Hosie~ One Shots

The Costume Party

The gym buzzed with energy as the students of Mystic Falls High gathered for the annual costume party. Lights flashed, music blared, and laughter echoed off the decorated walls. Josie Saltzman adjusted her mask that added her sceleton costume.

Lizzie, dazzling in her Cleopatra-inspired attire, studied her sister. "Seriously, Josie," she began, leaning against the doorframe of their shared bathroom, "when are you going to tell Hope how you feel?"

Josie glanced at her reflection, pretending not to hear. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Lizzie snorted. "Oh, please. It's written all over your face every time you look at her. You're so obvious."

Josie turned to her, attempting a casual shrug. "It's... complicated."

Lizzie rolled her eyes but let it drop. Moments later, the two were in Lizzie's car, driving toward the school. The night promised fun, though Josie couldn't shake her nervous excitement. Tonight, she told herself. Tonight might finally be the night.

Inside the gym, the party was in full swing. The Supersquad had claimed a spot near the punch table, laughing and joking.

Josie glanced toward the doors every so often, wondering when Hope would arrive.

Finally, she spotted her. Hope Mikaelson entered, looking stunning in a deep crimson gown paired with an ornate, shimmering mask. She paused at the entrance, scanning the crowd. Josie's breath hitched. Hope always had a way of stealing her focus.

As Hope approached the group, Lizzie launched into a playful tirade about the party's décor, leaving Josie to observe quietly. When Hope finally turned to her, Josie felt her pulse quicken.

"Hey, Josie," Hope said, her voice soft and warm. "Can we talk? Alone?"

Josie blinked. "Of course," she said, ignoring Lizzie's teasing smirk as she followed Hope out into the hallway.

The music faded into the background as they stepped into the quiet corridor. Hope fidgeted with the hem of her sleeve, her cheeks pink. Josie tilted her head, her curiosity growing.

"What's on your mind?" Josie asked gently.

Hope took a deep breath, her sapphire eyes locking onto Josie's. "J-Josie," she began, her voice trembling, "I've wanted to tell you something very important for a long time, but I never knew how to say it. I never found the courage."

Josie's heart skipped a beat. She reached out, her hands softly covering Hope's. "You can tell me anything," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Actually, there's something I've been wanting to tell you, too..."

Before either could say more, the hallway door burst open, and Lizzie stormed out, her golden dress stained with dark liquid.

"Josie, you won't believe what happened!" Lizzie exclaimed, her voice dripping with indignation. "That stupid girl Dana just spilled her drink all over my dress. I need your help to fix this."

Lizzie grabbed Josie's hand without waiting for a response. Josie shot Hope an apologetic look. "I'm so sorry, can we talk after I help her?"

Hope gave a small, understanding nod, though her chest ached with disappointment. "Yeah... of course."

As Josie disappeared with Lizzie, Hope leaned against the wall, her head tilted back. Tonight, she thought. Tonight had to be the night she told Josie. Because if she didn't, she wasn't sure she ever would.

Back in the gym, Hope rejoined the Supersquad, trying to shake off the lingering nerves from her unfinished conversation with Josie. She stood near the edge of the dance floor, sipping her punch and scanning the crowd. The party seemed louder, brighter—almost overwhelming. All she could think about was Josie.