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❝SEVENTEEN❞

━━━━━ ⋆⋅♥︎⋅⋆ ━━━━━

Maya closed the door behind her, as she exited her home. The Machado glanced at her phone, as she reread the message from Hope suggesting they met at one of the parks near the Machado residence. Truthfully, Hope would have suggested meeting in the town square if the Salvatore students hadn't been there. She couldn't risk bumping into Niko.

Remembering the vision from her dreams, Maya could remember how vicious Hope seemed... which warranted Maya's need to take a weapon with her, especially because the location of choice seemed a little creepy. The ravenette had managed to get ahold of one of her mother's guns, which she would no doubt notice was missing so she needed to be quick to put it back. Honestly... Maya had no idea how to shoot a gun, so she really hoped she wouldn't have to use it.

Approaching the park, Maya found Hope sitting on a bench. The Machado took a deep breath, before her legs moved for themselves as she nervously made it to the chair. "Hi Hope."

Hope's head snapped around, "Hey Maya." She greeted, offering a sad smile as her mind was still occupied by Niko and how obvious it had been on their face, that he didn't recognise her.

"Are you okay? You sounded a bit worried on the phone." Hope spoke, as Maya didn't move to sit down. The Machado thought back to when Hope asked her about Tori, and then she thought back to her dream and how the tribrid broke the blonde's arm with zero remorse.

"This friend you told me about... do you want to hurt her?" Maya asked as Hope seemed puzzled for a second before she remembered their conversation in the woods. "... Tori?" She asked as Maya nodded. "No— No I would never hurt her. Why..." Hope paused her ramble, as she remembered that she did share a face with somebody, who had very questionable intentions. "Why do you think I would hurt her?"

Maya paused, seeming to pick her words carefully. As she remained silent, Hope got to her feet. "What is going to happen to Tori? If you know something, you have to tell me." The Mikaelson demanded as Maya took a step back, "Don't— Don't take another step."

Hope paused before she asked in a slightly confused voice, "Are you afraid of me?" Maya exhaled, "I know you're not human. I know that everyone enrolled at the Salvatore school aren't human. And I don't know what goes on in your world but my sister is somehow involved and I'm terrified!" The Machado suddenly snapped.

Hope took a moment to process Maya's words, "I won't hurt you." She began as Maya debated on reaching for her mother's gun. "There is someone that shares the same face as me... I have a twin." Hope continued as Maya let out a nervous laugh, "Let me guess, an evil twin? Do you actually expect me to believe that?" The Machado mocked.

"Maya, I can explain." Hope exhaled, hoping that perhaps if she could explain her situation, it could help Maya to understand hers. "My name isn't Hope Marshall, it's Hope Mikealson. I have an identical twin named Faith..." She explained, "As for Tori... she's my little sister and I have no idea where she is."

Moments later, both girls were seated on the bench as Hope explained Malivore briefly, but more so explained her situation of being forgotten by everyone, while neither of her sisters were anywhere to be seen.

"Suddenly... my situation doesn't feel so crazy." Maya admitted as Hope seemed intrigued. "I... I've been having this reoccurring dream for days now. At first it was only glimpses but the other night I had this like proper dream and it was terrifying." She began. "My sister was stuck in this circle of fire and... you— I mean, Faith she... hurt Tori. It was all such a blur and I don't know what any of this means."

Hope processed this, as she truly hoped it wasn't real because it seemed so bizarre... but anything was possible in the world of the supernatural. If it was real, it also meant that Faith had some evil agenda and really wasn't interested in getting along with either Hope or Tori, and despite Hope keeping her guard up she really did hope that eventually she and Faith would become sisters.

"Dreams can be weird and usually make no sense but... for it to be reoccurring..." Hope trailed off before she asked, "Have you ever had dreams or visions like this before?" She questioned. "Um... Yes actually." Maya admitted, "I had this strange vision... that someone was going to die at the Halloween party last year... and then Connor was found dead."

"I don't want to scare you but... I wonder if you could be supernatural." Hope admitted as Maya blinked in surprise, "What? How could having weird dreams make me supernatural?" She asked. "I don't know... but I can look into it. Does anyone else in your family get dreams like these?" The Mikealson asked as Maya shrugged, "I'm not actually sure. But now I'm definitely curious."

"Can I ask... what are you?" Maya asked as Hope nodded, "I'm a tribrid— a werewolf, witch and vampire. Though I haven't turned into a vampire yet, vampire blood runs in my veins." She explained as Maya looked as though her answer was a lot to take in.

"Do you know many other supernaturals?" Hope asked curiously as Maya nodded, "Yeah... I guess I know a few now." She admitted. The Machado had known for some time now about Finch and Stella, but really so many people she'd gone to school with were supernatural and she didn't know until they had moved to the Salvatore school.

"I can't believe everyone has forgotten about you... have you at least tried to talk to them?" Maya asked the tribrid as Hope shrugged, "What's the point? Everything has changed... I... kind of held onto hope that maybe it wasn't true but then I came face to face with my best friend Charlie and he didn't recognise me at all." She spoke quickly, "We've been there for eachother through everything since we were seven years old, and he looked at me as though I was a total stranger." Hope choked out, as tears filled her eyes.

"And then there's the boy I like..." Hope added, her thoughts drifting off to Niko. She could still remember the first time they ever really interacted; the tribrid had caught Tori feeding from the psychic and she reacted by quite literally yeeting her sister across the room using magic. Ever since then, a friendship had formed and Hope and Niko often worked together to help Alaric with monster business.

But that felt like lifetimes ago... now Niko was missing their partner in crime, and instead his interest was piqued by Zeke, who seemed to be just as interested in him. It broke Hope's heart, but she also knew she wanted them to be happy. "He doesn't even know who I am... and that I spent all semester basically pining over him." Hope exhaled.

"More than anything though... I just want my sister." Hope's voice cracked, as tears rolled down her cheeks. All she could think about was how different their relationship became after their parents died... Hope felt a lot of guilt when it came to Tori's spiralling, because the tribrid had kept pushing the blonde away. She had been dealing with her own grief, and everyone deals with grief differently but during that time the sisters had been more apart than ever before. When Hope finally got her sister back, the auburn haired girl jumped into Malivore.

"I don't even know where she is... I've tried many locator spells and nothing seems to work." Hope admitted, as she instinctively clutched her Mikaelson emblem necklace which still sat around her neck. While Tori spent a lot of time within the barrier around Auclair, the hybrid wasn't able to be traced by magic... Faith made sure of it.

"I keep worrying that Faith has gotten to her." Hope admitted as Maya tilted her head, "Do you think Tori would actually be fooled by Faith?" She asked. Hope shrugged, "I love my sister more than anything.... But she is too trusting for her own good." She confessed. "You could probably lure her into a white van, with the promise of candy."

Maya couldn't help but to laugh at that, "Oh my god... Nina is exactly the same." She admitted. "Thankfully Stella is there to remind her that not all people have good intentions... god knows she won't listen to me." The Machado added. Hope laughed in understanding before she sighed, hoping Tori wasn't alone in that aspect.

Hope knew if Faith had gotten to Tori, at least Ezra was there. She hoped with whatever schemes Faith had, that Ezra would protect Tori from it... if he wasn't completely on Faith's side, that was.

"I'm sorry for unloading all of this onto you." Hope paused, as she suddenly felt silly. "What do you mean? I just spent at least half an hour ranting about my weird dreams." Maya replied. "What are you going to do about all of this though?"

"Nothing. I mean, what can I do? Everyone I love is happier without me. Maybe this is how it's meant to be..." Hope trailed off. "Maybe it's my destiny to be alone." She added sadly. Maya looked at her with an unconvinced expression, "That can't be true, I mean... do you believe in destiny?" She then asked.

Hope wondered about that question, because truly she thought her destiny was to expel Malivore, and that hadn't been the case. "I... have no idea anymore." She answered helplessly.

━━━━━ ⋆⋅♥︎⋅⋆ ━━━━━

The next couple of days passed, and Caroline decided one particular morning to call a minor assembly. What the students didn't expect, was for the assembly to assist only of Auclair students. Well almost all of the Auclair students, of course Laura was no longer there, Rachel had been withdrawn, Clary had gone home briefly and Tori was absent indefinitely... but also Niko strangely hadn't been seen by anybody (other than Charlie).

"Respectfully Ms Salvatore, what the hell is this?" Aphrodite asked, as the Auclair students all looked at eachother with confused and concerned expressions. "Damn Aphie... Straight to the point." Liv, who was seated next to the short redhead, tried to speak quietly.

"Sorry to have called you all here so early." Caroline began. "As you all know, this school offers mandatory therapy sessions for all of the students." The Salvatore began. "Oh no..." Charlie blurted out quietly, as the younger Salvatore who was sitting between Liv and Glen, wanted to shrink away. "... What?" Glen and Liv both unintentionally asked at the same time. "I know where this is going." Charlie frowned, realising that his conversation with Caroline days earlier, was probably what was bringing this on.

"And I learnt that the therapy attendance last year of the students who moved from Auclair, is very lacking." Caroline continued. "So I ask that you all make an effort to go this year. I will be following up to make sure that you do." With that, everyone collectively groaned.

"Auclair students and therapy... don't really mix." Aphrodite pointed out. "Yeah... well perhaps it's because Auclair academy never had therapy available. You all deserve the opportunity to seek out a therapist." Caroline answered. "I don't need therapy. I wipe away my tears with many dollar bills." Beau was the first to speak up, "We don't need therapy, we can just go on shopping sprees!"

"This is all my fault." Charlie exhaled in one breath, as Glen turned to him, "What do you mean?" He asked quietly. "Tell you after." The vampire sighed. "Mum, where is this all coming from?" Lucas asked. Caroline paused before she shrugged, "Everyone needs therapy... and I care about all of my students, so please make sure you go."

"I don't wanna talk to strangers..." Myrical quietly complained as Valerie agreed with her, "Yeah... fuck that. Werewolves don't need therapy, we just... wolf out." They shrugged. "And how often is that? Once a month?" Caroline asked rhetorically, "You can't rely on the escapism of turning into your werewolf form, as therapy." She added. "We so can..." Liv mumbled as it seemed the other werewolves agreed.

"Any questions?" Caroline asked as everyone remained unusually quiet (maybe because they knew that would be the only way the assembly would end). "Okay, dismissed. Lucas, Charlie, meet me in the kitchen." The Salvatore flashed her sons a smile before everyone started to move from their seats.

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Victoria and Ezra stood near the lake, sparring together. It was early morning, and Tori was bored and waiting for Faith to wake up, so they could talk. The blonde knew today was her best friend's birthday, and she was planning on returning to the Salvatore school regardless of what Faith had to say, but first she wanted to know about this mission she had for her.

"Ezra, can you at least try?" Tori complained, managing to predict every one of the Zhang's moves. "Sorry T, I don't exactly want to hurt you." Ezra confessed as Tori frowned, "I have sparred in this very spot with most of the guys from Auclair and they all made it a lot harder for me than you are right now... and none of them were immortal so like, come on man??"

"Well... I guess the difference here is that I'm like your family." Ezra tried to reason as Tori paused, "Beau and Lucas are my family too." She said before she corrected herself, "Were— I mean I hope they still are?" The blonde stopped herself from rambling.

"I've noticed you've been having a hard time here, sorry if I'm being easy on you." Ezra said the last part in a sarcastic slash joking manner. "Mentally, yeah maybe I'm not doing great... but physically I'm fine, so if you don't lift your game I will easily kick your ass."

"Is that a threat, baby Mikaelson?" Ezra taunted. "... Asshole." Tori replied as the pair continued to spar, as the hybrid threw a punch an Ezra evaded it. "Language." The Zhang replied. "I'm not five years old." Victoria narrowed her eyes at him.

The pair continued to spar for a few minutes, as Tori increased the intensity due to boredom, and Ezra gave in and finally started fighting back. Faith had finally awoken and eventually approached the pair, seeming impressed by Tori's fighting style.

"Where did you learn how to fight?" Faith asked curiously, catching the attention of Tori and Ezra. The Zhang offered Faith a smile, as Tori moved away to approach the tribrid. "I guess from growing up... you don't have much of a choice when your Dad is basically an enemy of the state."

Faith actually laughed, which definitely took Victoria by surprise. "We need to talk." Tori then insisted, not giving Faith really any chance to wake up, but she didn't care. She was itching to leave Auclair academy.

"Let me guess... you want to go back to the Salvatore school?" Faith asked as Tori shrugged, "Look... I'm going this afternoon, whether you like it or not." The younger Mikaelson decided. "That's fine by me." Faith answered, as even Ezra seemed surprised by this.

"I have something you need to do though." Faith insisted, as she began walking back towards Auclair academy. Tori followed, though Ezra decided to stay by the lake. "I have this object you need to collect, called a moonstone. To my knowledge, it's kept at the Salvatore school." Faith began to explain, as Tori could instantly think of a place where it may belong... in the library of weird artefacts of course.

"Oh... and I've decided I'm tired of drinking blood bags. I'm hoping to round up some strays for us to feed from." Faith spoke in a nonchalant way, which made Tori pause. She obviously knew Faith was talking about finding assumably innocent humans, but what made Tori uncomfortable was that the way Faith spoke, was how she used to speak without her humanity... as though people were just things vampires used for food and nothing more.

"Actually I'd... rather not. But you go ahead." Tori decided, as her mind wandered. She felt as though she could see flashes of her former self, ripping carelessly into the arteries of strangers without a care. It wasn't as though she didn't have control, because she did... but she hated more than anything, the idea of making people fearful and hurting them.

As though Faith could read her thoughts, the tribrid frowned. "For a vampire, you're way too human." She taunted, as Tori snapped out of her thoughts. "I just... think blood bags are convenient enough?" Victoria insisted.

"They taste stale... it's the equivalent of drinking stale coffee." Faith pointed out as Tori shrugged, "I rarely drink caffeine." She admitted. "Yeah I noticed, you're fucking weird." Faith sassed as Tori's jaw dropped with surprise, mostly because Faith was trying to make banter with her and not totally be an asshole.

"Imagine having to rely on caffeine just to function... sounds lame to me." Tori joked back as Faith rolled her eyes playfully, "Yeah yeah, whatever asshole." The tribrid responded.

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Clary slowly awoken, having slept in her childhood room. The Bailey had practically begged Caroline not to tell her mother about her condition after using dark magic, but unfortunately while Eliana was listed as Carice's next of kin, unfortunately the Salvatore had to tell her.

This meant Eliana was back in town after another work trip, had taken Clary out of school for a couple of days and was pretending to be a good mother for a while... which Clary honestly didn't want to deal with right now. The witch rolled around, deciding to try and get comfortable as she pulled out her phone, to check her notifications.

She had a couple messages from each of the Bennett twins, as well as the Saltzman triplets and Beau. Clary went to open Tori's contact, when Ashley suddenly called her.

"Hey Ash." Clary answered, placing the phone to her ear. "Hey Clary! How are you feeling?" Ashley asked, sounding surprisingly chipper. "I feel fine... I felt fine yesterday and ready to go back to school but my Mum is being annoying." The Bailey sighed.

"I can rescue you. I'll come over and say I'm gonna take you out for lunch... and then we just go back to the school." Ashley suggested what she felt was a foolproof plan. "Mum will instantly know what's up. Caroline will probably rat me out too..."

"Maybe we can hide you at my house." Ashley suggested, as Clary didn't seem opposed to the idea. She'd much prefer to stay at Bonnie's house instead of her own mother's. "That will just start a shit fight between our Mums." Carice sighed, deciding to start getting out of bed.

"Well, are you still going to make it to the triplets birthday party tonight?" Ashley questioned. "Yeah, of course... I wouldn't miss it. Have you spoken to Beau or Lucas at all?" Clary asked as Ashley seemed confused, "No... was I supposed to?"

"No I just... wondered if either of them mentioned if Tori was coming tonight." Clary spoke. "Has she not messaged you?" Ash asked. "She has a little bit but I don't know... she's been... cagey." The Bailey voiced, seeming a little disappointed.

"What if this was a bad idea..." Clary trailed off as Ashley replied, "You and Tori?" The Bailey sighed, "She... she assured me she isn't in danger and she's just spending time with her sister... but she's being so distant. She was less distant towards me when she was emotionless..." Clary began to ramble. "What am I doing wrong?"

"Nothing... are you starting to doubt your relationship?" Ashley asked carefully. Clary sighed, "I mean... I don't doubt my feelings for her. It took me so long to accept that what I feel for her is romantic and not hate filled... but what if she's getting cold feet? Maybe she's realised this isn't what she wants..."

"Clar, you are letting anxiety take the wheel right now. You don't know any of this for sure, wait until you talk to her." Ashley insisted, as she feared Carice was working herself up over something that wasn't true. "Well it's not like I'm not trying... she's kind of ghosting me."

That much was true... Tori was too busy letting her anxiety win, and allowing Faith's comments about her newer circle of loved ones, to mess with her... which was only making Clary anxious too because she wasn't sure what was going on.

"What's it like being back home?" Ashley asked curiously, as she tried to change the subject for Clary's sake. "It's weird..." Clary responded, as she'd really only been home a small handful of times since she'd been enrolled at Auclair. "It doesn't feel like my home anymore to be honest... I feel like I'm not the same person who used to live in this bedroom."

"I'm gonna be back at school before we know it though... I don't have to think about it for much longer." Clary quickly added, as an attempt to shut that subject down. "Enough about me... what have I missed at school? How have you and Aaron been?"

"I've been good! I um... got paired to do this English project with Eden and she seems really cool." Ashley spoke as Clary was intrigued, "Beau's bestie, Eden?" She asked. "Yeah! The girl with black hair, who's almost always wearing headphones on her head or around her neck— she's usually quiet but I don't know... we've been talking a bit since having to work together."

"Interesting... I find it especially interesting that Eden was the first thing you wanted to talk to me about after I asked how you were. You so obviously have a crush, Ash." Clary insisted as Ashley paused, "A crush? Nah that's a reach... though she is really pretty and when she talks about something she really likes she gets all excited and it's so— Oh fuck... maybe you're right."

Clary burst out laughing, "At least you're aware now?" She asked as Ashley sighed, "I don't know what I'm supposed to do now... Eden is an empath witch, if I have a crush on her she definitely knows. God she probably knows before I even did." Ashley rambled on.

"Anyway... Aaron has been good, except he has detention." Ashley piped up. "What did he do?" Carice asked, almost reluctantly. "He got in a fight with Rafael. They've been constantly fighting to be honest... but punches were thrown so Caroline gave them both detention."

"You might be the only Bennett legacy that doesn't really... throw hands." Clary realised. "Aaron and I have gotten in more fights than we can count." The Bailey added. "Well, nobody has pissed me off yet so..." Ashley trailed off before she seemed distracted by something. "Oh I gotta go, Cleo and I are meeting up before class."

"You've been hanging around with Cleo a lot lately." Clary realised. "Yeah, she's really cool! We practice spells together a lot... though her magic seems really different. I don't know how to explain it but... I think I feel inspired when I'm around her." Clary paused, as she recalled a conversation she had with Myrical.

"Cleo is so lovely... and really pretty... I wish I could get over my fears and hang out with her more." Myrical confessed as Carice looked at the Benning, "What are you so afraid of, Riri?" She asked. "EVERYTHING?? I have never felt so nervous around somebody before... it's terrifying!"

Myrical had crushes before. For a while, her sights were set on Tori (despite that she had been a more terrifying version of herself), and then she met Veronica and started to have feelings for her instead... but never once was she too nervous around her former crushes, to the point of not functioning. But with Cleo... she felt so afraid of messing things up.

"Is that why you two don't hang out often?" Clary asked. "Perhaps... I don't know why I get like this, Clary. Because honestly when I'm around her, I feel so seen... and so safe? Cleo is really patient with me... and she is a really good listener but she's always so uplifting... and I want to say inspiring?"

"I am getting a strange sense of deja vu." Clary confessed. "What do you mean?" Ashley asked, as the Bailey could smell burnt toast coming from assumably the kitchen. "It doesn't matter, I have to go and fix whatever mess my Mum has made in the kitchen before the fire department show up. I love you." Clary explained. "I love you too." Ashley said before the Bailey ended the call, and walked into the kitchen.

As she half expected, there was toast in the toaster and it was burning. Eliana was standing outside on the balcony, speaking on the phone to somebody. "God... you can't even make toast right." Clary muttered under her breath as she pressed the cancel button on the toaster, allowing the burnt toast to stop cooking.

"It's not actually burnt... I think the crumb trays need to be emptied." Eliana insisted as she stepped inside, only just hearing her daughter's grumbling. Clary frowned as she looked at the toast, "No... this is definitely burnt."

Carice sat at the table, and placed her phone down. Moments later Eliana moved to place a plate with two new and nicely cooked pieces of toast in front of the Bailey, she noticed her daughter's lockscreen, which was a picture of her and Tori.

"I'm still surprised you've become friends with that Mikealson girl." Eliana admitted, as she moved to sit in the chair across from Carice, now with her own plate. Clary wanted to cringe at Eliana calling them friends but she decided not to correct her, because she wasn't ready to tell her mother the truth.

"You know... the Mikealson family caused this town a lot of pain... I'm sure if you asked your Aunt Bonnie—" Clary cut her Mum off, "I know. But you know Aunt Bonnie even insists it's all in the past." She reminded her.

"You're awfully snippy this morning." Eliana pointed out. "I'm bored of being home." Clary responded, "But it won't be for long. I'm going to a party tonight." She added. "Oh are you? And did you think to ask your mother?" Eliana questioned sarcastically as Carice fired back, "No. Because you're only my mother when you want to be."

An uncomfortable silence filled the air. "Is that really what you think?" Eliana asked as Clary nodded. "You only proved it to me more when you changed your job." She pointed out. Eliana frowned upon hearing that.

The Bennett had been a teacher at Auclair academy for years, and earned a higher wage compared to the other teachers simply because Kiara considered her to be her best friend. After teaching there for a few years, Eliana was offered a job with an even higher wage as a relief teacher, though she would have to travel. The moment she took that job, her relationship with Clary started to diminish, because Eliana was never around and it became obvious that unfortunately she was more interested in chasing money.

"I did that for us." Eliana reminded her daughter. "Why? It's not like we needed it." Clary responded before she added, "What I really needed was my Mum here and present in my life."

"I'm here now, Carice." Eliana spoke as Clary scoffed, "That doesn't mean anything. I don't need you anymore, because I've learnt to rely on myself. Now I'm going to pack some of my things and head back to school." The witch got to her feet and left the table to head back to her room, having eaten her breakfast.

━━━━━ ⋆⋅♥︎⋅⋆ ━━━━━

Now that Charlie and Lucas were finally away from all of the noise, being the other students, Charlie just about knocked his younger brother over as he suddenly hugged him. "Happy birthday Luca!" The Salvatore cheered as Lucas hugged the shorter boy back, once he steadied himself from falling.

"Thank you Char." Lucas replied excitedly before they let go of one another, though the Saltzman nudged Charlie with his shoulder as at attempt to shove him immediately after, Charlie wore a determined look as he did it back but with more force (without using his super strength). The brothers continued to shove and attempt to evade one another as they rushed down the hallway to the kitchen.

At one point Charlie used his super speed to evade Lucas, and the Saltzman charged right into the wall. "Ow." The witch admitted as Charlie burst out laughing. "Are you trying to beat up the birthday boy?" Lucas then asked as Charlie helped him to his feet (all while laughing of course). "In my defence, you're kinda beating yourself up... idiot." The Salvatore teased. "You're the fucking idiot, idiot." Lucas responded before he came to a realisation.

"This is gonna be my first birthday in seven years, that I'm actually spending at the Salvatore school... and with my Mum and all my siblings." Lucas realised, as in particular he could remember his 16th birthday... he spent most of the morning with Charlie playing video games, and the night with Beau and Tori.

The trio had stolen alcohol from Kiara and hung out around town. They spent some time in the Grill before getting kicked out, and as it became early hours of the morning Tori had passed out in a shopping trolley which Beau and Lucas pushed around for like two hours as she slept, while they had their own little karaoke game. Lucas also remembered kissing Beau at some point, though while that happened the shopping trolley containing Tori descended down a hill and the pair of siphon witches had to hurry and catch it before it crashed.

He had a feeling his 17th wasn't going to be as chaotic as that night had been, but he couldn't deny he was looking forward to actually spending it with more of his family... even if it meant he was having to share his birthday with his triplet sisters.

"I hope Alaric isn't here." Lucas then realised as Charlie snorted in amusement, "Don't hold your breath but... I think I saw his car out front." He admitted as Luca groaned. Suddenly he wished he was back at Auclair, celebrating his birthday with his brother and two best friends.

Charlie looked sympathetically before she shrugged, "Just ignore him and he might eventually leave you alone?" He suggested. "That's easy for you... he isn't your Dad. He'll keep trying to talk to me and act as though his shitty parenting isn't the reason we're all fucked up." Luca replied before he groaned, "Your Dad was more like a Dad to me, I wish he were here instead." The Saltzman complained as Charlie answered, "Believe me, so do I."

"I just made this miserable didn't I? I'm sorry." Luca realised as Charlie shook his head, "No it's fine. You have reason to be upset... my Dad really loved you and the girls." The Salvatore smiled weakly as Lucas smiled back sadly.

"Okay, time to mentally prepare myself to see my Dad. God damn it." Lucas complained as Charlie tried not to laugh as they entered the kitchen. Lizzie and Josie stood already waiting in the kitchen, while Caroline and Alaric stood to the side. A birthday banner was hung behind the girls, and there was a few neatly wrapped presents (courtesy of Caroline and her perfectionism) sitting on the table behind them.

"Happy birthday!!" Caroline cheered as Lizzie's eyes lit up as Lucas finally had arrived. The blonde siphon rushed towards her brother and the pair hugged. Josie gave Lucas an awkward wave, as Lizzie and Charlie then hugged as he wished her happy birthday.

Everyone sat down as Alaric served up breakfast, being some pastries and coffee he'd bought from Mainline coffee. The family talked amongst themselves while the Saltzman triplets opened presents together. For the first time in a long time, it felt like they were a functioning, happy family where they were all living under the same roof (well... except for Alaric, though the triplets and Charlie would insist it had been a happier dynamic without him).

"Okay I have to find Alex. I left him in charge of party stuff." Lizzie said before she suddenly left the kitchen. Charlie and Lucas went to leave also, but Josie quickly reached out to them, "Wait, can I speak to you guys before you go?"

"No." Lucas was the first to answer as he kept walking, and left the kitchen. Charlie sighed, wanting to follow but instead he turned to face Josie, "What do you want?" He asked.

"I'm done with Penelope." Josie exhaled, as Charlie seemed surprised, "Wait... really?" He asked, as though he didn't believe her. "Yes... we tried long distance and it wasn't working... but moreso... I realised that by being with her I was sacrificing a relationship with you and..." Josie trailed off.

"Charlie, you are my brother. You're more important to me than her and.... I'm so sorry I let a girl get between us." Josie apologised as Charlie's expression softened, though he still wanted to keep his guard up. "I appreciate that you're apologising, but for some reason I'm not really convinced that you're done with her."

"I blocked her on everything." Josie blurted out, as this definitely surprised Charlie. "Oh, wow okay. I guess you are being serious." He replied. "I am. Family is more important and I should have realised it sooner... going after her the second you moved to Auclair was a horrible thing to do."

"It was... but I accepted ages ago that nothing romantic would probably ever happen between Pen and I... and it's fine, because now I've moved on and I'm happy." Charlie explained. "No more stupid love triangle drama." He concluded.

Josie opened her mouth to speak, as she wanted to ask Charlie if he was sure that he was free of love triangle drama, and if that was to change when Tori returned to the school. She decided against saying anything for a couple of reasons. One; she remembered Tori and Clary were in a relationship. Two; she knew Charlie would take her words and really overthink them, to the point where'd he become worried despite Glen making it very clear that he had moved on. Fortunately, the Saltzman disregarded her thought.

"More than anything though... I miss the friendship I had with Penelope before I moved to Auclair academy." Charlie confessed, as he was referring to the dynamic they had before they ended up basically having a situationship. "We were best friends. That's the thing I miss the most."

Josie nodded sadly, as she could remember how close they were. She had always been jealous of their closeness at the time, but now she felt bad for being the one to drive them apart.

Speaking of being driven apart, Lucas was internally terrified that he and Landon were going down the path as such... ever since the Saltzman had told Landon he loved him, and the phoenix didn't say it back. Of course, he hadn't spoken to the Kirby about it, and they'd been acting as though nothing happened, but Lucas couldn't get the events out of his mind.

The Saltzman walked through the corridor when Landon suddenly approached him, wearing a bright smile. "Happy birthday Luca!" He greeted before he basically launched himself at the witch to hug him. Lucas let out an amused chuckle as he hugged his boyfriend back, "Thank you babe." He replied, before Landon seemimgly hugged the Saltzman tighter as he lifted him off of the ground. "I have to show you your present." Landon spoke excitedly as Lucas seemed shocked, "Woah since when could you lift me, the fuck?"

Landon laughed as he tried not to drop Lucas, as he managed to shift the boy into his arms as though to actually carry him. "My upper body strength has gotten better... lifting has finally paid off!" Landon decided, "I mean... I still can't keep up with any of the werewolves... they're literally built different."

Lucas chuckled as Landon let him back onto the ground. The Saltzman admitted, "I did notice your arms were getting very... um... strong looking..." Lucas found himself distracted and unable to properly make words as he looked at his boyfriend's arms. "Are you gay panicking right now?" Landon realised as Lucas blushed, "No! Not at all. I am a perfectly functioning homosexual, thank you very much."

"Lies!" Landon narrowed his eyes at Lucas for a moment before he kissed his cheek. "Come on, I have to show you your present." He then added before he reached out and took Luca's hand, as they walked down the corridor to the Kirby's dorm.

Landon and Lucas entered the Kirby's dorm. "Okay, close your eyes." Landon insisted as Lucas frowned jokingly before he did as such. Landon then rushed towards his closet and took a badly wrapped present out of it, before he approached Lucas again and placed it in his hands.

Lucas then opened his eyes, before they widened. "No way..." He blurted out, as although the present was badly wrapped he could basically tell what it was. Landon offered a small smile as Lucas moved to open the present, revealing to be a bow and arrow set.

"You have mentioned a few times that you wanted to get back into archery, and I would definitely love to see you do it." The Kirby offered a smile as Lucas seemed overjoyed. "This is amazing."

Lucas moved to place the archery set down before he approached Landon. "Thank you so much baby." He said with a bright smile as Landon smiled back lovingly as he moved to place his hands around the witch's waist. "You're welcome Lu."

Lucas glanced at Landon's lips momentarily before he moved forward to kiss him. Landon closed his eyes and kissed back, feeling relieved that everything seemed to be okay between them.

"Seriously this is amazing..." Lucas said, once he pulled away. "I love it so much... I..." The Saltzman paused, when he realised he was about to say those three words again. Landon noticed it and looked momentarily panicked, as his eyes showed signs of guilt for a moment, though his expression softened when he realised Lucas stopped himself.

The witch felt his heart sink, and sighed before he spoke up, "Lan, we need to talk about what I said the other day." He insisted as Landon nodded. "I said that I loved you..." Lucas began. "You... just said that in a casual way right?" Landon quickly interjected as Lucas paused. "Lu, you know I adore you?" Landon assured him.

"Yeah... I uh... meant it in a casual way." Luca lied as he tried to hide the hurt on his face. "I adore you too." He added as Landon smiled sadly as Lucas, wishing more than anything that he could say it back.

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Carrying a small box in her lap, Gia wheeled themself up to Aphie's dorm before knocking on the door. The De Martel swung the door open a moment later, "Morning Gia." Aphrodite greeted as Gianna offered a smile, "Hey Aphrodite. I'm not sure is Ms Salvatore told you but... I'm your new roommate." The Forde spoke. "Uh yeah she did. Come in, Niko and I just cleared out your half of the room yesterday."

Gia wheeled themself over to the bare side of the room, before placing their box onto the bed. She glanced over at Aphrodite's side of the room, which always looked neat. The De Martel now had a couple of paper cranes amongst her things, as a tribute to Laura.

"I'm really sorry about your friend." Gia noted, as the werewolf couldn't deny she felt bad about taking over Laura's side of the room. She had actually asked Caroline if she could room elsewhere in fear of being insensitive, but the Salvatore hoped giving Aphrodite a new roommate would help her to cope a bit better with Laura's absence.

Truthfully, Aphie hadn't enjoyed being alone in her dorm knowing Laura wasn't there... or ever coming back. The De Martel had been having sleepovers in Lizzie and Lexi's dorm, or Olivia and Myrical's dorm. Sometimes the girls would drag their mattresses into Aphie's dorm too and spend the night, but the second they left the space went back to feeling empty and depressing.

"Laura was really sweet..." Aphrodite admitted, as she glanced at one of the many photos she had on her wall, landing on one of the redhead standing with Laura. Aphrodite had insisted they'd taken a picture together upon their first night of rooming together. "I have a feeling you guys would have gotten along." Aphie shrugged.

Gia wheeled themself over to take a better look at the picture. "She's really pretty." The Forde confessed as she attempted to lighten the mood, "I probably would have flirted with her." Aphrodite snorted in amusement, "You would have started a war with Maya." She then admitted.

"Who is Maya?" Gia asked as Aphrodite answered, "Laura's almost-girlfriend, she goes to Mystic Falls high." Gianna nodded before they asked, "Is she cute?" Aphrodite laughed slightly, finding Gia to be amusing. "Are you always like this?" The heretic asked genuinely as Gia shrugged, "Eh... sometimes. Right now I'm just trying to lighten the mood."

"Oh I thought you might be like another version of Beau." Aphrodite admitted teasingly before she looked at the box on Gia's bed. "You don't have a lot of belongings." The heretic admitted as Gia opened the box and seemed to rummage through it. "Yeah... I haven't stayed anywhere permanently in nearly three years. It makes it hard to have belongings."

Finding an envelope in the box, Gia moved to place it in the basket of their wheelchair before they looked back to Aphrodite. "I have a question but I don't want it to come off as rude." Aphie admitted as Gia shrugged, "Just ask. I doubt I'll take offence." She insisted. "Is there any daily activities you... need help with?" The redhead asked. Gia shook her head, "I pretty much know how to do everything on my own... except for stairs, I'm still trying to work that out. Sliding down the banister is so much fun but I have broken a couple ribs in the process." Gia paused as Aphrodite didn't know whether she wanted to laugh, or be concerned. "If I do need any help I will ask." They assured her.

"I have to go annoy my cousin but I shall see you later Aphie." Gia offered a smile. "See you." Aphrodite smiled back as she watched the ravenette zoomed through the doorway.

Hardly a minute later, an obnoxious knock was heard at the door of Valerie and Glen's dorm. "There's only one person that could be." Glen realised as Valerie approached the door to open it, offering Gia a smile. "Morning Gi." The Harlowe greeted.

"You!" Gia looked to Glen as they wheeled themself into the dorm. "Yes?" Glen asked as Gianna huffed in Italian, "We need to talk, bitch."  Valerie let out a laugh, roughing translating the younger Forde's words. "I'll leave you guys be." They decided, giving Glen no time to ask Valerie to stay, so he could avoid a conversation he knew was coming with Gia.

The door closed behind the Harlowe, leaving the cousins alone. "You're annoyed at me, tell me why." Gianna spoke as Glen replied, "Demanding as ever." He deflected. "Before you try to deny it... Don't. I'm great at picking up on body language." Gia added.

Glen sighed, "I... have been a little annoyed with you but I don't really want to talk about it." He admitted. "Why?" Gia asked as the pair paused. "Because I don't want to fight. We fight a lot and it's over stupid shit and..." He trailed off. "Keep going." Gianna urged as Glen paused and thought about it.

"I'm scared if we fight too much... you'll go back to Europe, so it would be easier if we just didn't fight." Glen realised as Gia paused, "You're worried that I will leave." She spoke as Glen shrugged, "I... thought I was doing fine on my own but having you here has... made me realise how much I miss my family."

Gia's face fell, as she realised how different their circumstances were. While Gia was fleeing from her immediate family, Glen had been longing for his. "I'm not going anywhere for a long time... you know I still have to graduate and with the way I'm going academically I'm probably going to repeat a year so..."

"What? No you're not repeating, what are you struggling with?" Glen suddenly asked as Gia pouted, "Don't change the subject. We are not done here." They insisted. "So now that I have established that I'm not going anywhere, tell me why I have annoyed you."

Glen frowned, feeling silly about it now. "You keep stealing my things... I didn't care at first but everytime I come into my dorm I swear there's another thing missing." He admitted as Gianna paused, "You know when I was going through my things... I did notice that most of it was not mine." They insisted.

"Actually wait give me a minute." Gia disappeared suddenly, and reappeared hardly a minute later with a large pile of things on their lap. "Jesus— how fast do you move between our dorms?" He asked as Gia grinned, "I'm fast as fuck, boi."

"Anyway." Gia wheeled themself over to Glen's bed and started to unload some belongings, starting with his jacket, two flasks and a tie but then it continued for thirty seconds with some of the most random items. The last thing Gianna placed was a set of car keys. Glen paused before he pointed out, "Gia, I don't own a car."

"Oh." Gia quickly took the keys back and stashed them into their own pocket. Glen blinked before he glanced at the younger Forde, "You can't drive??" He reminded her. "Actually can I have those back?" Glen then asked, as the idea of having a car did sound nice.

Gia laughed before they looked up at Glen, "Stealing is a bad habit I'm hoping to break... as of this moment." She decided. "Living in hostels means people steal eachother's stuff all the time... it started happening to me so I started stealing back to assert dominance." The ravenette explained as Glen chuckled amusedly, expecting no less. "Well, you don't have to live in survival mode anymore. You'll be safe here." He said.

Gia's expression softened, as they hoped that would be the case. "Okay is there anything else?" She then asked as Glen shook his head, though he seemed a little relieved they'd talked... even if his younger cousin had basically ambushed him. "Good. I'm not leaving so... please talk to me if I piss you off." The ravenette insisted.

Gia then remembered the envelope she had brought along, which was in itself another reason why the younger Forde refused to go home (amongst many). They wanted to show it to Glen, but she suddenly chickened out. "I'm going outside to smoke, are you coming?" Gianna then asked.

Glen shrugged, "Yeah, sure." He decided before he realised, "I swear my nicotine addiction comes back in full force whenever you're around." Gia just laughed, as she started to wheel herself towards the door of the dorm. "Unfortunately sharing cigs is my love language." They declared before the cousins left the dorm together.

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Olivia and Lexi wandered down the hallway, hand in hand as Lexi was mid ramble, "I mean I think Bridgette from Total Drama can totally get it... people who can surf are automatically so attractive. Plus, she is really nice to animals!" The Salvatore decided. "But Duncan is so fine too oh my god."

For context, the girlfriends had been binge watching Total Drama island together. "Hmm... I think my Total Drama crush would have to be Gwen... or Courtney. Okay... maybe both?" Liv aired her thoughts as Lexi laughed, "You know... if you take Duncan out of the picture, those two seemed pretty fruity together."

"That is so true actually." Liv realised, as she swung their hands lightly as they walked. "Are you going to the triplets birthday tonight?" Lexi asked Olivia as the ravenette seemed unsure. "I... don't know yet. I'm going to check up on Niko before I decide, I haven't seen them at all today and I'm a bit worried." The Auclair replied.

"And honestly... I feel like I'm still recharging from that party in the woods." Liv realised as Lexi seemed surprised, "That was days ago." She pointed out. "Lexi... I am not a people person, especially when there's crowds." The tribrid pointed out.

That was where they were certainly different, while Liv needed 10 business days to recharge her social battery after some form of big social event, meanwhile Lexi was already asking for the next one to begin.

"That's fair enough, Princess." Lexi admitted before she realised the time. She wanted to see the triplets before class. "I have to go find the Saltzmans, but i'll see you later babe." The Salvatore offered a smile.

The heretic then lifted their joined hands as she kissed the top of Liv's hand, making the Auclair blush. "That is the gayest thing I have ever experienced." Liv blurted out as Lexi smiled a little smugly, "Oh, I can show you things much gayer than this." She suggested as Liv's face heated up.

"Lex—" Liv grew embarrassed as Lexi couldn't help but to laugh, as she was only trying to make her girlfriend flustered, and it was proving easy to do. "I'm kidding... i'm kidding... unless?" Lexi continued to tease as Liv had to look away, "I can't tell if you're ever serious or joking, honestly."

Lexi burst out laughing before she moved forward and placed a kiss on Olivia's cheek, "I'll see you later Livvy." She smiled. "Bye babe." Liv smiled back before they parted ways.

As Olivia continued walking, trying to commence her plan of checking in on Niko, Myrical and Bellamy appeared. "Livvy— Bellamy thinks I need glasses!! Please tell her she is full of shit." Myrical complained, as Liv took a moment to process this. "What?" The ravenette asked.

"Myrical can't see the whiteboard in class. She is constantly trying to copy my notes and I know it's because she can't make out the writing on the board." Bellamy argued her point as Liv paused to think about this. "Maybe it's because I like reading your handwriting?" Myrical blurted out, trying so hard to defend herself with weak arguments.

"Bellamy might be onto something..." Liv confessed, as she could recall the younger werewitch constantly copying her notes in class also, but not even just that... she thought back to the most recent full moon, when the wolf hybrids decided to turn along with the werewolves.

As it was now dawn, most of the werewolves had transitioned back into their human forms, and were grabbing the last of their belongings they'd left in the werewolf cellars. Finding the morning air to be unusually chilly, Myrical zipped up her hoodie before she collected her things.

"Riri!" Rafael's voice could be heard, as the Benning snapped her head around to face the Waithe. "Hey Raf." Myrical greeted as Rafael approached her. "Why the hell did you run into me at full speed?" Raf questioned, his face showing more concern than anything, as Myrical had quite literally run into Rafael while they'd been in their wolf forms, and knocked him over with force. "Oh... I... didn't see you, sorry!" Myrical confessed.

Other werewolves who were conversing, decided to join in. "Actually... I noticed you have been doing a lot of odds things lately. Last full moon I saw you trip over a boulder." Valerie pointed out as Jed couldn't help but to laugh. The Harlowe then shot him a look as if to say "shut up", because they knew his reaction would make Myrical feel much smaller than she already was right now.

"Are we also going to ignore the fact that you ran head first into a tree?" Glen piped up as Gia failed to stifle a giggle, as Valerie shot a look at the younger Forde also. Gianna lifted their hands up as though to surrender. "I didn't run into a tree!" Myrical decided, feeling embarrassed by the eyes on her.

"I wouldn't be making that up, it looked like it kinda hurt." Glen added before Casper agreed, "I... I saw it too... before somebody started chasing me." He admitted. "Oh, that was me. I got bored..." Gia confessed as Casper blinked in surprise.

By this time, Olivia and Bellamy had reentered the werewolf cellar, accidentally wearing eachother's hoodies as they'd gotten their stashed clothes mixed up. Neither of them had noticed, still being a little dazed. "What is this, an early morning intervention?" Bellamy questioned as Olivia looked around, trying to figure out why Myrical looked uncomfortable.

"It's not something to be embarrassed about, but maybe it's worth getting your eyes tested." Rafael spoke, trying to keep his tone as kind as he could. Myrical just narrowed her eyes at the Waithe, "My eyes are fine, thank you very much." Jed turned to Valerie before he quoted quietly, "Denial is a river in Egypt—"

"One eye test can't exactly hurt." Liv pointed out as Myrical didn't budge. "Riri, what is so bad about possibly getting glasses?" The Auclair then asked. "What if they make me look silly?? I don't want people to find more reasons to belittle me."

Liv's face fell, "We're not at Auclair academy anymore... here the only real bullies are Alyssa and Alaric, and fortunately the latter is gone." She explained as Bellamy nodded, "And we're working on eliminating the first."

Myrical laughed a little before she looked back to Liv, "Can you come with me to the optometrist then?" She asked. Olivia paused, "I need to check up on Niko, but maybe after?" She suggested. Myrical nodded, though she worried checking up on Niko would take a while since he hadn't been seen at all today.

"I can go with you." Bellamy then suggested. "Really?" Myrical asked as Bellamy nodded, "Yeah, I'm skipping my class with Vardemus in third period." The Lockwood-Mikaelson decided as Myrical offered a smile, "That would be nice of you to come, thank you."

Olivia smiled between the pair, before remembering why Myrical was so terrified of loitering around in the town square alone... the fear of ever running into her father. It sounded irrational to some, but having not seen her father in six years she was terrified of ever seeing him again... and being that his place of residence was unknown, only heightened her anxiety.

"Okay I have to keep moving." Olivia realised, "But thank you Bellamy." She insisted before she gave each of the werewitches a smile before she continued. "Bye Livvy." Myrical called out before she continued to walk with Bellamy.

Unfortunately, Liv made it maybe three metres away before Cleo approached her. "Hey Olivia!" The Sowande greeted. Olivia stopped in her tracks, as she mentally asked herself wtf was going on today and why was seeing Niko feeling impossible.

"Morning Cleo." The Auclair responded. Her face may have shown that she was feeling rather impatient at the minute, so Cleo began to talk. "As Myrical's best friend... I wanted to ask you a question." The muse began. "Well, shoot." Liv replied.

"I... want to ask Myrical on a date." Cleo admitted as Liv paused, as her eyes widened. "Woah." She blurted. "I... wanted to run an idea by you first." The Sowande added as Liv nodded. "I noticed she likes the outdoors... she seems to feel more relaxed when amongst nature and away from people." Cleo began as Liv agreed that was true. "So... I was thinking if she agreed, I'd take her on a picnic date."

Liv's expression softened, "Cleo... that is adorable." She confessed. "Where though?" The Auclair asked. "Well... I'm not sure. I was thinking near the Falls would be romantic but—" Cleo was unintentionally cut off by an excited tribrid. "No, that's perfect! She loves the Falls, she finds it really peaceful to sit by the water." Olivia assured her.

"Okay... okay awesome." Cleo seemed relieved that Liv was helping her out here. "But my next question... what does Myrical like to eat? I have no idea what I would make her." Olivia thought about it before she answered, "Myrical really likes those little sandwiches you cut into little triangles... she also loves apple flavoured sweets."

"Okay... thank you so much." Cleo offered a smile, as Liv realised now she was actually nervous. "Oh my god... you're nervous about this, aren't you?" The Auclair asked as Cleo nodded, "I just... I want to do this right. Myrical is special and I don't want her to be disappointed."

Liv paused, as she remembered that Myrical's only romantic experience ever, was the time she hooked up with Tori months ago. She had never had a girlfriend before, or been on a date... so the bar was probably not set very high. "Trust me Cleo, she would absolutely love it."

Cleo offered the tribrid a smile, "Thank you so much Liv... I feel a lot more at ease after talking to you." The Sowande admitted. Liv smiled back, "I'm so glad I could help, but respectfully I really need to go but goodluck!" The ravenette said before they parted ways.

Finally, Liv felt like she was able to make it to Niko's dorm... or at least she thought. The Auclair suddenly halted as her phone rang. The ravenette pulled it out of her pocket, realising that Charlie was calling her.

"Hello?" She answered, her grumbly tone evident. "Hi..?" Charlie's voice sounded confused by her annoyed tone. "Have you been able to check on Niko yet?" The Salvatore asked.

"Believe me, I have been trying. I've been stopped about 3 times while trying to walk to your dorm." Olivia answered as Charlie realised that was probably why she sounded annoyed.

Charlie had tried to contact his roommate to no avail, and wasn't really able to check on him yet because he'd been tied up with birthday stuff. He'd been roped into helping set up stuff for the triplets celebration, but he was trying to find someone to palm it off to.

"I have a feeling he won't be in any sort of party mood. I barely got two words out of him this morning." Charlie admitted as Liv's face fell. What they didn't know, is that the night previously Aphrodite and Niko were asked to clean out Laura's side of the dorm to make space for Aphie's new roommate. It had been a lot harder on Niko than they had expected.

"I'm ahead in all of my classes for now... so I can hang out with him pretty much all day if he needs company." Olivia admitted. "Thank you... for doing this." Charlie insisted as Olivia assured him, "It's more than okay, Niko is my friend. How is party set up going?" The tribrid asked as Charlie just groaned for about fifteen seconds, which made Olivia laugh.

"I love Lucas and Lizzie so much but fuck they are so particular about every little thing..." Charlie admitted as Liv couldn't help but to laugh more. "Goodluck." Olivia replied in a sing-songy voice as Charlie sighed, "Thanks... I'll see you later."

"Byeee." Liv hung up the call as she finally approached Niko and Charlie's dorm at last, as she reached out to knock. She didn't receive an answer so she knocked again, before deciding to enter carefully.

The dorm was dark, with the curtains completely shut. Charlie's side of the dorm was tidied up with the bed made, but when Liv's eyes trailed to Niko's side of the bed, she found the Shiratori fast asleep and still in bed.

Liv approached Niko's side of the bed and tapped him on the shoulder, causing him to stir in his sleep. "Niko—" Niko's eyes widened, as he looked confused by the sound of a voice that didn't belong to Charlie. "Olivia?" He groggily asked.

"It's um... 11am. You should probably get up." Liv admitted as Niko rolled over and intended to go back to sleep, "I don't want to get up."

The tribrid glanced up at the curtains before she waved one of her hands out, "Motus." The curtains opened slightly, letting in some light. "I'm gonna give you a minute to wake up, how do you like your coffee?" The Auclair questioned. "Um.." Niko rubbed his eyes, accepting that he was not going to be able to go back to sleep. "I'm not picky, but I think I need something strong."

Liv nodded, deciding she'd make a strong latte. She left the dorm and returned nearly ten minutes later, holding a mug. Fortunately with everyone being in class, nobody could distract the tribrid this time.

Niko moved to sit upright in their bed, as Liv closed the door behind her. The ravenette offered Niko a smile as she approached him and handed him the mug. "Thank you." Niko spoke before he shuffled over, so that Liv could take a seat. The Auclair made herself comfortable, leaning against the headboard before she turned to Niko.

"Are you... okay? You don't usually sleep in this late." Olivia admitted. Niko was one of the rare cases of being a morning person... and over the last few weeks he had gotten back into a good routine. "I... I'm not okay today. I just want to stay in bed and ignore all responsibilities." Niko decided as Liv nodded, "Would you like some company?"

Niko seemed touched by the gesture but then paused when he realised Liv was missing class right now. "No, it's okay. I don't want you to fall behind." He answered. "I'm not going to... but more importantly I don't want to leave you alone like this. I've had my fair share of bed rotting days and your brain becomes toxic as hell during those times."

Niko smiled weakly, as tears filled his eyes. "I thought I was better, Liv. I thought I was finally out of this rut and working on myself but I..." He paused to breathe for a moment and gather his thoughts. "I had to clear out Laura's stuff with Aphie and I feel like mentally I'm back to where I started... like it's Founder's day again and I've just read Caroline's mind and learnt the truth about Laura."

Liv's face fell, and she watched as Niko placed the mug on his nightstand. He turned back to Liv, but struggled to make eye contact, "What if this is it for me? What if I never move on, and I'm just... stuck grieving forever?" His voice cracked, as a tear rolled down his cheek. Liv scooted over and placed her arms around the boy as he let himself cry in her arms.

Olivia teared up, as hearing the Shiratori cry made her heart sink. Niko had always been one of the happiest people she knew, who was always supporting others... it hurt to see him like this. "One bad day doesn't mean you're stuck in a rut." Liv began, as she rubbed his back. "Healing isn't linear... we're all gonna have bad days but we have to look at how far we have come."

Niko seemed unable to reply, as he continued to cry. He felt the most hopeless he had in a while, and he felt silly for showing a side of him so vulnerable to Liv... but when he read her thoughts he realised he had nothing to worry about because she wasn't judging in any way. In a way, Olivia understood how they were feeling, and she was grateful he felt comfortable enough to vent to her, as she worried what would happen if he bottled everything up.

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"D, move the balloons a little to the left." Lizzie ordered, as the Rosza obliged before he reproached Lizzie and Corentin. "Anything else?" The raven haired boy asked. Lizzie seemed momentarily distracted, which Corentin picked up on. "Can you go see where the other werewolves are at with the music equipment? I sent them to grab it fifteen minutes ago." The Claire admitted as Dante nodded he quickly moved along.

Corentin then looked to Lizzie, "You know... for the birthday girl who has been planning the perfect party for weeks, you seem really distracted today." Lizzie glanced at the Claire, realising she couldn't argue because he was right. Her mind was fixed on Hope, and it had been ever since she suddenly remembered of her existence.

The Saltzman kept glancing at her phone, waiting for the tribrid to call her back. "I am distracted Alex, I have so much on my mind when really I should be focused on my party." Lizzie rambled as she typed another message to Hope.

"Why are the balloons mostly pink? Ew." Lucas complained, as himself and Charlie reentered the assembly hall, where the party was being set up. "Relax, there's also purple and black ones coming, they're still being blown up." Lizzie explained before her eyes darted to the two monster cans Charlie was holding. "Are you trying to have a heart attack?" The blonde asked dryly. "They're not both for me." Charlie responded.

The werewolves reentered the assembly hall, all holding different pieces of music equipment. "Stop walking so fast!" Jed complained to Glen, as they were carrying a giant heavy speaker. "Stop walking so slow." The Forde responded, making no change in the speed he was walking. "I'm so glad someone else likes giving Jed shit." Rafael passed them, carrying some other stuff as Jed gave the Waithe side eye, "Fuck you Raf." He replied as it seemed as though the pair were about to argue. "Boys, leave eachother alone." Valerie warned them, as the trio fell quiet instantly.

Lucas approached Lizzie and Corentin to check the list they were working through, only to complain about how long the said list was, although he would also complain if anything on the list was missing so there was no winning there. Charlie instead approached Glen, and offered out one of the Monster cans to him. "Drink?" He asked as Glen smiled in response, "Thank you." He said before taking it.

Charlie took his own Monster, and the boyfriends opened them at the same time and clinked them together before they each drank. "Today is gonna be a long day." The Salvatore admitted once he took a sip. Glen glanced over at the list Lizzie held, as Lucas was still complaining to her. "I believe that." The werewolf replied he spoke quietly to the Salvatore, "Oh and now that you've brought my attention to him... Dante can be kind of annoying."

Charlie snorted in amusement, maybe it was relief really. "He apologised to me earlier." The vampire then said. "But he um... made me realise something I wish he hadn't of." Charlie added as Glen looked intrigued.

"I know it's no excuse but... I kind of just had my heart broken." Dante spoke, though he looked uncomfortable to talk about it. "I... thought the world of somebody who couldn't care less about me." Charlie felt those words more than he cared to admit as he thought about his previous infatuation with Penelope. He replied, "Yeah... heartbreak can cause you to do some crazy things. Just next time... go after somebody who is single?" He suggested before he realised where he had ended up in his heartbroken state.

"We started seeing eachother when we were heartbroken, Glen. We're eachother's rebounds." Charlie spoke quietly and disgustedly. Glen paused to process this, and the silence between them was so loud. "... I hate that for us." The werewolf eventually spoke.

The pair then laughed uncomfortably, before Glen pointed out, "But... rebound fling turned boyfriends? Sounds like an upgrade to me." He said as Charlie took a sip of his drink before he agreed, "Yeah for real though!"

Glen realised he could hear a faint noise. "Everybody step back." He warned, turning to the other wolves. The werewolves, plus Charlie, all moved back a couple metres and for good reason, as Gia suddenly burst into the room at full speed, only stopping once they were halfway across the room. Connected to their wheelchair was a large storage box on wheels which usually held the gymnasium's basketballs... currently it held Ezekiel, Aaron and Casper. To help them move at a speed so great, Aaron had used his magic.

Aaron was in a fit of excited laughs as he climbed out of the box. "Holy shit that was so fun." Ezekiel spoke, as Aaron turned to help him out. "That was absolutely terrifying... I think I got concussed." Casper was the last to speak, as he pulled himself out of the box. "Let's do it again!" Aaron and Ezekiel said in unison as they turned to Gianna, who looked awfully proud of herself. "Hell yeah!! Let's fucking go!" The Forde declared.

"Hell no!" Lizzie snapped, "You four almost knocked over all of the chairs." Corentin pointed out with a frown. "That looked fun as fuck." Dante admitted, as himself and Wylan entered the assembly hall, carrying the last of the music equipment.

"Oh! Lizzie! I had a question." Casper realised, as he approached the Saltzman. "Yes, Cas?" Lizzie asked. "Can I... bring a plus one to your party?" The Olmo asked nervously as Valerie asked innocently, "Ooh, are you going to invite Ethan?" Jed chimed in, "Yeah, your almost-boyfriend, right?"

"He's not my boyfriend." Casper stammered as instantaneously most of the werewolves started having their own input by teasing him. "Your pack is giving me a headache." Lizzie looked to Valerie as the Harlowe then looked at their pack members, "Shut the fuck up, all of you."

"Yeah, go chase a ball or something." Aaron chimed in, as an attempt to piss them all off. Dante laughed, because honestly he found the dog jokes to be funny. "I knew that was coming." Wylan confessed before Rafael got annoyed "You're so fucking funny." He spoke sarcastically.

The Waithe went to approach Aaron but Ezekiel stepped between them. "Let's not, we have more party shit to do." The Lockwood-Mikaelson insisted as Valerie looked to Lizzie as though they were awaiting the next task. "Um...you guys could grab the last of the balloons, they should be done now." Lizzie insisted, seeming distracted by her phone again. With that, Valerie and some of the wolves left.

"The fuck you texting?" Lucas asked, as he attempted to swipe her phone away but the girl locked the screen before he could possibly see a name. "Aphie." Lizzie quickly lied. "Me?" Aphie entered the room just in time to hear her name. "Yep." Lizzie replied, knowing full well Aphrodite hadn't heard any of the prior conversation.

Aphrodite had kept herself busy, and it actually wasn't due to her Lexi dilemma. Though that was still a very big thing she was trying to figure out, currently her attention was on Lizzie. Ever since Lizzie had admitted she was struggling with her mental health, Aphrodite had made it her top priority.

The De Martel first started by researching bipolar disorder. Over the course of her long life, she had met many different individuals that had bipolar, but regardless she wanted to do more research. Next, she knew that outside of the therapy offered in school, Lizzie currently wasn't seeing any psychologists so Aphie looked around the area for any psychologists, particularly ones that understood bipolar more than anything. Now that she had collected all of this information, she wanted to talk to her girlfriend about it.

"Lizzie, do you have a sec?" Aphie hummed as Lizzie answered without thinking, "I have a lot of secs." Corentin bit his lip, trying his hardest to stifle a laugh. "Woah." Charlie spoke up loudly before Lucas chimed in quickly, "No need to brag, Elizabeth." The Salvatore then added, "Also, that's what she said." Lucas laughed, "Fuck I was literally about to say that—"

Lizzie just looked at her brothers blankly as though she was trying to hide her embarrassment, meanwhile Glen couldn't hold back his laugh anymore at the uncomfortable silence which caused Charlie, Aphie, Lucas and Corentin to all laugh as well. "I hate you guys." Lizzie grumbled.

"I didn't say anything." Glen poked as Lizzie sighed, "You're fine." She looked at him before she narrowed her eyes at Charlie and Lucas. "Fuck you both and your weird, annoying ability to bounce off eachother with dumb comments."  Lizzie spoke harshly which only made the pair laugh more, before Charlie, Lucas and Glen walked off.

Lizzie glanced at her girlfriend, "I just gotta finish talking to Alex." She remembered before she turned back to Corentin, "You're the only person I can trust to finish setting up the party. Please don't let anyone else try to be in charge... especially Josie— Whatever you do, don't let her take over music." Lizzie seemed to be speaking quickly, and that was because Hope had finally messaged her back and she wanted to meet up.

"Also make sure Dante doesn't try to use all of the helium to make his voice sound funny... or any of the wolves for that matter, I wouldn't put it past Zeke, Wylan or Gia especially." Lizzie complained. "Okay, are you sure you want me in charge of all of this?" Corentin asked again, as he found it surprising that Lizzie was bailing on her own party set up.

"Yes, if you need help you can call me. Or go to Lucas, he is very particular as well. Don't go to Josie if you can help it, she always takes the people pleasing route and will make changes that random students have asked of her." Lizzie concluded before she went to move to Aphie, but noticed Casper still loitering.

"You can invite Ethan." Lizzie approached him, as the Olmo spun around. "Actually, feel free to invite Maya, Finch and any of those guys... just don't invite any assholes." She ordered. Casper nodded quickly, "Thank you Lizzie." He replied.

Lizzie then approached Aphrodite, "I need to go into town, come with me?" She asked as Aphrodite seemed surprised, "Yeah sure. What are you in such a hurry for?" She asked, as the pair were basically out of the door.

"It's going to sound crazy... and I don't want you to think I'm crazier than I already am—" Aphie cut the blonde off, "You're not crazy!" She assured her. "I wish I could argue that but... I started to remember somebody that everyone else in the entire world has forgotten." Lizzie blurted out as Aphrodite was definitely not expecting that.

"And we're going to talk to her." Lizzie added, as they continued to walk. "Wait... there's something I really wanted to talk to you about as well." Aphrodite responded, as she was trying to keep up with the siphoner. "Can you and your long ass legs slow it down a little, I don't exactly want to use my superspeed."

Lizzie realised she was indeed walking very quickly and decided to slow down, before she opened up about remembering Hope, before she briefly explained who the tribrid was. Once Aphie asked a bunch of questions, she then opened up about the research she'd been doing and how she wanted to help Lizzie.

"Wait... you did all of that for me?" Lizzie asked, seeming touched. "Yes??" Aphrodite answered as though it was obvious. "I love you, and hearing you cry and call yourself shattered... it broke my heart. And it also makes me wanna fight anybody who made you ever think such a thing." The redhead insisted as Lizzie smiled weakly before she reached out to take Aphrodite's hand, "I appreciate you so much, Aphrodite." She insisted.

"And I think you could be onto something... maybe I do need to see a psychologist better suited for me." Lizzie trailed off, though she looked over Aphie's shoulder as her eyes landed on Hope. "But for now, I need to confront a bitch."

With that, Lizzie started rushing towards Hope, as Aphrodite moved to keep up, her hand still in the Saltzman's. "Hope Andrea Mikealson!" Lizzie called to the auburn haired girl.

Hope spun around, her eyes landing on Lizzie and Aphrodite, as the Saltzman's eyes showed signs of recognition. "Oh my god... it's true?" The Mikealson blurted out. "It's official, I remember everything. I wouldn't have messaged you otherwise, duh." Lizzie sassed before she added, "When I woke up from that spell Clary blasted me with, you popped into my messed up brain like an acid flashback."

Aphie wanted to make a comment and remind Lizzie that she didn't have a messed up brain, but Hope moved forward and quickly spoke up, "How??" The tribrid then looked to Aphrodite. "Aphie doesn't remember me... only you." She realised as Aphrodite offered a sad smile, "Unfortunately I have no idea who you are." She confessed.

Hope looked back to Lizzie, "You are literally the only person on this planet who knows that I exist." She admitted before she moved forward to hug Lizzie, as the blonde hugged back, realising just how relieved the auburn haired girl was that somebody from her old life knew who she was.

"Do you realise how weird things have been without you? Niko and Ezekiel have been like eye fucking eachother? Honestly I fear what would happen if they got eachother alone. And Victoria disappeared and has been ghosting the school... my triplet has been grumpy about it and quite honestly I'm sick of hearing his complaining." Lizzie began to ramble once she'd pulled away from Hope. "Meanwhile you have just been pretending that you didn't disappear from our lives?" The witch continued, as Hope didn't seem to know what to say.

"Lizzie, give her space." Aphrodite suggested, as she noticed how Hope looked suddenly uncomfortable as the Saltzman unloaded onto her so suddenly. "Sorry." Lizzie quickly took a step back, as she looked back to Hope, who took a moment to just process everything.

"It's more complicated than you think." Hope insisted, as Aphrodite took a step towards the Mikealson, "Are you okay?" She asked softly, catching the tribrid's eye. Even though the redhead forgot they'd ever been friends, she still showed some form of care for her. Hope swallowed thickly before she confessed, "I don't think so."

Aphie nodded, "Why don't we sit down somewhere more comfortable, and maybe we can talk." She suggested, hoping in some form that they could help the Mikealson. Hope nodded reluctantly, "Okay."

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While Myrical got her eyes tested, Bellamy and Veronica waited outside the front, passing Veronica's basketball back and forth. "So... do you still have a crush on Myrical?" Bellamy asked curiously, as she caught the ball before passing it back.

"I... do but at the same time I think I'm kind of... interested in somebody else." Veronica admitted as she caught the ball. "But you're poly... so you can have more than one crush??" The brunette questioned. "Yeah I can... but I also think Riri might be interested in somebody else... and I'm not sure she is poly so." Veronica responded.

And that much was true, Cleo had definitely caught Myrical's eye. They didn't hang out a lot, because truthfully Myrical had never felt such nerves that she felt when she was around the Sowande, and it scared her too much... but when they did hang out, it was obvious to most how much the werewitch was interested in Cleo.

"Enough about my love life... didn't you ask a girl for her number?" The heretic asked as Bellamy paused, "I did. I haven't texted her though." She admitted as Veronica blinked in surprise, "What? Why not?" She asked. "Because... it was a stupid idea I had when I was drunk." Bellamy huffed.

"How? You were eyeing her off like the whole night?" Veronica pointed out as Bellamy opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out. She paused before she admitted, "I... I don't even know if I like girls, V." The Mikaelson-Lockwood confessed.

And there lied the real reason Bellamy hadn't texted Finch... she was having a sexuality crisis. The werewitch hated being so unsure about herself, especially when those around her seemed to have figured it out.

Out of the Mikaelson cousins, Veronica had been the first to come out, as lesbian... she had always known, but it wasn't until she was adopted by Freya and Keelin and knew she was in a safe environment, that she felt comfortable enough to come out.

Then Hope and Tori both came out as bisexual, and yes... at the same time. Hope was the first person Tori opened up to about realising she liked girls and guys, and Hope was basically like "no way me too.", so they decided to come out at the same time, to Hayley.

Ezekiel was next, having taken a bit longer to figure his sexuality out because at first he thought he was bisexual. After talking to Hope and Tori about it he realised he actually didn't relate at all, which made him later realise he was pansexual.

And then there was Bellamy, who really had no idea. She hadn't dated before, and hadn't really had many notable crushes... she acted as though it didn't bother her, but it definitely did.

Myrical suddenly poked her head outside, her eyes landing on Veronica and Bellamy. "So..." The ravenette began, catching the Mikealson cousin's attention. "It turns out I do need glasses." Myrical admitted awkwardly as Bellamy narrowed her eyes as the Benning, "I told you so."

"Can you guys help me pick some frames please?" Myrical asked as Veronica's expression softened, "Sure." She answered before the trio headed into the optometrist, once Bellamy handed the basketball back to the heretic.

"There aren't a lot of colour choices." Myrical admitted, as she noticed the main colours seemed to be black, maroon or dark purple. "Hmm.. how about these ones?" Bellamy suggested, as she took a pair of black cat eyed frames off of the shelf and moved to put them on Myrical, as the werewitch stayed still.

Veronica then moved into view before she narrowed her eyes at Bellamy, "Bell, I think you chose the ugliest pair." She retorted as Bellamy snorted in amusement, "They're cute! They just don't suit Myrical's face shape." Bellamy realised as she took them gently off of the Benning and placed them back on the shelf.

"Could go for some aviators, they would be cool." Veronica half joked, which caused Myrical to laugh a little. "Definitely not." The ravenette decided, as she kept looking around, and tried on a few different frames before placing them back.

"What about these ones?" Bellamy suggested, taking a pair of black glasses which looked more square. Myrical gently took them and tried them on, before she glanced in the mirror. "Wait... I actually really like these ones." She decided. "Thanks Bell."

"You're so welcome." Bellamy offered a smile, as Myrical turned to walk over to the counter. Veronica followed, as though to listen in and stand up for Riri in case the salewoman tried to steer the Benning in another direction with her decision. Bellamy looked between the pair before she thought to herself, "God... be more obvious V."

Once the purchase was made, the trio left and started walking back to the Salvatore school. "Thank you guys for coming with me today." Myrical spoke up, as she walked inbetween the Mikaelson cousins.

"It's no problem." Veronica insisted, as she threw her basketball up in the air and caught it as they walked. "Yeah it was nothing... we're your hybrid bodyguards." The brunette joked, though when she didn't see Myrical laugh or even smile, she realised she may have been right.

"I was joking but um... do you actually need protection from anybody?" Bellamy asked, seemingly concerned. Myrical exhaled a breath she hadn't realised she was holding. "Kind of... it's probably me being paranoid." The Benning admitted.

Veronica and Bellamy both glanced at Myrical with concerned expressions. "I'm scared of running into my Dad." The werewitch admitted. "I understand... you don't have to talk about it if you aren't comfortable." Veronica assured her, as she offered the Benning a weak smile.

Myrical shrugged, "It's... okay, I feel comfortable enough to tell you guys." She realised. "I had a terrible childhood with my Dad..." Myrical began. "I ran away from home when I was twelve and I've never seen him since... but even now, when I probably live hours away... I'm so terrified of running into him someday." She continued to explain, as it was clear this was hard for her to speak about.

Anybody knew that if Myrical were ever to come face to face with her father, she could easily solo him without a doubt. But the thing was, if Myrical and Derrick ever saw eachother again, Riri wasn't sure if she would react, no matter how much he deserved it. The werewitch worried she would freeze up again, at the sight of the man her caused her so much pain.

"If he ever comes near you, I won't hesitate to fight a bitch." Veronica insisted as Bellamy nodded, "I will hex that motherfucker." She added almost eagerly as Myrical couldn't help but to laugh nervously, as she felt relieved that the two girls she'd become closer to, had her back.

"No shit, Bell and I will give him what he deserves. You don't have to worry Riri." Veronica offered a smile as Myrical felt grateful for the Mikaelson duo.

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"Beau." Eden tapped the Lazuli on the shoulder, as he'd been too busy basically drooling over Sebastian in the hallway. The pair were waving and making faces at one another from afar.

Eden frowned before she pretended to slip, which instantly caught Beau's attention. "Are you good boo?" He questioned as Eden tried to hide an amused smile, "I just slipped on your drool, it's all over the god damn floor." She teased as Beau rolled his eyes playfully.

"When are you going to ask him out?" Eden asked as Beau paused, as he couldn't seem to answer. "Soon, I swear." The Lazuli decided. "Anyway, what's up?" He questioned, trying to change the topic. Eden thought that was strange, as usually the siphon loved to talk about his romantic life.

"I um... just came ask for your help. I have nothing to wear tonight and I don't know what to do about it." Eden admitted as Beau glanced at the Windlow, realising she could probably fit into Tori's clothes. "I have an idea." Beau replied.

Moments later the childhood friends were in Tori and Hope's dorm, as Beau happily raided the younger Mikealson's closet. "Are you sure Victoria won't mind?" Eden asked as Beau shook his head.

The Lazuli was surprised by how many dark items of clothes were in her wardrobe. "Whose fucking clothes is all of this? I know damn well it ain't hers." Beau insisted as he moved the coat hangers along, moving at least six or seven jackets that belonged to Glen, before reaching a lot of clothing items that belonged to Hope, but since nobody knew of her he assumed it may have been Clary's or someone else's.

"Oh my god... I have been looking for this!" Beau complained, as he pulled out a coathanger that had one of his cropped tops. Eden eyed it before she looked at the Lazuli curiously, "I didn't pick you as a guy that would wear crop tops." She admitted.

"I think more guys should wear crop tops... I want more abs on display, it's honestly not a lot to ask for." Beau aired his opinion as Eden couldn't argue that... actually she completely agreed. "I wish the werewolves would wear crop tops... or better yet just go shirtless. They're always training together... they must look so defined." Beau spoke dreamily as Eden couldn't help but to laugh.

Truthfully, Beau had tried to subtly ask Jed on multiple occasions to take off his shirt, but Valerie once overheard and threatened to dropkick the Lazuli. Beaumont honestly wouldn't put it past them to do it either.

Beau reached the section of Tori's closet dedicated to her custom made pieces. "Okay, some of these might be more your style. You gotta make sure to look after them though, I'm pretty sure Tori made these herself."

Eden looked through some of the items of clothing, "Woah... these are incredible." The Winslow confessed, as she took some coat hangers out of the wardrobe. "I'll make sure to look after these as though my life depends on it." She decided before she walked over to the Mikealson's full length mirror and held up the pieces of clothing against her body, wondering whether she would suit them.

Meanwhile, Beau opened Tori's contact on his phone and started sending a voice message, "Tori you trick ass bitch, if you don't come to Luca's party tonight I'm gonna throw hands." He huffed as Eden snorted in amusement. "But also please at least message one of us back, we love and miss you."

Little did he know, Tori was playing the voice message aloud while she was at Auclair academy, as she was getting ready for Lucas' party. The blonde laughed slightly as his words, though her face fell when she heard the end, as she felt guilty.

There was a knock heard at the door. "Come in." Tori insisted, as Ezra entered the room. "Hey Ez." The blonde smiled as Ezra smiled back, "Hey, you look nice."

"Thanks." Tori replied before she turned back to the mirror and applied lip gloss. "You seem a little... tense." The Zhang pointed out. "I am actually so nervous that I could throw up." Tori admitted, before she inhaled and exhaled as an attempt to calm her nerves.... and nausea.

"Vampires rarely feel nauseous." Ezra pointed out. "I know... I'm kind of letting anxiety take the wheel. I'm... scared everything between myself and the people I love might change." Tori admitted as Ezra's expression softened, "And why would that happen?" He asked. "Because... I've changed." Victoria replied, as she felt silly even talking about it.

Tori had mentioned her time without humanity to Ezra, but due to his loyalty to Faith she decided not to speak in a lot of detail about it. Ezra was very understanding, having known what she went through... but not only that, he had a period of time in his life where he was without humanity so he could relate.

"You better not be getting cold feet little bird. We need that moonstone." Faith hummed, as she entered the dorm. "I'm not getting cold feet... I don't think so at least." Tori insisted. "Good. You look pretty by the way." Faith then offered as Tori seemed surprised to be receiving a compliment from the older Mikealson. "Thanks."

Tori glanced at the shared vanity she had with Amelia, as her eyes wandered to the polaroid pictures she'd stuck to the glass of the mirror. While Amelia had collected hers before they moved schools, Tori had ignored hers. To be honest, the hybrid was surprised she'd even kept them on their vanity after turning off her humanity.

The first one her eyes landed on, was a polaroid of her and Glen that Aphrodite had snapped. The Auclair students had been on a bus for a school trip, and both Glen and Tori had fallen asleep while the hybrid had leant her head on Glen's shoulder (well... she at least attempted to, with their height difference). Basically right after Aphie snapped the photo, the bus hit a bump in the road and Tori's head fell into the Forde's lap, which woke both of them up.

The second polaroid was of Tori with Liv, Aphie and Myrical. The four had decided to have a slumber party and Olivia wanted to make smores. In the photo, Myrical was staring at the freshly made smores with heart eyes basically, as she'd never made them before, while Liv and Aphie were trying to stifle laughs while Tori snapped the picture.

The last polaroid was of herself with Amelia, at Rousseau's. They'd found a picture of Cami and Davina together on the wall, and they tried to recreate it with the original picture in view. Hope had taken the picture for them, before they all got kicked out of the bar for being underage.

All of these relationships were ones she hoped to eventually fix. She knew deep down they'd never be the same, but she missed having each of them in her life.

The hybrid glanced at her phone to check the time, before her eyes were fixed on her lockscreen of herself and Clary. For now, she knew she needed to be there for her current circle, who she'd unintentionally ghosted due to anxiety. She couldn't lose everybody, again.

"Okay." Tori got to her feet, "I need to leave before I talk myself out of it." She decided before she offered Faith and Ezra a smile, "Don't you guys have too much fun without me." She teased as Ezra offered her a smile back, "Okay but you better have fun." He insisted before Faith added, "And don't forget the plan."

"I haven't." Tori insisted before she went to leave, she passed Salem as the pair shared a glare with one another before Salem approached Faith and Ezra, who were leaving Tori's dorm. "We should do something tonight." Salem insisted as Faith and Ezra shared a look before Faith shrugged, "We could... we do have some time to kill while Tori retrieves the stone." She admitted.

"What did you have in mind?" Ezra asked curiously as Salem turned her phone around to show the pair a digital flyer, for an event at the Grill. "Karaoke at the Grill, what do you say?"

Ezra was the first to nod, "That sounds like a lot of fun actually." He admitted before Faith and Salem locked eyes. "You know what... what the hell. Let's have a night off, together." She decided before she turned to look to Ezra also.

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AUTHORS NOTE

I'm not gonna lie everytime I reread Niko's line "I thought I was better" I MAYBE TEARED UP 🥲

I have a question for everyone whether you are cast or reader: What are some character interactions you would like to see and/or like to see more of?

Honestly, answer with as many character duos as you like (platonic or romantic idm). Sometimes I do struggle to choose what characters to write for certain scenes, especially now that the cast is large, so I'm hoping this helps me 😭