Hope stared at the fireplace, absentmindedly picking at the dirt caked onto her arms and dress. She didn’t look up until she heard a floorboard creak next to her. 

“Rough night?” Rafael asked, eyeing the mess.

“Oh, uh …” Hope laughed. “I think I had about as much fun as I would’ve had at the party.”

Rafael smiled and shrugged. Hope Mikaelson of all people would love running through the woods more than a dance.

“What about you?” Hope raised her eyebrows. “Your date out in the woods instead of between your sheets doesn’t seem like a good sign.”

Rafael involuntarily laughed, having to sit down and cover his face until he could speak again. “She sort of ditched me halfway through the party.”

Hope’s face fell into something like sympathy - or maybe pity. “I would say I’m sorry, but I’d be lying,” she said. Honestly, something in her was relieved Rafael and Lizzie hadn’t worked out - or maybe even happy. 

Rafael laughed again, shoulders shaking as he pulled himself to his feet. He stuck out a hand that Hope stared at.

“What’s this?” she asked without moving.

“A hand. You hold it.”

Hope smiled and narrowed her eyes suspiciously as she slowly took it and let Rafael tug her to her feet.

“We can’t dance,” Hope argued as he led her to the middle of the room. “There’s no music.”

“We don’t need music.” Rafael put one hand on her hip and held hers with the other. His back was turned to the hallway where a certain blonde had slowly crept towards them. “I promise you.”

Hope laughed and put her free hand on his shoulders, shaking her head and dropping her eyes to watch her feet. If she’d looked up and a little to the right, she would’ve seen Lizzie’s heartbroken face peering out from the dim hallway, but as it was, Hope was too busy watching Rafael to notice the tears in Lizzie’s eyes.