Author's Note: Emma's nickname for Hope comes from the Spanish word for Hope's name and is unique to Emma. She's the only who ever uses it.
Emma Scorpio-Drake giggled as she and Hope Thornhart-Corinthos made their way outside. "Who knew a little a wine was all it took for Danny and Aiden to be so uninhibited?"
Hope smiled as she uncapped a bottle of water and handed it to her best friend. "I don't think they were the only ones affected by our drink of choice tonight. You've been giggling for an hour."
Emma shrugged as she took the bottle and chugged half of it in one go. "I'm having a good time and it's been while since we've had a chance to hang out just the four of us. Even if Danny and Aiden were more amorous than usual."
"I think that was the wine talking," Hope said, taking the water back. "And I wasn't criticizing. Just observing. It's nice to see you let go and have fun."
Emma nodded in agreement before turning to face her best friend. "You never answered Aiden's question. Who is this mysterious person you have a crush on? And why do I not know about them?"
"Ems, the game is over. And you don't know because I never told you."
"But you told Aiden."
"Not intentionally."
Emma sighed, not liking the sudden shift in Hope's mood. "Truth or dare?"
"No."
"Hope."
"Emma."
Emma's brown eyes widened in realization and suddenly she was much less giggly. "You're afraid."
Hope shook her head as she began peeling the label from the water bottle. "Ems, please, let it go."
"I can't." Emma eased the water bottle from the other girl's hands and set it on the patio table. "You're never afraid, but you are now. And I want to help. Please don't shut me out."
"I can't," Hope said, her blue eyes shining with unshed tears.
"Why not? We've been best friends since we were three. We tell each other everything. We share everything. Including a birthday. So why can't you share this?"
"Because it's too big. And once it's out, I can't take it back."
"What if you don't have to?" Emma asked, reaching out to tuck a lock of hair behind Hope's ear and letting her hand linger.
"Emma, don't. Please, please, don't do this," Hope insisted even as she turned into Emma's touch.
"Essie," Emma whispered, brushing away a stray tear. "Don't shut me out. Please."
Hope closed her eyes as she exhaled a shaky breath. "I like hyper-focused, serious Emma. I like angry, protective. I like happy, carefree Emma. And I like wine drunk, giggly Emma." Hope opened her eyes, allowing her best friend to see the myriad of emotions clouding her blue eyes.
"You're in love with me," Emma breathed.
"I'm in love with you."