Fight With Me

Chapter 31

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New Orleans – Mikaelson Compound & Woods

The morning sunlight spilled across the compound like liquid gold, warming the stone floors and painting everything in soft light. Hope and Josie sat on the balcony, the air crisp and slightly scented with magnolia and jasmine. Hope's fingers found Josie's instantly, entwining with hers as if the touch alone could keep the world from unraveling.

"You're here," Josie whispered, tilting her head to look at Hope, dark eyes shining with an intensity that made Hope's chest ache.

"Always," Hope replied, her voice soft but unwavering, almost like a vow. She leaned closer, brushing a lock of hair behind Josie's ear, letting her palm linger against her cheek. "And you're not going anywhere either."

Josie's lips curved into a small, shy smile, but her hands tightened around Hope's. "I... I don't even know how to explain it. This... us... it's like I can't breathe without you."

Hope's eyes darkened with possessive adoration, the edge of her love sharp as a blade. "Then don't. Don't even try to explain it. Just... be with me. That's all I need."

Josie leaned forward impulsively, pressing her lips to Hope's in a soft, lingering kiss that melted into something desperate, something tethering. Their hands roamed with quiet, obsessive familiarity, thumbs brushing palms, fingers tracing knuckles, each touch claiming the other in a way no words could.

"God, you're mine," Hope murmured against her lips, voice low, almost purring, and Josie's heartbeat skipped a beat at the possessive tone.

"Yours," Josie echoed breathlessly, her voice trembling with exhilaration and the tiniest thread of fear. "Only yours."

⸻

By mid-morning, Freya and Keelin had retreated to the study, ostensibly to investigate the bond between Josie and Hope, though they occasionally peeked out to the balcony, rolling their eyes at the display of love between the two.

"I can't believe how obsessive they are already," Keelin muttered, watching as Hope traced circles on Josie's palm while leaning so close she could feel her heartbeat.

Freya snorted, adjusting her glasses. "Obsession? Oh, please. That's barely the surface. Wait until they start finishing each other's sentences—or... stealing food off each other's plates." She glanced out the window, smiling despite herself. "They're completely in love. And completely terrifying together."

⸻

Hope had planned it without Josie even knowing. By noon, they were walking hand-in-hand through the wooded clearing behind the compound, carrying a picnic basket filled with pastries, fresh fruit, and chocolate, because Hope knew Josie's weaknesses. The sun dappled through the leaves, turning the forest floor into a patchwork of gold and green.

Josie, cheeks flushed from both the sun and excitement, looked up at Hope. "You... you did all this for me?" she asked, voice soft, almost incredulous.

Hope smirked, pulling Josie close. "Every detail. Every single thing. You deserve it, Jo. And don't even think about pretending you don't."

Josie laughed softly, resting her head against Hope's shoulder as they spread the blanket. "I don't even know how to argue with that. I give up."

"Good," Hope said, voice low and teasing. She pressed a lingering kiss to Josie's temple, then another to the tip of her nose. "Just accept me. Accept us. Because you're stuck with me."

Josie's eyes widened with playful mock horror. "Stuck? Is that how you see this?"

Hope grinned, tucking Josie's hand in her own and letting their fingers entwine tightly. "Completely. Forever. Soulmates against the world."