𝐂𝐎𝐑𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐃
the very essence of romance is uncertainty

IT WAS A few hours after Landon had kissed her and she was still freaking out. She had transformed into a wolf and went running through the woods to get her frustration and surprise out. And then she had taken a long shower where she mostly just stood under the water, wondering if she somehow made him think that she liked him back in any way.

It was weird for Hope to be kissed by anyone, especially Landon seeing as she has a connection with his brother. Plus, the last time she kissed someone, it was Roman who is a vampire who was the cause of her mother's death.

Shaking her head, she made a beeline for her bedroom and quickly closed the door behind her. When she turned around, she yelped in surprise when she saw Lizzie and Malia standing there with their arms crossed.

"Um, hi?" She said as she sat down her towel on her desk, tilting her head at them.

"We have a lot to talk about, Mikaelson," Lizzie stated as she walked towards the tribrid with purpose, and grabbed her hand, walking her towards the bed where she sat her down. "I can't believe how stupid you're being."

Hope rose an eyebrow, more than confused at the moment as she looked up at Lizzie. She pushed her hair behind her shoulder and asked, "what are you going on about, Lizzie?"

"You know what we're talking about, blue eyes," Malia stated as she ran her fingers over the things on Hope's desk.

Hope pursed her lips. "I'm very certain that I don't know what you're talking about." She let out a heavy sigh as both girls stood in front of her, arms crossed. "What are you two going on about? I'm tired and I need some sleep."

From both the run through the woods and the shower, she was more exhausted than she would like to admit. It didn't help that her mine was racing about Landon kissing and liking her. She felt bad for running out on him, but what else was she suppose to do? There was no good option there. She told him the truth and then left. He couldn't be mad at her for simply being taken off guard. For fucks sakes, he went to kiss her without any consent.

Malia frowned as she looked the tribrid up and down. "Why do you smell like that?" When Hope's eyes widened, she clarified, "scared and annoyed?"

Hope pursed her lips before saying, "Landon kissed me."

"What?!" Lizzie screeched as Malia's eyes widened. "Muppet boy kissed you?! What the fuck!" She ran her hands through her hair before pointing a finger at the auburn haired girl. "Did he do it without consent? I will end him if he did!" When Hope simply looked down, the blonde's eyes lit up with anger. "I'm going to kill him!"

Hope shook her head, almost giving herself whiplash. "Don't."

"Why?" Malia asked with narrowed eyes. "He just kissed you without your saying. You have the right to get some revenge."

Hope sighed and bit her lip. "I think it's my fault. He wouldn't have tried to kiss me if I somehow didn't lead him to think I liked him back. I mean, I do like, but as a friend."

Lizzie smirked. "And you already have feelings for someone else."

"What are you talking about, Liz?" Hope asked with wide eyes, her mind immediately going to Clarke. "Are you talking about Clarke? If so, no. He's only my friend."

Malia and Lizzie simply smirked after they glanced at one another. "We didn't say anything about Clarke. You did."

They stared her down, making the tribrid feel exposed. But, that's the thing, why does she feel exposed? There is nothing going on between her and Clarke, but, why does she feel this way if it was as simple as that?

Hope ran her hand through her long and damp hair, closing her eyes as she got flashbacks of her time with Clarke. Shaking her head, she pulled herself out of those thoughts and forced a fake smile as she looked up at the girls. "I have no feelings for Clarke, nor does he have any for me."

"Okay," Malia said with a shrug, a glint in her eyes. "Then why was he jealous when I showed up? He hated me because I took your attention away from him. He hated me and he basically admitted to liking you."

Hope perked up. "He did?" She then frowned, thinking about her history with boys. Ramon lied and manipulated her, and she just shared a kiss with Landon who is Clarke's half brother. There is no way he would want her now. "There is no way he did. Plus, he's been a little weird since we got back. I just think... he acted that way in Malivore so he could get out."

"You're am idiot, Hope Andrea Mikaelson!" Lizzie snapped, shaking her head in disappointment. "He likes you, that much is obvious. He was jealous by Malia and he's jealous by the rest of us because he doesn't have your full attention anymore. And don't lie to say that you don't like him. I know you, Mikaelson, and I know that you have feelings for him whether you realize it or not. So, you need to go out there and go get your mud man before he gets tired of waiting."

Hope took in a deep breath before saying, "I don't think it's the right timing, guys. I just got back and trying to get my life together." Her blue eyes held tears and she pursed her lips, trying to not cry. "I have so much going on and—" She broke down as she remembered that Alaric has burned everything of hers, including the painting of her family, pictures of her mom and dad. It was the last things she had of them other than her name and necklace.

"We're here for you, Hope," Lizzie gently said as she sat down beside the tribrid, pulling her into a much needed hug.

"I'm not really good with the emotional stuff, but I'm here, too," Malia said as she sent an awkward smile towards the eighteen year old.

Hope nodded, tears streaming down her face. "Thank you, guys."