Note: Things are potentially canonical up until episode 13. Everyone may seem OOC, but hopefully I kept it as true as I could without deriving from their characterizations! Things were adjusted to make a little sense for the setting, so bear with me :P Prompts were Hope/Rafael, New Orleans, Sunburn.

Any mistakes are my own.

"I know what I am now, Hope. It's all I ever wanted to know besides any piece of information I could about my mom. Something you tried to keep from me."

"I was trying to protect you because I care for you, Landon! What was I supposed to do?"

"Tell me the truth!"

"Even when the truth hurt you the first time? She tried to leave you again and made you forget her existence in the first place."

"...I think I heard Professor Dorian calling for me."

"Landon, wai—"

"I...I'm going to need space for a while, okay? I need you to respect that."

A tanned hand waved in front of Hope's face, thankfully pulling her away from her thoughts. She shook her head and blinked, her vision clearing as the tall guy stood over her.

"Earth to Hope Mikaelson," he said in a light teasing tone. "I know the heat doesn't really bother us, but that doesn't mean our skin won't catch a bad tan or sunburn."

The comment made Hope snort easily. "Please, Raf. The last thing I'm worried about is a sunburn," she replied.

"Yeah, you need the sun, don't you?"

"You know I can spell you into a toad, right?"

Rafael held his hands up in surrender. "Alright, alright. I'm not the one spacing out instead of doing my job."

Hope sighed and rolled her eyes in response as Rafael patted her back and shuffled towards a spot in the distance.

She couldn't help but space out like she had. It's been weeks since that fateful conversation with Landon and the pageant, and he barely said a word to her. After Penelope ousted her—not without Hope informing Dr. Saltzman just how Penelope managed to oust her in the first place—and Lizzie had taken it upon herself to make herself acquainted with the next extraordinary species the school had ever seen, Landon barely looked the brunette in the eye. It pissed her off and hurt her simultaneously. She thought they could make something between them work, even when he constantly threw out warning signs that he would be like the other boys going to Mystic Falls High; apparently needed space meant a lot more than taking a day or two to forgive a person.

Landon's distancing wasn't just affecting Hope, either. Rafael received the awkward 'I still love you, bro, but I'm kind of mad at you too' vibes from the newfound phoenix. Hope had a feeling it would happen after Rafael stepped in as her dance partner every time Landon bailed after getting upset. Rafael was her friend and his brother, and it wasn't like they hadn't danced together before. It shouldn't have been a problem, right?

Wrong.

The werewolf was honest and told Landon that he was on Hope's side once he heard the full story. He didn't believe Hope was right in lying to Landon, but he knew about the lying and didn't tell Landon beforehand. Landon hit Raf with the Bro Card which hurt the wolf more than he'd like to admit to Hope.

Hope saw it though, and it sucked.

Summer Break arrived quicker than Hope would have liked, and with the nonsense of Malivore tucked away safely with the remaining objects in a land far, far away—courtesy of the last known living Bennett—Hope didn't know what she was going to do. She didn't want to spend it with the headmaster and his daughters; Lizzie made sure the Hope knew that she couldn't 'ruin' another vacation for the family.

Landon made it known that he was going to hang with Kaleb and M.G. to write songs and bond over a bonfire. Rafael was extended the invitation to join the boys, but Hope heard him mention to Dr. Saltzman that Cassie wanted him to see some 'inspirational' paintings somewhere out of town when he had the chance; Hope wasn't entirely focused on the specific names of the paintings because hearing Raf mention Cassie singed her heart for some reason. All she could picture was his pain and anguish as he hugged Cassie after her resurrection by the Necromancer.

She felt the heavy guilt when she wasn't there for him when Cassie returned to the land of the dead, but she chalked that up to Raf growing into one of the people she allowed in her tight, tight circle. But that burning sensation couldn't be brushed off; Hope just wished she knew what it was.

Anyway, Hope managed to finesse the information out of Dr. Saltzman that the paintings that Rafael mentioned were in New Orleans; they were paintings that her father had contributed to the French Quarter. God, the amount of demanding it took for her to make the headmaster spit out the information almost exhausted her before her mind formed her plan.

The tribrid missed her parents dearly, and after the fire that took away the art she shared with her father, she didn't like mentioning them or bringing them up to anyone. Yet she found herself ready to volunteer as tribute to show the young werewolf to and around NOLA like a tour guide.

She surprised everyone when it happened, even herself, but she wouldn't back out when the third of their Awesome Trio—she had to dub them something similar to the Avengers Squad—was being completely unreasonable. The two of them could go to New Orleans, take in the sights, come back to the school and enjoy the rest of the summer on the school grounds like the good friends they were.

Wrong. So wrong.

They were both 18 and old enough at to drive on their own—they had taken Raf's jeep—and with much persistence, they promised to keep in touch with Dr. Saltzman often so he knew they were safe. He knew the supernaturals around the area weren't as 'welcoming' as the aspirations of Mystic Falls tried to be.

Arriving in New Orleans wasn't difficult. Just longer than Hope remembered it to be. Still, it was good and painful to see the city she grew up in. Well, partially grew up in.

Problem number one happened when the exhibit that featured her father's artwork was closed for the weekend so the workers could prepare for the parades happening the next day.

Problem number two happened when the hotel they were going to stay in somehow was magically booked, and Hope refused to stay in or near the French Quarter. Seeing only Vincent's face once brought a wave of feelings from the tribrid she thought were buried a long time ago.

Problem number three happened when Hope made the consecutive decision for them to stay in the old family mansion on the outskirts of town. She knew it was still under her name, and the rest of the family were building their lives elsewhere.

It was just perfect for the quiet space and peace she needed. Just her and Raf. Alone. In a mansion with no one else but the workers.

Hope didn't think twice about it until she settled her bags in her Aunt Rebekah's former chambers. The pristine, chic design was well kept by the paid workers Uncle Kol kept around as maintenance—and for free room and board as Davina was charitable that way. Raf had taken Marcel's old room, claiming it was simple like he liked it for just a weekend. Hope had teased him saying that he should get comfortable and savor the big bed because weekends often flew by.

Stupid jinx. The first weekend of the break turned into a week for the pair in New Orleans. Dr. Saltzman informed them that Mystic Falls was receiving backlash from a hurricane off the coast of Virginia, and the roads were heavily flooded. It was best that they stayed there until things cleared.

More time with Rafael. Alone.

She didn't have a problem spending time with Rafael before, but this was different. They weren't surrounded by school priorities and students and teachers. Landon wasn't there. It was only him she had for the company, and it surprised her how much ease she felt communicating with the werewolf like this. Hope hadn't felt this much ease in years.

"So you like to paint like your dad?" Raf mused as they sat on the ground outside in the open meadows near the mansion. "I don't think I've ever really seen you with a paintbrush in your hand, though."

Hope folded her arms and lifted her chin. "There's a lot that I do that people don't know that I do," she countered.

"True," Raf agreed, "but I think people would recognize the Great Hope Mikaelson's artwork if they saw it."

The tribrid narrowed her eyes, a mock offended expression colored her features. "Are you challenging me?"

Raf sported a large, wide grin, making a 'bring it on' gesture with his hand. "Show me what you're working with, Leonardo DaMikaelson."

It felt so easy to laugh at that cheesy name, and she did.

Thus bringing things up to speed. She'd made Raf change into something sophisticated so she could paint him next to the mansion. The idea was to make it look like this all belonged to him. He wore a suit similar to the one he wore to the twin's birthday party, but it was darker. He opened his arms with a raised brow, making silly poses that brought more laughter out of the Mikaelson. She made the mistake to think about how she laughed more this week than she had when she was with Landon. Then the flashback conversation. Then the somber moment overwhelming her.

Attempting to focus one more time, Hope adjusted in her lawn chair and gripped her paintbrush to work on her easel.

She wasn't sure how much time had passed for the portrait, but even when he moved around a lot, Rafael had been a good sport and made sure he kept still when she asked him to.

The sun was setting, blending into the purplish-red hues in the sky, when Hope stood up with a stretch, setting her brush down. "Alright, Raf," she said. "Come take a look."

With a light groan, Raf stood up from his position where he was laying on the grass. At some point, Raf had removed his jacket and unbuttoned the first few buttons due to the heat. Hope hadn't paid attention to it because she'd been focusing on the details in the background to make the portrait pop.

He was standing behind her examining the picture, and Hope could smell the grass mixed with the rich scent of his cologne; she hadn't noticed it before and was curious as to why she was picking it up now.

"Wow, Hope," Raf said in awe, "I stand corrected. Your artwork is as badass as your monster hunting."

Hope laughed once again—this had to be a new record—and shook her head. "I don't know about that, but I do know I'm pretty awesome," she replied cheekily.

Raf chuckled deeply. "Seriously, Hope. You really did great in a short time." He glanced down at the portrait and her. "Can I keep it?"

She placed a hand on her hip and tapped her chin. "I don't know, I think I'd have to get compensation for taking out of my busy schedule to paint you."

"Maybe I would compensate you if this wasn't a challenge," he countered.

"But the challenge was accepted and pretty much aced." Hope held her hand out. "Now pay up."

Raf snorted. "I hope hugs are payment enough because that's all I have except for the gas to get back to Mystic Falls," he said.

Hope nodded with a look of amusement. "Yes, I think hugs would suffice," she said. Did she just say that?

He seemed a bit surprised that she allowed it so easily—there were no easy hugs with Hope Mikaelson since the unicorn slugs—but he set the portrait down nonetheless and engulfed Hope in his arms.

Hope closed her eyes instantly, wrapping her arms around Raf's frame. His scent was all over her now, and she didn't mind it. In fact, she didn't mind this position at all. Her heart started to beat faster than before, and she leaned back out of the hug to meet Raf's eyes.

He was showing how grateful he was through the shine in his eyes, despite the lack of sun, and the care she felt through his look increased the nagging thoughts prickling the back of her mind. She was acting on impulse, an impulse she didn't think she'd possess again, and raised her arms so she could cup his face. It would be so easy to see where things would go, and when Hope let her emotions drive her to the dangerous line, Raf stopped her.

Raf held her wrists gently yet firmly enough so he could keep them from his face. "Hope, you know we can't," he whispered.

She gave him an unamused expression. The tribrid was well aware of the bond he and Landon had no matter what, and the noble way that he respected his brother's ex reminded her of her family's loyalty to one another in the end.

Thinking about that gave Hope the reason to be tired of being told what she can and can't do. It wasn't her intention to come between them, but Landon made his choice. She was making hers, and Raf should be free to make one without feeling guilty on his brother's behalf.

"Can't we?" she challenged, tilting her head and giving him a 'try and stop me' look.

His eyes swept over her face, the look of realization registering in them too late before Hope pushed herself up and kissed him.

The werewolf's body went rigid, at first not responding to her advances. It didn't deter her, though, because she expected it. She pulled away, meeting his gaze. Despite his lack of reciprocation, Hope could feel the difference between him and Landon—not that she was going to start comparing them. Maybe. If she could help it anyway.

The fact that his eyes still showed the tribrid a loving nature in contrast to the pained facial expressions let her know that while he was trying to be the bigger, better guy, he couldn't deny his feelings.

'Since the moment you danced with me.'

She didn't get it then because of her emotional stance at the time. Now she did. Because sharing these brief moments with Rafael and Rafael alone made her feelings for him sprout into other directions. He made her smile. He made her laugh. He challenged her. He understood her. Why shouldn't she take the leap? She'd done much worse than this in the past.

"You're making this hard for me, you know that?" Raf said finally, his voice rougher than before.

Hope stood her ground. He made her better so far in the week, and she couldn't help but feel that she had done the same. She was going after what she wanted; hang the consequences.

Neither of them moved, their bodies were still close.

"That's funny," she told him, "because you made things better for me." Hope kissed the werewolf again, and after a few seconds, his hands moved to her sides.

She knew that things were going to change after this, especially when they were back at school. They'd cross that bridge when they got there; it was the Hope Mikaelson specialty. Until then, she was making the choice to keep this better night in her memory rather than the lonely ones.