After she had finished soaking in the water - when the water became too cold and uncomfortable to stay in - she had dried herself off, wrapped in a fluffy white robe, and stepped out into the bedroom. Derek was still there, sitting on the edge of the bed with his hands clamped together. Those green eyes, nestled under dark lashes, were filled with a deep worry she'd only ever seen in her family's eyes. They darted up to land on her.

Hope trembled under her robe. She knew this wouldn't be easy, but it had to be done. So she crossed the space between them, unafraid of the possible consequences, and pressed a soft kiss against his lips.

"You stayed," she'd said, stroking her fingers lightly under his jaw. His raspy response followed.

"I needed to know you're okay..." his hands rested against her waist. No matter how cushioned the robe was, she could feel his heat seeping through. It filled her with an energy she couldn't quite place. She was still exhausted, but that faint glimmer of a flame in her chest grew a little brighter under his touch.

That night, they had nestled in her bed. Hope, wrapped in Derek's warm embrace with her head against his shoulder, let herself feel his cocoon of safety. Then, despite how her body ached and begged for rest, she talked.

She told him about leaving New Orleans to find her own life of adventure, feeling her instincts drawing her to Beacon Hills. First, running into the hunters at the diner, then being located at the motel. How when she'd arrived, she was so terrified of seeing that green truck that she decided to put an end to those fears.

She told him who she was. The tribrid.

A Mikaelson.

Maybe it was a mistake to confide in him with such vital information. There was a chance she could regret everything about this moment, but for now, it was something she could cherish. For the first time in her life, she didn't feel she was talking at someone while their mind was elsewhere. Instead, Hope was talking to Derek. And he was listening.

Throughout her quiet ramblings, he asked an occasional question but never passed judgment. As he did this, he rubbed her aching muscles. It was like he somehow knew where she was feeling the most tension. His slow and gentle, calloused fingers massaged the powers of the back of her thighs while listening to her talk. Until she couldn't talk anymore.

She remembered he leaned down, his lips pressed against her ear as he whispered soft and soothingly something that she would cherish forever.

"I'll never stand in your way, Hope, but I will always stand beside you. You are free to face your demons alone, and you are free to ask for my help," he'd stroked his thumb across her cheekbone in a soft caress, "You are your own alpha." He smiled softly and pressed a kiss to her forehead.

His body's warmth and words lulled Hope into the best sleep she'd had in weeks.