Life at the Salvatore School had finally slowed down. No monsters, no imminent threats—just the usual chaos of supernatural teenagers. It was a relief, really, even if it meant actual classwork. For once, Hope could breathe and just… exist. Especially with you by her side. You were the one thing in her life that felt refreshingly uncomplicated. Stable. Normal. And yet, you were far from ordinary.

You could hold your own, which meant Hope didn’t have to play bodyguard 24/7—a small miracle. So, when you missed first period, she brushed it off. You were prone to oversleeping when no one dragged you out of bed. But second and third period? That set off the alarms. And when her texts went unanswered, she was already spiraling.

Hope was pacing outside the library when Lizzie walked by, raising an eyebrow at the frazzled expression on her face.

“What’s got you all storm cloud-y? Did someone steal your brooding corner or something?”

Lizzie teased here, clearly in a good mood.

Hope stopped pacing and shot her a glare sharp enough to cut glass.

“Lizzie, unless you’ve seen Aria anywhere, I’m really not in the mood for—”

Lizzie smirked, cutting her off.

“Relax, Mikaelson. She’s in her dorm. Needed to borrow some pads earlier, so I hooked her up. You’re welcome.”

Hope froze, then groaned, running a hand through her hair. Of course. How had she missed that?

“Great. I’ll go, check on her. Thanks for the assist, Lizzie.”

“Anytime, broody,”

Lizzie called after Hope as she walked away, amused as always by Hope’s dramatics. By the time Hope reached your door, she was equal parts worried and annoyed with herself. She knocked softly.

“Hey, babe? It’s me.”

Your voice, faint and muffled, called for her to come in, and she slipped through the door, instantly wincing at the sight of you bundled in a blanket on your bed, looking pale and miserable.

“Oh, God. I’m so sorry. Lizzie of all people had to tell me? I’m the worst, Okay. What do you need? Heating pad? Snacks? A full-on magical remedy? Just say the word.”