The squad didn't know whether to take it like a compliment or insult that people just assumed that they all bonded and became family so easily. Like they all didn't have history with each other or defining moments, that made the cement set in their friendships with each other. That whole, ''Hi, my name is so-so, do you wanna be friends'' little glib was playground stuff. While they were all on the young side of the supernatural scale of things, they weren't children. Kids maybe, they'll give them that, but not babies.

Babies didn't have to drink blood to live. Babies didn't have to break every bone in their body once a month. Babies didn't have to worry about starting a fire, tornado, or any other natural disasters if they get upset. They weren't babies.

And no matter how many play-dates you plan for them. Babies cannot make friendships.

At least not the kind the Super Squad had with each other.

Like they said. Their friendship didn't come easy in the slightest. Most of the time they didn't even like each other, even though they loved each other. Before that, they didn't even like each other, but understood that it didn't matter, as long as they do right by each other. They did attend Salvatore Boarding School. The one thing that was set in stone was showing loyalty and respect to each other. They were a family.

That part was easy. Liking someone took a whole lot more effort.

People should at least know the facts about them first. They didn't even meet each other at the same time. Some bonds were already formed between two or more members, and on the other hand, some feuds were already in motion. That right there explains how out of order and wack the Super Squad was before they became a crew.

First out the bunch was Lizzie and Josie. Obviously. The school was literally made for them. Yes, the school is made for supernatural's, but only because what's a school without students to fill them? With their mothers' resources and their fathers' late friends boarding house, SBS was up and running.

Next came Penelope. Funny enough the twins and Park got along great when they were little. When students under 10 come into the school, they don't get single or double rooms, they go into 'camp accommodations.' Rows of bunkbeds aligning the walls, with dressers and trunks near the foot of the bed. When they were young, the twins and Penelope used to rotate sleeping arrangements with another bunk bed's shared students. Not because they wanted a bunkbed to themselves, but because they wanted a turn at sharing one with Park.

Penelope and Lizzie had the same sense of humor. Both were extraverted and loved the spotlight of being a leader in charge. Josie was quieter, of course, but kind. Always willing to help both Penelope and Lizzie with whatever joke or scheme they would come up with. Penelope always thought the brunette twin was sweet to her blonde twin's sour. Back then though, that wasn't an insult, it was actually something Penelope liked about Lizzie.

Of course, puberty, girls, boys, and the knowledge of the merge ruined all of that. Some say with Penelope being an only child she didn't understand the loyalty or dedication the twins had to each other that would make them choose each other above anyone else.

Others say that Penelope's budding crush on Josie got in the way of the friendship with Lizzie. Now all the fun her and Lizzie had at the expense of others was fine, but sometimes Lizzie got short with Josie and lashed out. Before, Penelope rarely got in the middle of that, chalking it up to sibling drama. Now, with her realizing that she likes Josie's smile and the way her cheeks continuously flush red, Penelope found herself snapping back at Lizzie's motor mouth. More times than not.

Penelope, Lizzie, and Josie wanted to ride bikes today. Their mom, Caroline, had just bought them new ones. Josie's bike was a soft yellow with green and blue pastel ribbons coming out of the handles with a tan wicker basket in the front. Lizzies was lavender with light pink and white ribbons out of the handles, with a dark brown wicker basket in the front. The girls were so excited to ride them when the rain stopped and they decided to invite their best friend to join.

It started off great, but the further they rode, the stuffier the air seemed to get. They were thirsty and getting tired. In all of their excitement they forgot to pack water and snacks.

''Ugh Josie! If you're going to continuously keep going slow and cry to make us wait for you, you should have stayed back at school!'' Lizzie yelled at her sister who was sluggishly pushing her bike up the hill towards the two other girls.

Penelope, who was happy to ride bikes today, was starting to feel upset at Lizzie's hollering. She kept picking at Josie! Granted, they were all tired, and Lizzie picked at Penelope too when the raven-haired girl dared to beat her in their race to the end of the block, but that wasn't nearly as much as Josie got. After that last barb, Penelope had had it.

''Knock it off Lizzie! Leave her alone. Not all of us can be robots! Leave her alone!''

An argument could have spawned from that, if not for the fact that all the girls were shocked.

Lizzie, that Penelope, her best friend, said something to her for yelling at Josie. Especially since she has never done so before.

Josie, being surprised and bashful that Penelope spoke up for her.

And Penelope, who was just as shocked as the first two, couldn't believe she yelled at Lizzie. She could admit that while the appreciative stare Josie was giving her, made her happy, it wasn't enough to squash the icky feeling in her gut. The feeling that her words just created a break in her friendship with the twins. Lizzies mean girl stare wasn't putting her any more at ease, and while she was just defending Josie, Penelope knew, where one twin went, the other followed.

''Let's just go back.'' Penelope mumbled, glancing down at her shoes.

Lizzie hmphed, and stuck her nose in the air, while walking her bike passed both dark-haired girls, and making her way home.

Things changed after that. At first the girls still hung out with each other, but rarely all three together. It was more Josie and Penelope by themselves. Lizzie always had to seek them out when she wanted to spend time together. They never came to her.

Whenever Lizzie and Penelope were together without Josie, Penelope found herself rolling her eyes at her friend a lot more than usual and even giggling at a couple barbs that were thrown her way by other students.

''What?! Come on Liz-'

''It's Lizzie. Liz was my grandmother.''

''Well, your grandmother is probably laughing from the spirit world too. You know that was funny. Where'd your sense of humor go?'' Penelope rolled her eyes with a snort.

Washing down the bit of hurt at her newly turned frenemy Lizzie gave a fake laugh. ''The same place as your fashion sense, apparently. Is it washing day or do you actually think that shirt matches those pants?''

When all three were together there were a lot of awkward silences and Penelope picking at Lizzie when she went after Josie. There were even more uncomfortable moments when Penelope always tried to bring Josie with her to sneak away from her twin, reminding Josie that they didn't always have to be together.

The friendship broke apart then. With Lizzie naming Penelope Euphigenia Park persona non grata in their family. Of course, Josie followed suit, although unlike Lizzie, she was never mean to Penelope, she simply avoided her.

Until she didn't.

Josie for the first time, maybe ever, went against what Lizzie called the Twin Code, when she went with Penelope Park as her date to the beginning of the school year dance.

Lizzie of course called Josie every name under the sun starting with betrayer and ending in deluded, not leaving out biblical insults such as Judas and being the Cain to her Abel.

Josie took all of it in stride and enjoyed her new dating life. When Penelope knocked on their door to take Josie's hand, to the embarrassment of Josie and the irritation of Penelope, Lizzie grabbed Josie's other hand back.

''Wait!'' Lizzie yelled. Josie stared wide eyed at her sister, not believing she was taking this feud on her former best friend this far. Both Josie and Penelope were about to open their mouths to berate Lizzie when she pulled something out from behind her back and started messing with Josie's hair.

''Wait, what are you doing?''

''Leave her alone Saltzman!''

Lizzie ignored both of them and used her magic to silencio Penelope's mouth, smirking when she saw the anger in Penelope's eyes. A smirk that turned into a full smile, when her twin giggled at the display Lizzie just did to her date.

''Now, ta-da!'' Lizzie moved Josie in front of the mirror.

Josie originally had her hair in a plain hair style. Straight, with little curls floating at the bottom. It wasn't much, but with her mother out of town and Lizzie being mad at her, her style with her hair was more C- on a good day.

Now, however Josie had a stylish updo with tendrils falling around her face with an elegant braided bun on the bottom of her neck to the side. And a gasp left Josie's lips when she noticed the beautiful golden aquamarine hair pin that Lizzie placed in her sister's hair that is their mothers.

''Moms? But Lizzie, no, you should wear-,''

Lizzie cut Josie off and shoved her gentle to Penelope, who was watching the scene with suspicious, yet confused eyes. ''You have never argued with me before.'' Lizzie said with a shrug, like that simple phrase explained everything.

But it did.

The fact that Lizzie reamed Josie a new one didn't make her sister step back, take back whatever she said or cancel her date, not to mention her budding romance.

Josie was serious. Serious about Penelope. While, Lizzie didn't approve of the girl, she approved of Josie's happiness. A small part of that was the fear that if made to pick, Josie wouldn't pick her. A bigger part, however stemmed from the light and joy she saw in her sister's eyes when she opened the door. A light that was rarely seen in her sister's eyes.

Josie's eyes watered because she knew the significance of her sister's actions. To be blunt Lizzie had a horrible way of showing love, but Josie has never once doubted that she was just that.

Loved. By her sister.

The rare moments when Lizzie did get it right. She got it right.

''Have fun.'' Lizzie whispered.

Lizzie was closing the door when she heard the tail end of the duo's conversation.

''Well, at least Lizzie's fashion sense is better than her magic.'' Penelope snarked.

''Her magic was good enough to silence you.'' Josie quipped right back with a hard voice, she rarely, if ever used.

Elation filled Lizzie's heart that she didn't lose her sister and that even with Penelope Euphigenia Park thrown in the mix, Josie still had her back.

Of course, all good things must come to an end. Dates freshman year. Relationship sophomore year. By junior year Josie was flying solo with a broken heart and Penelope Park became such a distant memory of sleepovers and friendships, that most of the population of Mystic Falls forgot that the three ever were friends.

The other members of the Super Squad didn't have all that history drama though.

Next out the gang was MG. Lizzie remembered MG's entrance to the school like it was yesterday. She was the one who gave him the tour.

MG was skittish upon arrival. Eyes darting everywhere. His mother stood beside him. Serious face and suspicious eyes darting just like her sons, except more subtle. Her dad, Alaric, came over and re-introduced himself to the woman. Veronica Greasley.

The three disappeared into her fathers' office and Lizzie figured she had a 40-something minute window of socializing before her dad called her back to give a tour. Josie was currently giving another new student a tour. Her dad of course gave Josie the task of showing around another witch (warlock) instead of Lizzie. His reasoning being that Josie could put more emphasis on the academics and control management of spells better, and that the boy seemed like more of the academic sort.

Lizzie didn't know if it was the low patronizing voice or the slight sting of avoiding the question that pissed her off more. All she did know was that her father basically told her that Josie got to tour the witch because Lizzie:

1. Didn't take her academics seriously.

2. Had retched control compared to Josie.

Lastly, 3. (Because of 1 and 2, it obviously makes sense that Lizzie tour the vampire.)

They obviously have things in common.

On a side note, Lizzie honestly doesn't know how her father kept run of the school for so many years with his veiled dislike for the majority of the school's population. Her mother should have taken control years ago.

Back to MG though. Lizzie was stewing in the kitchens while she waited for her cappuccino to finish, when she heard her name on the loud speaker asking for her presence in the headmaster's office.

''Ugh.'' She muttered under her breathe. Slouching towards Alaric's office.

Upon arriving she saw Mrs. Greasley still sitting down and going over the extensive school introduction and information pamphlet, while her son was still fidgeting next to her dad in the doorway.

''Really? You couldn't just ask a vampire to come find me? You had to blare my name across the school?'' Lizzie rolled her eyes.

Her dad had on his fake smile and disapproving eyes. Nothing new there. Sending her raised eyebrows with hidden warnings to not act out in front of potential students. Lizzie of course inwardly smirked and ignored him, while Josie would get big eyes and fall in line. Nothing new there either.

''I need you to show Milton around while I go over some more things with his mother. Josie is still with-,''

''-or else I wouldn't have called-,''

''Alright kiddo ready to motor!'' Lizzie cut off whatever else her father was going to say. Internally distancing herself from him, knowing she was tapped out for the day. Anything else he said to her would blow her up.

''Kiddo? Aren't I older than you?'' The nervous vamp managed a chuckle and a quirk of his lips while walking with the blonde.

''Hmm, how'd you figure that?'' Lizzie gave the kid a side eye glance. She didn't know if she was older or not. She honestly didn't even know why she said it. She just wanted to leave the office and in typical Lizzie fashion, her mouth released the words before double checking with her thought process. Which isn't too bad, considering the alternative is usually her thought process being impatient and not done with her thoughts, that they chuck out words that she didn't mean to say.

Oh! The new kids talking!

''-with a blue birthstone that I'm pretty sure is Aquamarine, which is March. Unless it's blue topaz or Turquoise, but since that would mean December-,''

''Your older anyway, considering it's at the end of the year.'' Lizzie finished.

A mild blush could be seen on his cheeks which told Lizzie that the boy just realized how much he was talking. Lizzie speculated that the newbie must usually be a chatter, but his nerves were cutting off parts of his personality.

''So, are you Garnet or Amythest?'' Lizzie asked, bumping shoulders with the tense creature, trying to get him to relax.

''I'm amethyst.'' He mumbled.

''Lucky. Purple is my favorite color, well lavender technically. Blue isn't so bad, I just thought it would be neat to have my birthstone to be my favorite color. I like matching.'' Now it was Lizzie's turn to blush a bit. Her rambling, she got from her darling mother, coming to the forefront making her feel ridiculous. Milton was having a hard time as it is, he doesn't need a head case focusing on colors and doing nothing to help him be settled.

''That would be cool. Every time you search for something meaningful for your birthday it's rather convenient that you'd probably wearing your favorite color too. It does the match thing you like.''

Lizzie whipped around to face him shocked. He was listening to her? Seriously? And acknowledged it, plus said something back to her in reference to it? Unreal.

''Uhm, yea. My thoughts exactly.''

Lizzie focused on her job after this. It was the least she could do. She introduced Milton to everyone. Witches, wolves, and vamps. To Lizzie's amazement, he got along with everyone. He was sympathetic to the wolves plight. Asked them questions about their transitions and the highs and lows. He socialized with the witches. Talking about anything and everything. Always showing respect, didn't flirt at all, and some did try. When the talk started to feel like a women's empowerment meeting, Lizzie pulled MG along, stating they would all get together another time, but they were on a time crunch. He met with the vampires and asked even more questions than he did with the wolves, understandably.

Thankfully though, slowly but surely, Milton relaxed. The older vamps told him what things were normal, explained how the first two weeks would feel. One guy, Marcus she believes, he's a senior and would be graduating soon, he went to go get Milton a blood bag and showed him how to drink out of it. They shared highs and lows. Drawbacks and triumphs. Teachers to ally here with and students to avoid. All the while Lizzie patiently waited nearby. Not too far away so Milton wouldn't feel like she ditched him, but not right next to him where he felt like she was hovering. She wanted to give him space to talk freely and openly.

None of the blood stuff mattered to Lizzie. Her mother being a vampire herself, but Milton was observant. He saw the suspicious eyes the wolves gave him on sight and the blatant hostility that the witches had. This was an inclusive school. They would have each other's backs and would fight for each other, but that didn't mean all of them were okay with all the aspects of each other's lives.

Most of the vampires know the twins' stories. She is mostly sure that they wouldn't even mind her joining in the conversation, but Lizzie didn't want to. Milton was chattering away, showing the personality that she knew was hiding under that fear. She let the newbie have his time.

As they were finishing up the tour, Lizzie noticed something else. When she first came to her dad's office to get Milton when her dad introduced them. He seemed to shift a bit. Throughout their walk, anytime he was introduced he would frown or his shoulders would sag a bit. At first, she thought that it was his nerves with meeting so many people on his first day. So, Lizzie stopped introducing him to people in the hallway or sitting in the lounges. She kept it to just the groups.

Then she sometimes said his name when they were talking. Just regular conversation in between walking destinations and same thing. Lizzie gasped and turned scarlet pink thinking she figured out what his problem was.

''Am I saying your name wrong?'' Lizzie blurted out to a startled Milton, who was just causally walking beside the blonde.

''I'm so sorry! I heard my dad say it and I thought I copied it right. I'm so sorry! I have been introducing you and everything using the wrong name. You much think I'm a jerk. It wasn't on purpose! This isn't a haze or anything! God-,''

''Lizzie. Lizzie!'' MG grabbed her by the shoulders gently and tried to get her attention. Amusement in his eyes, so Lizzie took that to mean he wasn't too angry at her.

''You're saying my name right. I just don't like it.'' He chuckled, letting her go.

''… You want me to start saying it wrong? How would I-,''

Milton laughed. It was the first time she heard him laugh. She thinks it's the first carefree laugh he's had in a while.

''No, I simply hate my name. I have no idea why my parents named me that, but it's all I have, so I'm stuck with it.'' He shrugged.

Lizzie stared hard at the vampire in front of her. Running a thought through her head for a minute. Thinking it over and then deciding it was worth sharing.

''You know when we started this tour. You were a wreak.'' Lizzie started.

Milton gaped at the girl but an opened mouth smile was on his face.

''You were! I'm just stating facts. As we started talking though you started opening up. I saw your personality. This newbie who can't stay still and can talk to anyone no matter the age, gender, or background. You were kind and honest. Very genuine.''

Milton looked at Lizzie seriously now. Wondering where she was going with this, but giving her a soft small smile to let her know he appreciated her words of her assessment of him.

''As a vampire, everything about your personality is amplified, as I'm sure the vamps told you. All that I said about you today, is all that you've always been, except now it's more. It's bold. I know your worried about this new life, new world, and forgive me if I'm assuming, but...you fit Milton. I predict that your new life here will be good for you. I can count on one hand the number of individuals that can get along that easily with everyone here. Only two can do that genuinely and your one of them.''

''Think of this school as a new start. A new beginning. You mentioned you like comics and books. Here's chapter one. Introducing the main character. You don't like your name, well let's change it. No one here knows who you are. How about MG? Get it? Milton Greasley. It's a mix of old you and new you.''

Milton...no, MG, looked at the blonde, no...Lizzie. He looked at Lizzie and thought about everything she just told him. He was scared when he got here. He thought he was hiding it better. He was genuine with everyone he met today. He wanted to get to know them and this world better. His world now. He loved that she paid attention to his interest and suggested he turn it into his personal story. Out of all the words spoken today. That made him feel the most. His own story. Written by himself. A baby vampire's first day of eternity.

He stuck out his hand and Lizzie looked at him confused, before he saw the light flash in her eyes and a smile stretch upon her face, almost as big as his.

''Hello, I'm MG. Thank you for showing me around today and your kind words. I can't wait to start school with you.''

''Hello, I'm Lizzie, welcome aboard. You are very welcome, and thank you for making my chore actually fun.''

MG laughed.

He thinks he would like it here.

He loved it here. MG fell in quickly with the vamps and the witches surprisingly. Penelope and Josie were often seen with the new vampire around the school. Josie and MG declaring each other as best friends not even a whole school year later. He was fitting in exactly like Lizzie predicted he would.

Lizzie and MG's friendship was still there except something changed in their interactions. Lizzie was noticing the little things about MG. She was noticing how much he sought her out to talk to her. He was always doing little things for her and sticking up for her with the other students. Lizzie didn't think much of it, until the rumor mill hit. MG loves Lizzie was whispered in the halls, Mrs. Milton Greasley was written on chalkboards and passed notes. Lizzie liked MG, she did, but not in that way. It never crossed her mind like that. Sure, she had eyes, MG was attractive, but she wasn't going to do anything about it.

If Lizzie were a different person. If she were more...stable and secure in herself and actions this wouldn't have been a problem. She would explain to MG, that she liked him as a friend and she was thankful for his friendship despite the rumors about herself going around. MG would understand, and in his joke-y way he would tell her that if she ever changed her mind, to let him know. Crisis adverted. Nothing to it.

Unfortunately, Lizzie wasn't like that. She wasn't secure and stable. Half of the rumors about her were people putting emphasis on her instability. Which was why Lizzie felt herself becoming a bitch to the one person that was a genuine friend to her. Lizzie did appreciate MG's friendship. Contrary to popular belief being the daughters of the founders of the school, did not guarantee friends. Followers, fans, and enemies, yes. Friends no. The last genuine friend Lizzie had was Penelope and look what happened with that.

So, to control the narrative and not be the subject to more gossip, Lizzie became snippy with MG. Kept her distance, flirted with other guys, started arguments with him. Over time, the once anticipated couple of the year between 'Witch Bipolar' and the 'Vamp Nerd', now was changed to 'Love Sick baby vamp' following behind the haunches of the 'Queen of Mean'. Yea, still not a nice nickname, but at least she was the Queen.

What makes all of this more horrible is the fact that Lizzie didn't lose MG as a friend. He still persisted! Sure, he flirted and dated other girls, but it was never a secret that they came second to Lizzie. He would drop them and anything else if Lizzie needed him. Looking back, Lizzie will admit she took advantage of that. The fact that no matter how awful she was, MG would always be there for her.

Lizzie has grown since this. Trying to be a better person and treat her friends better. One of those friends being her future step-sister. Lizzie and MG still were friends, but Lizzie was starting to see MG in a different light. Not just as a friend. Unfortunately, Lizzie took too long to figure that out and MG's off running around with Kym, Alyssa, and whoever is the next girlfriend. Lizzie finds that she misses him, but she's not going to get in the way of whoever could make him happy. She'll wait for her moment.

Afterall, he waited for her.

Someone that was happy that the two had decided to call it square? The big brother. Kaleb Hawkins entered the school a year after MG. Josie and MG gave him the tour. MG wanted to pay it forward for the amazing tour he was given and Josie never said no. Lizzie, who was still avoiding MG, quickly backed out of the plan with the two and left the newbie for them.

Kaleb while appreciated where the vamp was coming from and liked Josie well enough, she was nice and all, but he wasn't feeling the 'can-do' supernatural talks.

Kaleb came in with a 'too cool for school' vibe, big guy, serious, athletic, and kind of intimidating. He also had a strong dislike for humans that not many other vampires outwardly had. No one knew how he turned or what happened. Just that he was on his way to earning a division 1 football scholarship when all this vampire nonsense came at him.

Kaleb turned out to be a really cool guy. Sure, he wasn't the most talkative like MG, or friendly like Josie, but he was cool. You talked to him, he talked to you. He signed up for sports right away and got invested in the vampire social group. Becoming this head spokesman for vampire power and anti-bunny blood.

Dr. Saltzman wasn't his biggest fan.

The vampires loved him. The witches fawned over him or were indifferent, and the wolves, at least the ones willing to talk to vampires, respected him.

It's funny, looking back, Kaleb didn't even like the members in the Super Squad before all their Malivore mess came around.

Sure, Josie was nice enough, but Kaleb could never get a real conversation out of her. Josie rarely wanted to talk in depth about herself and there was only so much small talk he could handle. She was helpful and she was the first person he ran to in the event he needed information or a cover. They weren't best friends, but Josie was okay.

Her twin on the other hand, Kaleb couldn't stand. She was the barbie princess of the castle and had the looks and followers to back it up. She was mean on a good day and downright evil on a bad one. Kaleb had no qualms about sarcasm. Bring it. It was superiority that he didn't like, and Lizzie gave it in bundles. Turning up her nose at anyone lesser. The thing that really chaffed him was that for the most part, she got away with it. Who would tell on the headmaster's daughter? More so, did they really think Dr. Saltzman would give serious punishment to his kid? He didn't. Sure, a detention here or there, volunteer work, okay, but the big punishments? Nah. Nepotism at its best. In terms of social group and power dynamics however, even in a supernatural school, they were both popular, so while they weren't in each other's faction circles, they tended to gravitate in each other's social circles.

Penelope, for all her talk about being better than Lizzie, was no different, aside from her treatment of Josie. She was bitchy also, but lacked the superiority that Lizzie had. She didn't actively snub vamps and wolves, but aside from MG she wasn't 'buddy-buddy' with them either. She would gladly do without. He saw her playing cartwheels with Josie's feelings and he didn't like that. If they were done, be done, stay out of her life and business, but whatever, that was too much drama and he did not do drama. She was good for entertainment. Her fights with Hope and Lizzie being the most infamous on campus. Penelope wasn't good people like Josie but she wasn't an enemy like Lizzie either. He was indifferent to her honestly.

MG was cool. Kaleb didn't mind his rambles most of the time. He liked his hipster boy style and his shoe collection could give Kaleb's a run for his money. He thought MG was a pushover though. A doormat. Especially with Lizzie, but not limited to just her. MG was such a nice guy, he often than not got taken advantage of. Kaleb wishes he would know his self-worth, but at the time, they weren't close, so it wasn't like it was his job.

Until it was.

Like he said. It's funny how in under a year, a group of practical strangers can become family. Kaleb remembers when the hyperactive vamp stopped being a pest (when he sold him out for feeding on MFH girls) and a distraction (teaching him how to feed and doing weight lifting with him) and became his kind-hearted little brother (unfortunate road trip to visit dear old dad). A little brother he needed to protect.

In the car before going to say goodbye to Landon (who they thought was dead) Kaleb told MG that he was his family now, and every day since, Kaleb feels for the most part he kept his promise. There were a few bumps in the road, but nothing that the two didn't come back from. Eternity was a long road and they would be doing it together.

The rest of the squad rounded out with new and already existing members that while around, had no interest in socializing.

Hope Mikaelson had started at SBS when she was 7 years old. At the time, her story was that she was an only child of a single mother and she went by the name Hope Marshall. She was a quiet girl, recluse, kind if not reserved. As she grew, she more or less stayed the same except in some ways she became cold and a touch arrogant. To an outsider's eye, Hope got away with a lot of things. Things even the twins would get punished for were all swept under the rug with her. She got more privileges and trust than most students did which brought out jealousy and resentments. Hope is powerful, was then, and still is, and will always be. She knew that. Dr. Saltzman knew. For any student or teacher that questioned his favoritism that was his go-to answer, so the arrogance, and 'rules are suggestions for me' mentality Mikaelson had, were justified, considering that was how she was being taught.

Looking back now, and the Squad knowing all that they know about Hope's family and her life, was like missing pieces to a puzzle. It explained so much about why her presence and connections were not enough. After the arrival of Raf and Landon and how they emerged into the school, that was enough to bring Hope's attention to her classmates. That attention started and rocked a lot of friendships but they always managed to become steady again. From those trials and tribulations of friendships and fighting Malivore, a leadership was born, bringing her to the center. The girl who made it her life's mission in life to not get close to anyone and remain hidden, became the young woman everyone counted on and loved for her bravery, kindness, and forgiveness. As corny as it is. She was their hope. Hope that Malivore would be destroyed and they would all have normal school days and be kids.

That was their Super Squad. The OG's at least. Lizzie, Josie, the departed member Penelope Park, MG, Kaleb, Hope, Landon, and Rafael.

The new members that were always there to lend a hand if need be: Wade, Jed, and little Pedro if the situation is rated PG. Not always there, but always appreciated.

That was their family. Fighting together and staying together. The group that had teachers, faculty, and even townies on their toes when they were together. ''What are they up to now?'' A common question when they were all together. They couldn't be upset at the inquisition. While they were known for the hangouts, movie nights, sleepovers (rated PG! Don't be crude), vacations, and Friendsgiving (newly started by Lizzie this year), they were still them. Raf jokingly said the fight on Malivore ruined them. They all need a mission a month to sustain their moods. The group laughed, but it was a joke that was the truth.

With the return of Klaus Mikaelson and Caroline Forbes, the school improved and the students got to be true boarding school kids with all the antics and classes that imply. Fighting off monsters wasn't on that list anymore; Klaus having handled it. So, that left the squad with free time that they had no idea what to do with. They were twitchy. Even with the new developments, there was still a reflex to jump up when a problem became known. It took great restraint to realize that fighting wasn't their job anymore.

A new hobby was in order. Which they did find, although it came bittersweet because they only had a year and some months before this chapter of their life was over. While basketball, hunting, swords, track and field, and archery were nice energy releasers, they came with an expiration date.

It wasn't just the lack of stimulation either. Sure, thy missed missions together, but if they all got sentimental enough, they had to admit, they mostly missed each other.

Hangouts were one thing. It's another thing entirely when your trusting each other in battle and saving each other. Knowing that there is a big chance that some will get hurt or worse, and making sure they all know that they were loved and a valued member of their family. That closeness that stems from becoming friends in a time of war.

The war is over and it just hit for the Super Squad that they were too.

MG and Kaleb were vampires. They had eons to go to college or wherever they wanted. It wasn't a big deal to them, but they can admit going with their friends sounds like a good time.

Raf and Landon weren't splitting up. Neither really were jumping for joy at the prospect of what comes next after school and they head back into the real world, but they knew that whatever they choose they were doing it together.

Hope made her plans with her sisters, though that didn't mean that Landon wasn't in mind as well. They had been through a lot and if Landon didn't choose to go to college with her, they had faith in their love that they would make it.

They all had a general idea of what they wanted to do next. Not specifics like the girls, but in the area of subjects and who they would be beside while they were doing it. Call it co-dependence or whatever else, but the squad wasn't ready to split. If you think about it, while their adventures were non-stop, the founding of the squad is still new. Two-ish years of being together. They wanted more time with each other than that. Then they could be the mature adults that say ''so long for now, see you soon'' as they each go find themselves and grow as people. Since, most of their childhoods had been ruined and their days at boarding school were drama filled, they feel they were still making up for lost time. They all felt this way. All that was missing was the communication between them. For one of them to say:

I don't want to leave you.

Enter Lizzie:

If this was in the Harry Potter Universe, that girl would be a Slytherin.

Lizzie, ever the micromanager and organizational queen took all of that out of their hands. They didn't need to know what their next step was. Apparently, while Lizzie was busy making her plans with Hope and Josie, afterwards, she got to work on theirs.

Josie, Hope, and Lizzie had all gotten their plans done with their parents and wanted to factor their friends in as well. Eternity is long, but for the ones who may or may not only have one lifetime, they wanted to be together for it. Most of it. Some of it. Parts of it.

Josie was traveling, figuring out who she was.

Lizzie was staying close to home and going to school to figure out how to be a writer.

Hope was staying close-ish to home and going to school to figure out what her purpose in life was.

Kaleb, while didn't have the whole miracle baby, destiny, family crap that Hope had, was thinking along the same wave length as her. Before transitioning Kaleb hoped to be a football star, NFL, MVP, the whole nine yards. Afterwards, a vampire in the public eye was obviously not a good thing to be so, those dreams had to change. Unfortunately, just like with Hope, Kaleb didn't know what. He was great at school. Always kept above average grades and stayed on Honor Roll. Rarely missed classes and was active in clubs including: Honor Council, Super Squad, and Flag Football. None of those things though help him decide what to do in life. Well, at least what to do in his first lifetime.

What he did know however, was that he wanted to be near MG.

Unlike his brother, MG had a pretty good idea of what realm of expertise he wanted to get in and didn't particularly care where that was, as long as he could be sitting in a graphic art class, contemporary media, music appreciation...you get the point. MG wanted to read, make, edit, or write comic books. To come up with a super hero that little kids would be proud to mimic. He wanted it to be so legendary that it stayed within history for years to come. On the flip side he loved history and myths. Getting involved in politics and advocating for people who couldn't protect themselves. He advocated for multiple groups and would protest proudly. Whichever way he went, he wanted what he chooses to matter. They could understand that. In eternity, everything is bound to change over time, and having something concrete offers a token of comfort. Their own mark on history.

MG wanted to stay near Kaleb too. Their bond only strengthening through the days and months they've had together. Since, Kaleb was a bit indecisive with his college process, he was willing to let MG lead the college process and just sign Kaleb up wherever he was going to be.

The same brother-brother pattern was happening with Rafael and Landon too. Landon, same as MG, was into media. Movies. Lizzie always joked and said he's their supernatural 'Dawson Leery.' Landon wanted to watch movies, review them, direct them, write them, you name it. While MG was comics and literature, Landon was movies, TV shows, and scripts. Life hasn't been good to the two before coming to SBS, and it wasn't perfectly smooth sailing when they did get here. Now, with more proper control on the school and adults happily taking the weight, they were free and could dream big.

Rafael was okay with whatever Landon wanted. ''You run, I run,'' the brothers infamous vow towards one another still in place. Rafael wasn't big on school. He loved track and field and kept his grades okay enough to stay on the team. He wasn't particularly interested in sitting in another classroom for an additional 4+ years. He had hobbies. Fishing, mechanics, and other sports were all still things to make the time go by but not a solid concrete plans like the girls had.

Until he did.

''Eh hmm. I call this Super Squad 5-year plan to order.'' Lizzie announced with great excitement that honestly left everyone but her sisters and MG feeling uneasy.

''5-year plan? What are you talking about Lizzie? We don't have 5-year plans. Half of us, don't even know what to do in the next year coming.'' Kaleb huffed a laugh bumping shoulders with Rafael. ''You said it.''

Lizzie leveled Kaleb with an unimpressed glare. ''Insulted. Do you honestly think I would plan my life and leave you all out? Hello!'' Lizzie dumped a stack of binders of various colors and tabs in the middle of the table. ''You all have 5-year plans! Perfectly tailored to your interest, finances, practicalities, and sentimentality towards the Super Squad. No Member Left behind!''

The squad jumped and hesitantly reached for their binders. A full out Lizzie presentation was about to immense.

Lizzie clapped her hands. ''You guys ready?''

''Do we have a choice.'' Raf smirked at the blonde.

''Nope!''

X-x-X-x-X-x-X-x-X-x-X-x-X-x-X-x-X-x-X-x-X-x-X-x-X-x-X-x-X-x-X-x-X-x-X-x-X-x-X-x-X

Annoyed. Embarrassed. Tired.

Hopeful. Happy. Optimistic. Love.

The thing about Lizzie was that she always had the best intentions. No matter what they sounded like when they came out of her mouth. Whatever she lacked in tact when speaking to them, Josie interjected with a softer approach. Whenever her ideas were getting a bit too grandiose for them, Hope brought her feet back to the ground and reminded her that the plans may be catering more towards what she wanted and not them.

Lizzie had the best intentions at heart and she thought of every obstacle and already had a handful of ways around them. She knew their history and their backgrounds and catered each plan to those she thought would work best for each. They were touched at how accurately she pinpointed their interest and how much time she actually went to study and set up interviews and such for them. She may not always hit the mark, but Lizzie had her own ways of showing that she cared for them, and they never have failed to blow them away.

Her way to keep them all somewhat together? The Buddy System.

The first obstacle to get through with everyone were finances.

The Super Squad knew each other intimately. In the way that there weren't many secrets. Obviously, they knew Hope came from a lot of money. The twins, now under the co-guardianship (more like full-time) of their mother, wasn't lacking either. Caroline continuously growing her own finances and businesses as well as investing her parents' insurance money into lucrative stocks and assets (and now they were more or less the daughters of Klaus Mikaelson too). Paying for their luxuries and schooling weren't a problem.

Kaleb's family was higher middle-class and with family-owned businesses that were doing great and a father in business, with a mother in finance, he and his sister had a college-fund set up at birth and it would be more than enough to fund his first foray into adulthood.

MG's parents were the same. His mother had a cover of ''business'' work. Finance and acquisitions, she called it while he was growing up. Obviously, now he knew she was a shady supernatural government operative that while ran a dirty extremist job, paid their employees extremely well. His father being a politician and respectable reverend of the church, came from money as well. MG wrote his parents off, but his honor bound mother still supported him financially. MG had a spending account that was refilled every month and access to a college fund after graduation. Along with Kaelb, they didn't know about afterwards, but for the now they were set.

Landon and Rafael, unfortunately, were not in the same boat as their friends. Foster care abuse and free lunch at school were their aspects in life. Through schemes on the street and people having sympathy for the boys they got paid under the table for a few odd jobs here and there that left them with a wad of cash for splurging on a burger or new shoes to replace the ones tearing at the seams. Those were considered luxuries for the two. When they entered SBS, it was on scholarship and they were offered the amenities that every other student got: food, clothes, toiletries, classes, school supplies, etc. No one notices the difference. That amount of cash however was not enough to put them through both through college, or get an apartment, or carry one through school while the other gets a job nearby.

While money wasn't a factor of their friendship and it didn't matter while in boarding school, it would be a determining factor for how they could be in each other lives.

Raf and Landon did not like handouts or being seen as a charity case for the little rich people to bolster their humanitarian egos. They were hard workers and had enough resilience and work ethic to land on their feet and make it in life.

Lizzie knew this about them. Lizzie designed their plan with that in mind.

They boys were embarrassed at seeing their lack of funds spread on the table like a school project, but it helped their irritation that they were among friends, and no one was laughing at them. If anything, they were giving more ideas.

Lizzie explained that her mother did something on the side for students who didn't have homes outside of SBS. Unbeknownst to their father, which in hindsight should have been a red flag for letting him run the school, but anyway.

Each child, no matter how much money they had on them, gave it to their mom, whether it was $5, $20, $100, etc. Their mother in turn put it in the hands of a well-known vampire accountant, that helped with building up finances for vampires to sustain them for eternity. No matter that some of the children weren't vampires themselves, the reasoning and results were the same. After leaving the safe haven that is school, they needed a way to support themselves. The accountant worked his math skills (and clairvoyant skills of his employees) and moved the student's money around, investing and buying stock, that leaves the student with a nice sum of money after graduation. The student then can empty their account and take the money and go on with life, or they take some, continue with the accountants' services and checks back in annually (most vampires choice).

When Rafael and Landon started, while their mother wasn't here, their names and files were automatically sent to her and she started their enrollment to 'Eternal Finance'.

''How? We didn't ask her to do that?'' Raf said astonished.

''You kind of did.'' Josie intersected. ''When students enroll, you have to tell your living situation and for those who don't have families, your automatically enrolled for outsourced school help.''

''Mom hates the thought of throwing someone into the deep end after years of secured life so, she provides them with a life boat at least.'' Lizzie stated half-jokingly, but serious.

''Why doesn't your dad know about this plan?'' Hope asked curiously. She knew the general plan Lizzie had for the Squad, but had no idea about the exact details.

''I don't know, but I'm assuming it's because it started out as something only for vampires to help with eternity, before it became something for all children without families. That, and the company was built by vampires, and dad is always weary of their involvement. We don't even have vampire teachers.''

''Hmm, good point.'' Landon mumbled thinking.

This left both boys with a good chunk of money to get them through the next 5 years. Maybe not in the same luxury class as the girls or the higher comfort the guys had, but Landon and Raf never needed much anyway, so they didn't really mind.

Lizzie filled out scholarship forms for each of them. Any box that had an attribute or circumstance that fit them, Lizzie signed them up for it. Being the perfectionist that she is, Lizzie was ahead of due dates and returns, so the boys got a great deal back for being one of the first to apply.

''Now, the only thing I did not do was give the university theses scholarships would apply to. I have options for you and if you don't like them, you don't have to pick! I can research more, or we can change angles. I do think I got something in each of your interests and scopes, but-,''

''Lizzie!'' Raf and Landon laughed lightly at the flustered blonde. It was obvious Lizzie put a lot into this. Maybe even more so than the rest of the guys, because she knew their less than spectacular background, and they appreciated it. They were sure Lizzie's options were great and they would find one they liked. Lizzie has gotten more thoughtful recently with the return of her mother and proper parental attention. They knew Lizzie would have done a good job. The anxious and hopeful look on her face just proved it. She just wanted them to like her plan.

''I'm sure the options are great. You know us well.'' Landon reassured her.

''Hit us with your best shot. Where we at?'' Raf teased.

Lizzie took a breath and told the brothers her plan. Landon, of course was signed up for the major of film studies, business, and/or film production. The classes aside from business, both generally are featured around the aspects of films, what makes a good film and the process of making one. Not only could Landon potentially make one, he would also be around like-minded individuals and get to talk about films, media, and animation with them.

Now, while there isn't much going on with film in New Orleans, there is in New York. Both places where Lizzie will be traveling back and forth to for her years in college.

For Rafael, Lizzie figured, was not for more traditional environment of school for another four years. She didn't judge him for that. Raf was smart. He was just more hands on than books. She respected that. So, she figured trade schools would be better. There were books and tests involved, but more of that in the field experience he would appreciate. Lizzie found two mechanical shops looking for hired help.

The first shop was more exclusive, paid a lot, but had nice workers and the owner there. She couldn't bet there wouldn't be any hoity toity customers though, so he should keep his temper in check. Shop number two was smaller, independent shop. Not as many workers, but the ones they had could work magic on any cars. Pay was less than the big shop, but the highlight was that most of the workers who got a job there went to the mechanical trade school.

Option 1: Landon can sign up for New Orleans classes and take the core classes with Hope and herself, then during the breaks from school, go to New York with Lizzie. Sign up for New York film classes and take internships. Get his feet wet in the big city, while still having the safety net of home. New York would be swarming with part-time jobs and such that Raf could find something to do for the summer while Lizzie and Landon were networking. If he didn't like that, he could stay in Nola and work or take a couple of extra classes there. Lizzie just wanted him to know that Landon wouldn't be alone.

All of the Mikaelsons had accommodations in the city, as well as her mother. Lizzie, knows they probably wouldn't be comfortable in the penthouses or hotel suites of her uncles and aunts, but Caroline had a cute apartment that she got during her travels. 2 beds and baths, full kitchen, and security. A bed could be put into the spacious living room or she was told the pull-out couch was very comfortable.

Option 2: Landon and Raf start out in New York. Landon at NYU, doing his core classes and film electives. He could apply for internships in the city for the summer and she will see him there. Or he could apply for some in California and he and Josie could sync their schedules and the two would do the buddy system out there. Raf, same deal with parttime jobs and/or he could take some engineering classes out there, whether at NYU, or at a trade school.

''Don't take this to mean I don't want you two in New Orleans with me! I really want us all to be together. Doing a 'F.R.I.E.N.D.S' thing and living across the hall from each other or getting a house and fighting for rooms, but I get why that might not be possible right now. Space to figure out who we are isn't a bad thing, and maybe all of us not going to the same college wouldn't be such a bad thing.'' Lizzie shrugged and gave a half smile pitifully. ''We'll deal. Landon needs film experience and Raf to not die of boredom while we go to school.''

The Super Squad chuckled. ''Thanks Lizzie.'' Landon seemed emotional. While Rafael was grateful that she put him into account for these plans, he knew that his were more flexible than Landon's. Landon needed to go where he could become the best and Raf appreciated her taking his sci-fi loving brother seriously.

They all knew Lizzie was taking this seriously now, not that they doubted her before. It just got put into perspective when one of the options she picked, was one away from the group. She really wanted them all to be great, and do well in their new lives. Even if it was briefly away from each other.

''Of course, with those options in mind, I will be performing a real-life spell version of floo powder travel, so in the event of an emergency or if a twin cuddle is needed, we can all get to each other easily. You all understand'' Lizzie added after some thought.

The group laughed. ''Of course.''

''Yes, Lizzie.''

''Twin Cuddle, an emergency. Yea, defiantly. 'Kaleb snickered.

''Okay smart ass.'' Lizzie smirked. ''Ready?''

''Oh damn. I know that look.'' Kaleb squinted at Lizzie.

''Mwwahahaha.'' Lizzie deeply laughed for affect, drawing snickers from the others.

Fortunately, it was all for affects because Lizzie's plan for the vamp bros wasn't evil at all.

Kaleb didn't know what he wanted to do with life, so naturally Lizzie put him down for school with Hope. They would complete core classes and figure out what they wanted to do. Neither had problems with school. Hope maybe wasn't at the tiptop of the academics, but she wasn't failing either. Her GPA stays between 3.2-3.5. They both would have no problem with the more rigorous terms of university.

MG was more into comic books, media, history, and myths. Her boyfriend could explain an entire comic books character from start to finish as well as give an argument for women's rights, animals, and world peace. MG was an advocator, a helper, and comic designer. Lizzie just didn't know which direction he wanted to go in now. Or at least first. On one hand MG could major in communications, political science, social justice, human rights and/or history. Or he could go the other route and major in art/design, English, and/or cultural media. That part was on MG. Which way did he want to go for his first flying lessons.

Either way, Lizzie of course has a plan for each:

Option 1: MG and Kaleb start school in New Orleans with Lizzie and Hope. Kaleb takes his core classes with Hope and they figure out what's next for them. While in school they could sign up for things, dip their hands in different organizations and such, not to mention New Orleans itself. Kaleb could see about the vampire population there and maybe work with Marcel or Papa. MG could start his classes. The history and political science would probably be more up his alley with this option. He could take classes, some may or may not be with Hope and Kaleb, and he could get into some of the organizations they have on campus. For breaks, when Hope is traveling Kaleb and MG could come to New York like Lizzie and Landon. MG can check out the comic book stores and the art and design of everything. While Kaleb, if he still doesn't know what he wants, can honestly still come and hang out in New York with his friends.

Lizzie purposed that they could do co-ed dormitories. Lizzie would be living at home, so unfortunately that left Hope alone on campus (plus a dozen hybrid body guards). Hope, MG, and Kaleb could get a triple room or they could take the chance on a suite and end up with 3 other humans. Or if Hope, who notoriously likes her space, could get her own apartment and MG and Kaleb could live nearby. Lizzie just figured, while New Orleans is a supernatural hotspot, chances are college would be too, or less than. They didn't need to take chances with strangers in their business. Plus, if the boys were hungry, they didn't need to hide to drink.

Hope didn't mind the apartment angle. After years with dorms at boarding school, they all were kind of over the sharing small spaces thing. She was up for an apartment and the boys could get the one across from her or in the same building. She figured that even though Lizzie was staying at home, she still might want a break and come hangout or stay the night with them.

Option 2: MG goes to Rhode Island School of Design or NYU. He could do more with comic books. Learn how to produce them, draw them, write them, or design them. If he's in New York, the same accommodations Lizzie offered Raf and Landon would be available. Kaleb, could take his core classes at NYU, Columbia, or another school of his choosing. Lizzie sneakily put in his binder information on Julliard as well, because she thought between the singing, dancing, and acting, Kaleb would be a landslide admittee. For the summer, he could stay or travel. Maybe after the year is over, he would have a better idea for the near future.

''Again. I would obviously love for you both to be close! I however, get the appeal to life in the city, obviously, so maybe that would be a better fit. MG I hardly think you would find something with comics in New Orleans, so Option 2 is mostly centered around you putting all your knowledge into your own superhero.''

''Thanks baby.'' MG said softly while fingering the college books she had in a binder for them. Lizzie preened under the endearment. Her and MG were still doing the friends thing, though they were getting to be closer than friends. Endearments and handholding her happening a lot between them.

''I'm glad you don't have us all over the place, we're sticking to two big places or around them.'' Kaleb complimented while looking into his own binder.

''Thanks! This is a lot, but I was still trying to keep it simple. Now you guys, with all this in mind, a Super Squad plan is not written in the stars. You all need to pick, and like I said, maybe the options I gave, you don't like. We'll deal. We can think of something else. I told you all things to do in the summer, but if internships and jobs aren't something you want to do. That's fine. It was just my thing.''

''I wouldn't mind in the least if you guys wanted to come join me for a bit wherever I am. I don't know whether I would have service or not to call any of you, though I planned to send postcards and letters. I just might not be there anymore by the time they arrive.'' Josie offered to the group.

''While I'm not hell bent on interning or school trips like Lizzie, I do want to do an adventure type thing during breaks. Like an archeological dig or maybe building homes or teaching English oversees.'' Hope explained

''That'd be dope.'' Kaleb nodded. ''I could do that.''

''I would be down for building.'' Raf interjected. ''I love the trade school idea, and even the engineering classes. I do want to find part time work during school and the breaks, but these kinds of trips would be productive and a break for me in my own way. Can you let me know what you do?''

''Of course!'' Hope reassured them. ''Guys, this is almost 2 years away, we are just getting a head start. We will obviously tell everyone what we're doing and go over details.''

''Yea! Living situations and buddy systems. All of that can be decided soon. I just wanted you all to know. I was factoring you in.'' Lizzie said.

''How Rory Gilmore of you.'' Kaleb remarked.

''Kaleb! She got you to watch Gilmore Girls!'' Hope started laughing.

''A Year in the Life and everything.'' Kaleb joined in.

''Seriously? When was this?!'' MG was surprised Lizzie got him to watch one of her favorite shows.

''It was an ambush bro. No matter what she says.''

''As if!'' Lizzie interjected.

''Ohhhhh!'' The Squad oh'd and laughed at the caught vampire. The Squad going into the debate about which boyfriend Rory should have ended up with and how she turned out as an adult. Sometime later pizza and sides were ordered. Talks about the colleges and Lizzie's insights into each of them were being discussed. While words weren't being said, the shoulder bumps, appreciative smiles, and hugs from everyone were enough to show that Lizzie did a good job with her presentation. Not too overbearing or charitable, she wanted them to know that she had their back, just like they have all shown through the year that they had hers.

That's how the group was found Caroline. Klaus found them earlier and after a cursory glance to make sure everything and everyone was in order, he left them to it. Lizzie already sharing what was taking place today.

Caroline smiled walking past them on her way to the kitchen. Happy that her girls had this unified friend group. Stronger and more loyal than her old one. She was saddened that the girls were growing up, she wasn't ready for the empty nest (sort of; Lizzie would still be around), considering she just got back to having the girls around every day. More so, them actually having a genuine family unit. She wanted that to continue. Though she was extremely proud of the young women these girls were becoming. They all were becoming these capable, strong young adults that could conquer the world. She was proud of them all, and couldn't wait to see what their plans were next.