Hosie~ One Shots

Tunnel Of Love

The summer sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the bustling amusement park. The Salvatore School's annual trip was in full swing, with the Super Squad scattered across the various rides and attractions. Laughter and the sounds of carnival music filled the air, mingling with the scent of popcorn and cotton candy. It was a day of fun, freedom, and just a hint of mischief—especially where Lizzie Saltzman was concerned.

Hope Mikaelson had been roped into this excursion by Lizzie herself, who had insisted that the whole squad needed a day to relax. "Come on, Hope," Lizzie had said, dragging her away from her books. "Even the tribrid needs to have a little fun."

Hope had begrudgingly agreed, though she was glad Josie would be there too. Despite the chaos that often surrounded them, spending time with Josie always brought Hope a sense of calm, a feeling that everything might just turn out okay.

"Alright, team," Lizzie called out, gathering everyone around near the entrance. "We're splitting up for a bit—meet back here in two hours."

As everyone paired off and scattered, Lizzie sidled up to Hope and Josie with an innocent smile that Hope didn't quite trust.

"You two have to check out the Tunnel of Love," Lizzie said, her tone light but her eyes gleaming with something more. "It's a classic. Super cheesy, but what's a day at the amusement park without a little cliché?"

Josie blushed slightly at the suggestion, while Hope raised an eyebrow, suspicion creeping in. "You're serious? You want us to go on that?"

Lizzie nodded, her grin widening. "Absolutely. I think you'll both enjoy it. Besides, it's really romantic, and you know, fun for best friends too."

Before Hope could argue, Lizzie had already taken Josie by the arm and was leading them toward the ride. "You'll thank me later!" she called over her shoulder, darting off before Hope could protest further.

Josie chuckled, looking up at Hope. "It's not so bad, right? It could be fun."

Hope sighed, but she couldn't help the small smile tugging at her lips. "Alright, let's do it. But if this turns out to be one of Lizzie's tricks..."

Josie smiled brightly. "Then we'll get her back together."

The two made their way to the Tunnel of Love, which was tucked away in a quieter corner of the park. The ride was exactly as advertised—corny, with heart-shaped signs and a pastel pink-and-white color scheme. The line was short, and soon enough, Hope and Josie were seated in a small boat that bobbed gently on the water.

The ride operator—a tired-looking man with a sunburn—gave them a disinterested nod before sending them off into the tunnel.

As they entered the dimly lit tunnel, the sounds of the park faded away, replaced by soft, romantic music that played over hidden speakers. The water glowed faintly with underwater lights, casting rippling reflections on the tunnel walls. Paper-mâché hearts and cherubs hung from above, adding to the almost absurdly romantic atmosphere.

Hope and Josie exchanged an amused glance, and then, as the boat glided deeper into the tunnel, they both grew quiet, the soft music and the intimacy of the moment settling over them.

"This is... a lot," Hope said after a moment, her voice echoing slightly in the tunnel.

Josie giggled. "It is, but... it's kind of nice, don't you think?"

Hope looked at Josie, really looked at her, and felt a warmth spread through her chest. The dim light made Josie's features softer, more delicate, and her eyes sparkled with amusement and something else—something that made Hope's heart race.

"Yeah," Hope murmured, almost to herself. "It is."

They floated in comfortable silence for a while, listening to the music and the gentle lapping of the water against the boat. The tunnel curved and twisted, and with each turn, Hope felt herself being drawn closer to Josie, like gravity was pulling them together.

"Hope," Josie said quietly, breaking the silence. "Can I tell you something?"

Hope's heart skipped a beat. "Of course."

Josie hesitated for just a moment, then continued, "I'm really glad we're here together. And not just today, but... in general. You've always been there for me, even when things get tough. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Hope's chest tightened, and she suddenly felt like there wasn't enough air in the tunnel. "I feel the same way," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "You've always been so... so important to me."

Josie smiled, and Hope couldn't look away. There was something in Josie's eyes, something that made her feel like they were the only two people in the world. The boat drifted closer to the tunnel wall, slowing as they approached the ride's end. But in that moment, neither of them noticed or cared.

"Hope, I—" Josie began, but whatever she was going to say was lost as the boat bumped gently against the side of the tunnel, causing them to lurch forward slightly. Hope reached out instinctively to steady Josie, and before she could think, their faces were inches apart.

Time seemed to freeze, and for a heartbeat, the world held its breath. Then, without a word, Hope closed the distance, her lips meeting Josie's in a soft, tentative kiss.

The kiss was gentle, sweet, and everything Hope had imagined it might be. Josie's lips were warm and soft, and as she kissed her back, Hope felt like her heart might burst from her chest. It was perfect, and yet all too brief.

When they finally pulled back, the ride had slowed to a stop, the end of the tunnel just visible ahead. They stared at each other, breathless, their hearts racing in sync.

"Josie..." Hope began, but Josie shook her head, a smile tugging at her lips.

"Don't say anything," Josie whispered. "Not yet. Just... stay with me."

Hope nodded, her heart soaring. As the boat drifted out of the tunnel and back into the sunlight, the world felt brighter, more vibrant. They were still the best of friends, but now they were something more—something that had been waiting to happen for a long time.

When they stepped out of the boat, Lizzie was waiting for them, her arms crossed and a smirk on her face.

"Well, well, well," she teased. "Looks like someone enjoyed the ride."

Hope rolled her eyes, but she couldn't keep the smile off her face. "You're impossible, Lizzie."

Josie blushed but grinned. "Thank you," she said quietly, her eyes meeting Lizzie's in a way that conveyed all the gratitude she couldn't put into words.

Lizzie's smirk softened into a genuine smile. "You're welcome. Now come on, let's go find the others before they eat all the funnel cake."

As they walked away from the Tunnel of Love, Hope slipped her hand into Josie's, giving it a gentle squeeze. Josie squeezed back, her smile bright enough to light up the entire park.

And in that moment, as they walked hand in hand, surrounded by the sounds of summer and the laughter of their friends, Hope knew that this was just the beginning of something beautiful.