For the next few weeks, Hope and Landon continued getting used to the Salvatore School. Landon had been reading some of the books the school had on supernatural history, for school and his own self interest. Part of him hoped, despite knowing just how unlikely it was, that he could find something in one of the books that could help explain how it was possible he even existed. The tribrid couldn't help but be worried about how much he was searching for answers he wouldn't find and tried to get his mind off of it here and there by watching movies with him, going on dates with him. She wanted him to find answers and was more than willing to help him find them, but she also knew that if it was in any of the books at the school, someone they knew would have known about it already.
Landon Kirby was sitting on Hope's bed, reading one of the books he had gotten from the library while Hope painted a scene from one of the Star Wars movies Landon had gotten her to watch. The tribrid finished a layer of the painting and looked over at Landon, debating on whether or not she should interrupt him.
Finally, she decided they could both use a break and cleaned off her paint brush. She took a seat beside him on the bed. "Hey. Maybe we could get something to eat. I need a break while I let this layer of paint dry"
"Yeah, that sounds great" Landon said, bookmarking the book and setting it to the side before pulling Hope closer to him into a kiss. She pulled away after a minute, a bright smile on her face, and she held his hand before heading out of the room with him to go get some food. "I've been reading about the origin of the species for class",
"You know, I am all too familiar with the origin of vampires and werewolves, right?" Hope pointed out playfully. "You are dating the daughter of the Original Hybrid"
"I know" Landon said. "But I like to read. And I need to know what the books say specifically for the homework. But if there comes a moment when I'm crammed with other stuff or just want to enjoy time with you, I'll make sure to ask" He smiled at her.
"Fair enough" Hope said and continued to walk with them until they got to the kitchen.
The two got what they wanted before heading out of the room and into the Mess Hall. The tribrid's gaze traveled across the room, and her eyes fell on Josie and Finch. She headed over there and took a seat, Landon sitting beside her. She still needed to get to know them better, but they had talked some over the past few weeks.
"Hey, I hope I'm not interrupting" Hope said, looking at the couple.
Josie shook her head. "No, it's fine" she said. "How are you getting used to the school?"
"We like it. It's nice for me to be able to have courses about magic and werewolves" she replied. "Considering they are important pieces of who I am. Even if I know a lot about it already"
"And I like learning more about the species Hope is and just the supernatural in general because it's very interesting" Landon said.
"Where's Lizzie? I don't usually see you two apart very often" Hope said.
"She's hanging out with MG. As friends. They've been getting along better after the birthday dance, but Lizzie still wants things to be just friends between them" Josie explained.
"Yeah, I know. She talked to me a little about it" Hope said. "But I'm glad to hear things are still going well between them"
"Yeah, me too. Part of me wishes she'd give MG a chance. He's been crazy about her since he met her. But things are also going good with them right now"
"Maybe she will give him a chance later. Once she continues to spend more time with him," Landon suggested
"Yeah, maybe" Josie said, though she wasn't so sure. "What are you doing on Friday? Lizzie was thinking about throwing a party at the Old Mill"
"Oh I don't know. I'm not really a party kind of person" Hope said hesitantly.
"You've never been to a teenage party full of supernatural beings. It'll be fun" Josie said.
Hope hesitated but looked over at Landon. Finally, she agreed. "Alright. Friday night. We can go for a short time at least"
Landon nodded. "I'm not really a party person either, but we should see what its like, even if we dont stay long" he agreed, taking Hope's hand.
"Alright, its going to start a bit before sunset but last well past. Assuming we don't get stopped at least. Some people don't show up until the sun is fully set but others like to see it while at the party" Josie explained.
"We'll be there when it starts. Just let us know the time once you're sure of it. And we'll see you there"
"Great." Josie said and stood up, having finished eating. Finch got up as well and headed to take care of her dishes, her girlfriend following close behind.
"A magical highschool party. Sounds like something out of a fantasy book" Landon said.
"And we are living a fantasy book" Hope pointed out, amused. "Except its real"
"I know. I guess while I'm used to the supernatural existing, the idea of a magical school is still getting used to, even if its already been a few weeks" he explained.
"I get it. I've been to a lot of schools, but this is the only one where magic is being performed in classrooms and history of the supernatural is being taught. Unless you count mythology courses. But those aren't exactly accurate" she chuckled.
"It's a new experience for both of us" Landon kissed her for a moment before pulling away and continuing to eat.
"Yes it is. I was thinking I might call my Aunt Freya later, see how Nik is doing. It's weird not being around them. Even weeks later, I still kind of expect them to walk inside my room here"
He set down his fork and took her hand, squeezing it comfortingly. "I'm sure it'll get easier the longer you're here"
"You're probably right" she agreed. "It just takes some getting used to. I gotta say I miss our movie theater room dates"
"Well, maybe we can fit that in soon. Pay a visit to your aunts and hang out there, watching a movie. Or we could take the projector and set it up in your room"
"I do like the sound of that. Both of them. Though maybe get a different projector. So Freya and Keelin can have a movie date night in there or watch something with Nik. Because trips to the movies only have available what is currently playing at the movies"
"Do they watch stuff with him?"
"Not really. But he is basically a baby. They might watch some stuff with him once he gets a little older" Hope explained.
"That makes sense. He's at the age of playing with baby toys and that's it" Landon agreed. "I was thinking that we could go take a walk and sit at the docks. It'll be dark soon enough, and we could just talk and watch the sunset. I can finish up homework later"
"How can I say no to that idea?" She smiled a bit.
The two got up once they finished eating and headed outside.
The Salvatore School library was quiet, a stark contrast to the usual chaos that reigned in the halls. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, and MG and Lizzie Saltzman had their heads bent over their comic books as they sat on a couch. MG leaned a little closer to the page, a grin playing on his lips as he read about the good guys defeating the villain. Beside him sat Lizzie, her blonde hair neatly brushed with braids pinned up behind her, her brow furrowed in concentration as she read the comic book
The blonde was nervous about reading the comic books in a public setting, too used to pretending this side of her didn't exist. But besides that, she was enjoying her time with MG. He was good company, and even when she was feeling a little anxious about reading comics in public, she was also feeling a kind of relaxation that she wasn't used to. That with MG she was safe, safe from reactions to things she said, safe from the worries of the monsters or of having an episode. It was a nice change from how she normally felt, a way she only really felt when she was around Josie or Hope or MG. But MG was different in a way she couldn't explain.
Still, as Lizzie turned her comic book page and read the words that went with it, she knew she had made the right decision in keeping things a friendship between her and MG. This was nice. And he deserved better than having to be in a relationship with someone like her, someone that had magical fits when her emotions got overwhelming. Someone that said things without thinking and didn't think much of others.
"There's no way he takes them all out like that" Lizzie said, looking at her own comic in disbelief.
"They don't call them history books. The good guy is supposed to win, and not usually realistically" MG pointed out, unable to help the grin spreading across his face.
"But it doesn't have to be that easily"
"Here, mine has a good fight spread out. I just finished, so we can switch and read each others" MG suggested, holding out his comic.
"Thanks, MG" Lizzie said with a bright smile and exchanged comics with him before opening his. "It's weird reading comic books out in the open like this. I'm so used to pretending I don't enjoy them" she confessed after a moment, looking back up at him.
"I'm glad you're starting to accept that part of yourself. It'll be less weird the more you do it." MG said, "but its a part of you. You love this stuff. And you'll feel better no longer hiding that part of you"
"It is nice" Lizzie said. "How long have you been into this stuff?"
"I've always been interested, but I guess I started showing that interest more in junior high. Before then, I still read everything a bit, but that was when I started asking for my own comics and getting figurines. My, uh, my dad was more interested in getting me those things. My mom was kind of hesitant at first. It was a little weird because my dad is a pastor. You'd think he might be the hesitant one. But my mom warmed up to it soon enough." MG said, his heart aching at the thought of his parents that he wanted to see again.
"How long has it been since you've seen them? You never mention them. Not until now anyway" Lizzie said, looking at him. She knew a little bit but not much. "I know whatever it is exactly isn't good"
"I haven't seen my dad since I died and turned into a vampire" MG replied, his gaze lowering. "I hear from my mom a lot, but my dad doesn't want anything to do with me"
Lizzie reached over and took MG's hand in her own, squeezing it a bit comfortingly. He managed a faint smile at her touch. "Maybe one day he will come around. And if not, at least you have your mom and everyone else here."
"Thanks, Lizzie" MG said softly, looking at her.
She smiled back a little at him before letting go of his hand, and the two got back to reading the comics, enjoying the peaceful silence between them.
Josie led Finch up to her room and closed the door behind her. She took a seat on her bed, drawing her girlfriend towards the bed as well and kissing her for a moment before pulling away. "Do you have anything you need to get done?"
"Nothing that can't be finished tomorrow. Though i have an essay due soon on the Origin of the Species. Maybe tomorrow you could come to my room and help me work on it?" Finch grinned at her.
The siphoned laughed softly. "I have a feeling we wont get much essay writing worked on, but i wouldnt mind helping out a bit." She said back to her, tugging her girlfriend closer to her. "Though I do have to work on party planning with Lizzie for the party coming up in a few days. She likes to make sure everything is perfect"
"You know, Hope could help with some of that. They are friends" Finch suggested, knowing how Josie was usually drawn to helping Lizzie as much as she could and wanting to offer a suggestion to alleviate that.
"I know, and she can help too, but Lizzie is used to having my help, and I want to be there for her" Josie explained
"Okay. Let me know if I can do anything to help" Finch said, looking at her.
"I will. But hopefully it won't be that much. Considering it's a party at the old mill rather than a dance that needs to be planned."
"That does sound like it would be easier to handle. Booze, lights, a few snacks, and you're set right?"
"And a couple of two liters of soda for those that don't like drinking" Josie added. "It makes controlling abilities a bit harder for some people. And others just don't like to. So it's hetter to have options if we want this party to be great. And knowing Lizzie, she will"
"Well, maybe we can head to the store tomorrow evening and pick up some stuff."
"That sounds good to me" she agreed with a smile. " I'll ask Lizzie what we should get when we talk about the party tomorrow. In the meantime..." She tugged Finch closer to her and kissed her.
The werewolf kissed her back passionately and held her close. When she pulled away, it was with a grin spread across her face as she looked at Josie. She had been in relationships before, but there was something about being with Josie that made her happy. Seeing her smile, how it felt kissing her. Now that they were officially together (and had been for a few weeks) it has been really nice. She couldn't help but hope that there wouldn't be anything to bring it all crashing down.
Suddenly, the door to Josie's bedroom opened, and the couple pulled apart from another kiss in surprise. If anyone was going to interrupt, Josie would have assumed it would be Lizzie, but when she turned to the door, it was one of the witches that hung out with Penelope. "Sorry to interrupt" the witch said, looking at the two. "Penelope is leaving the school and wants to see you before she goes. She's downstairs" The witch left the room.
Josie stilled at the words and looked over at Finch. "I should go see what she wants. But I'll be back"
"No, I should probably head back to my room, maybe get some of the essay done before tomorrow." Finch said, getting off of Josie's bed.
The siphoner got up, and she looked at her girlfriend. "Alright. I'll see you tomorrow then" She moved closer to her and kissed her. Finch pulled away and gave her a small smile before heading out of the room. Josie breathed out slowly before heading downstairs to find out what Penelope wanted and why she never mentioned she was leaving the school.
When she reached the foot of the stairs, Penelope was waiting near the entrance of the school, her suitcase beside her. "I wasn't sure you'd show up" she said, looking at Josie.
"Why didn't you tell me you were leaving?" Josie asked after a moment.
"Are you serious? You've barely spoken to me since the breakup, barely even look at me" Penelope said. "You set my hair on fire. And now you're dating Finch. I didn't think you'd care to know. At least not enough to say or do something"
"Of course I care. Even if it's not the same as it used to be" Josie said, looking at her.
Penelope sighed a little at the words, wishing she could have fixed things with Josie but also knowing how unlikely it was, especially now that Josie was dating someone else. "Does she make you happy?" There was no question about the she Penelope was referring to.
"She does" Josie replied after a moment. "It's different than what we once had, but it is good. I really like her. A lot."
A pained look formed In her eyes as she replied "Good. But she also needs to push you out of your comfort zone and away from being Lizzie's shadow" She has noticed that the girl had a little, but it wasn't enough. It couldn't be enough. Not with what was at stake.
"You're always doing this" Josie said. "I'm fine exactly where I am. I'm happy. I'm finally getting over you. I've got a girlfriend I really like. And I dont mind helping Lizzie."
"Yes you do" Penelope said and sighed a bit. "Here" She pulled out a book from her bag. "This has everything written down in this school. Make sure to read about what your parents have written down about something called the Merge and find out everything you can about it. Hopefully that will make you understand why this was so important to me"
She took the book from her and looked down at it. "Where are you going?" she asked, looking up at Penelope.
"Belgium. My mom got a job. And there's a great witch-only school, so I don't have to deal with wolves or vamps or Lizzie" she replied, looking at her ex girlfriend. "It'll be nice. I was trying to decide whether or not to leave or if I should wait a little longer, but now is the right time. As right as its going to get at least. You're still putting yourself second, even if its not quite as much as you used to. My heart can't take it anymore. And I will not wait around and watch what happens to you next."
"What are you talking about?" Josie asked.
"Read the book and research what it all means" Penelope said. "I have to go. I love you, Jo-Jo. I love you with all of my obnoxious, selfish, evil heart. I just want you to know that" She kissed Josie's cheek in the form of goodbye before walking away and leaving the school, a tear escaping her. Josie watched her go before looking down at the book in her hands
Hope and Landon strolled down the wooden planks of the docks. The sun was beginning its descent, casting a warm glow across the water, making it shimmer. They walked over to the edge and sat down side by side, their feet dangling above the gentle waves. They watched the sun dip lower, painting the sky in shades of orange, pink, and purple.
"This is perfect" Hope was leaning against Landon, her head resting on his shoulder. Her eyes were closed, a small smile playing on her lips. Landon, dressed in a simple t-shirt and jeans, had his arm wrapped around Hope's waist. He watched the sunset, a thoughtful expression on his face. He turned his head and kissed her for a moment when she looked back at him. The kiss was gentle and loving, and when they pulled away, Hope looked out at the lake. "It's so beautiful here."
"It is," Landon agreed, looking down at her for a moment before returning his gaze to the water. He was glad that they were able to sit here and enjoy the view of the sunset, He could still hardly believe how much of his life had changed since the moment he met Hope. Before that, he had just been an abused foster kid with no knowledge of his origin that got bullied regularly at school and had no friends. Now it felt like he had a place in this world. A place where he belonged. Even if he wasn't sure he belonged at this school, he knew he belonged at Hope's side. No matter where that took him.
They sat in silence for a while longer, simply enjoying each other's company. The sun had disappeared below the horizon, leaving the sky a deep blue. The only sound was the gentle lapping of the waves against the dock. "I love you, Hope Mikaelson," Landon said softly.
Hope turned to him and smiled. "I love you too, Landon Kirby."
They leaned in for another kiss, this one longer and more passionate. When they finally pulled away, Hope rested her head on Landon's chest. She listened to the steady beat of his heart, feeling a sense of peace and contentment wash over her.
"I'm glad we decided to come here" she said after a moment. "And that we haven't been dealing with more monsters, even if it was nice to fight for a bit"
"Well, while I can't agree with the idea of having to fight monsters" Landon admitted, "You saving the day was so sexy" He grinned at her, watching as she laughed and kissed his cheek. "But I'm glad we have been having a break from all of that too. It's been nice just spending time with you again and learning about the history of the supernatural, more than what you've told me"
"I get it. And its been nice being able to relatively be myself and use magic and train instead of trying to hide it all the time." Hope explained.
"Truthfully, while I like this school, it's not the place that is right for me. I've spent most of my life afraid and unsure. And I moved from house to house, family to family, hoping this would be the place for me. A click your heals three times kind of thing. There's no place like home. But it wasn't about the place. Ever since I met you, I knew by your side was exactly where I wanted to be, no matter where it took me. And these past several months, all the time we have spent together has proven one thing. You're my home. It doesn't matter if I'm at Mystic Falls High or the Salvatore Boarding School or if we left here and went somewhere else entirely. All that matters is that I'm with you, wherever you go"
The tribrid looked at the phoenix in silence as he spoke before finally tugging him even close to her and kissing her to show the feelings she couldn't put into words. The love and passion she felt for him that had only grown stronger the longer she knew him. The love she knew would burn bright and never go out. Her mother once said she wanted Hope to have at least one totally epic love. This was it. Hope loved Landon, and she never wanted to let him go.