The funeral was a small gathering with family and close friends two days after Hope arrived in Mystic Falls. She went and paid her respects but kept her interactions with everyone to a minimum. Hope was no stranger to loss and this whole situation was bringing up a lot of painful memories.
Once the funeral ended Hope drove around town for a bit, she could only handle so much. After a few hours she made her way to the Saltzman's house and parked by the sidewalk. She walked up the same pathway and spotted Josie on the front porch alone.
"I figured you had left town already and I would have to wait two more years before I saw you again." Josie says before taking a long drink from her beer.
Hope can tell she's a little tipsy at this point. "How many of those have you had today?"
"Enough to say that out loud without feeling bad about it." The brunette retorts before throwing the bottle to the side and opening another.
Hope reaches for the bottle and brings it up to lips before saying. "I deserve that." Hope hands the bottle back to Josie and sighs. "Where's Penelope? I assumed she'd be here with you considering you kissed and made up."
Josie downs the rest of the bottle in her hand. "What are you talking about? Why would you even think that? Also, why is it any of your business?" the brunette twin practically shouts.
Hope is silent at the sudden outburst of her former best friend. She assumes Josie has just hit the anger stage of grief. She is not about to interrupt at this point. She knows she deserves whatever Josie is about to throw her way. She's the one that left after all.
"What does it even matter Hope? It's not like you have been worried about how I feel for the last two fucking years! Are you gonna start caring now just because my Dad died? Was that all that had to happen to make you magically reappear?" Josie stands up until she's face to face with Hope, chest heaving with tears pouring down her face. "Stop pretending like you give a shit about me anymore, it will hurt too much when you leave again." The last part comes out in a whisper.
Hope realizes she's crying now too. She reaches up and cups the taller girl's cheek rubbing light circles and looks deep into brown eyes. "I had to leave Josie. It hurt too much to see you with her."
Josie blinks a few times looking deep into blue eyes before glancing down at full pink lips. This action doesn't go unnoticed. Suddenly pouty lips come crashing into hers. The kiss is hard and desperate and Hope kisses back matching Josie's force. All the hurt and sadness forgotten in this moment. While two years worth of missing someone fuels it on. Hope pulls away and leans her forehead into the other girl's. Minutes pass before Josie pulls back and turns toward the house. Hope is about to protest when Josie reaches her hand out.
"Stay with me tonight?" It sounds more like a demand than a request.
Hope hesitates for a moment before she grabs the brunette's hand and follows her inside. She knows better than to deny Josie of anything ever again.
