed it down. "Yeah, I know. Thanks, Josie."

Before Josie could press further, their conversation was interrupted by a loud bang from outside. The hallways erupted with murmurs, and students rushed toward the windows.

Josie frowned, her concern deepening. "What was that?"

Hope's spider-senses tingled, a rush of energy shooting through her body. "I—I gotta go," Hope said suddenly, her eyes darting around for a place to change into her suit.

"What? Hope, where are you—"

"I'll explain later!" Hope shouted, already running toward the exit.

Josie watched in confusion as Hope disappeared down the hallway, wondering why her best friend always seemed to vanish whenever something strange happened.

In the center of the city, chaos erupted as a mechanical beast, controlled by a masked villain, tore through the streets. Cars were overturned, and people screamed as the creature caused destruction in its wake.

Hope leaped from rooftop to rooftop, her Spider-Woman suit clinging tightly to her body as she shot webs to swing through the city. Her mind raced as she took in the destruction below. She didn't know who was behind this new threat, but she knew one thing for sure—she had to stop them before someone got hurt.

As she swung into action, Hope's eyes caught sight of something that made her blood run cold. Among the crowd, caught in the middle of the chaos, was Josie.

Hope's heart pounded in her chest. No. Not her. Not Josie.

The beast let out a roar, and its massive claw reached down, aiming directly at where Josie stood frozen in fear. Without thinking, Hope shot a web at the claw, pulling it away just in time to save Josie from being crushed.

Josie gasped, stumbling back, her eyes wide as she saw the familiar red-and-blue figure swinging above her.

"Spider-Woman!" she breathed in awe.

Hope landed in front of Josie, her mask hiding the panic in her eyes. "You need to get out of here! Now!" she ordered, her voice strained with worry.

Josie hesitated, still processing the fact that she was face-to-face with the city's masked hero. "But—"

"Go!" Hope's voice was firmer this time, and reluctantly, Josie nodded, turning to run with the others toward safety.

Once Josie was out of harm's way, Hope turned her full attention to the mechanical monster. She leaped into action, webbing the creature's legs and using her agility to dodge its attacks. It was a fierce battle, but after several intense minutes, Hope managed to disable the machine, sending it crashing to the ground.

Breathing heavily, she watched as the villain fled, deciding not to give chase. Her mind was still on Josie.

Later that night, Hope sat on the roof of her apartment building, staring out at the city. The adrenaline had worn off, but her heart still ached. She couldn't keep living like this, torn between being Spider-Woman and being Hope Mikaelson—the girl in love with Josie Saltzman.

The sound of footsteps behind her made Hope's stomach drop. She turned to see Josie standing there, her arms crossed, eyes filled with questions.

"You're really bad at hiding things," Josie said softly, stepping closer. "Hope... I know it's you."

Hope's breath caught in her throat. She had been so careful, but somehow, Josie had figured it out. "Josie, I—"

"Why didn't you tell me?" Josie interrupted, her voice trembling with hurt. "You've been keeping this from me for so long. I thought we were supposed to tell each other everything."

Hope stood up, her hands shaking slightly. "I didn't want to put you in danger. You have no idea what it's like out there, Josie. I've got enemies—people who would hurt you just to get to me."

Josie's eyes softened, but there was still a lingering sadness. "I don't care about that, Hope. I care about you. You don't have to do this alone."

Hope took a deep breath, the weight of her secret finally lifting. "I wanted to protect you. I love you too much to lose you."

Josie stepped closer, her hands reaching for Hope's, squeezing them gently. "You don't have to lose me. I love you too, Hope. All of you—Spider-Woman and all."

Hope's eyes glistened with unshed tears as she looked into Josie's eyes. She had spent so long pushing her feelings aside, thinking she couldn't have both—a normal life and her responsibility as a hero. But here was Josie, standing before her, willing to take the risk to be with her.

"I love you," Hope whispered, her voice cracking.

Josie smiled through her own tears and closed the distance between them, pressing her lips to Hope's in a tender, heartfelt kiss. For the first time in a long time, Hope felt like she could finally breathe.

When they pulled apart, Hope rested her forehead against Josie's. "Are you sure? Being with me... it's not going to be easy."

Josie smiled, brushing a strand of hair behind Hope's ear. "I'm not going anywhere. We'll figure it out. Together."

Hope nodded, her heart swelling with love and gratitude. She knew the road ahead would be tough, but as long as she had Josie by her side, she could face anything.

As the city lights flickered below them, Hope knew one thing for certain—she didn't have to choose between being Spider-Woman and loving Josie. She could be both.