𝐁𝐈𝐑𝐓𝐇𝐃𝐀𝐘
the little things? the little moments? — they aren't little

ANOTHER TWO WEEKS went by fast. and even though Hope had come to terms with the fact she can't go home, she was still sad because it's her seventeenth birthday and she can't celebrate with her friends and family.

"Klaus, our baby girl is seventeen," Hayley clapped and smiled widely, excited to watch her daughter grow up. Yes, it's different than she wanted, but she still gets to watch her daughter grow and learn and love.

"I wish we were with her," Klaus whispered, pursing his lips, hating that he doesn't actually get to enjoy all of it with his daughter.

"Me too." Hayley nodded and leaned her head on his shoulder.

Elijah eyed Hayley's head on Klaus' shoulder before inhaling through his nose. He simply ignored Freya who patted him on the shoulder.

Sighing loudly, she glanced down at her locket and picked up with delicate fingers. It was a necklace that Rebekah had given her when she was just a child. It meant everything to her because it had the Mikaelson crest on it.

Rebekah smiled through her tears, "I'm so happy she kept it."

And, as if sensing her sadness, Scott and Stiles burst through her bedroom door with a cake they made, singing terribly to happy birthday.

"Happy birthday to you, Hope Mikaelson!" They shouted in sync, and Stiles even did jazz hands. "You're finally seventeen!"

Caroline giggled and covered her face. "They're so cute!"

"They're the best for her," Freya commented with a smile as wide as it can be. "I hate to say this, guys, but I think she belongs in that universe."

"That's malarkey!" Klaus roared, "she belongs with us, her parents!" He gestured between himself and Hayley.

"But you're dead..." Freya started slowly. "And that's might not change once we get out of here. And if that is true, and you're still dead when we're done here, wouldn't you want your daughter happy? Even if it's without you?"

Klaus opened and closed his mouth before sitting down in his seat heavily, frowning deeply.

Katherine, who was still in a corner cowering, was thinking back to what Freya had said. If the time outside of this room is still the same, meaning their memories of this place will be gone, then her plan will go to shit. She shook her head, cleared her throat, stood up, and strutted to her seat. Everything will work out, she has to believe that. She's Katherine Pierce after all.

Hope looked between them, her eyebrows raised and trying to not smile. But, once she saw the cake which was bright pink with a terrible font spelling out 'happy birthday Hope', she snorted, and her smile grew huge. It began to hurt her cheeks from how big and genuine the smile was.

Klaus couldn't help but smile at the scene. Even though he doesn't want her involved with any boys or girls, these two boys are clearly important to his daughter and they make her happy. That's all he can wish for.

"You guys didn't have to do this," she told them as she slid off of her bed. She wasn't even dressed properly for this kind of thing. She was wearing white cotton shorts and a black tank top.

Stiles bounced over to the girl, ignoring her outfit even though it was really hard for him to, and then wrapped his arm around her shoulders. "Come on, Hope. It's not everyday you get to celebrate your birthday in another universe with amazing people like us. More specifically me because I put a lot of hard work into that cake." He pointed to the pink mess and then grimaced as he realized it looked terrible.

Caroline giggled, "he was trying so hard to be a gentleman." She then nudged Damon harshly in the side. "See, that's a real man."

Damon rolled his eyes, "he's a teenager. A boy. A prepubescent boy, Caroline."

Elena laughed loudly. "I would totally love a boy like Stiles."

Damon turned to her with an offended glare. "What?"

Bonnie snorted. "Oh, come on. Anyone with eyes and a heart would love to have a Stiles."

Caroline, Rebekah, Lizzie, Josie, and even MG nodded in agreement with her words.

Damon pursed his lips before tilting his head side to side. "You know what? I agree."

Elena snorted and reached up to kiss him on the cheek. "You're adorable when you're jealous." He smiled and leaned further into her, holding her face delicately.

Caroline watched them with a small smile, beginning to actually like Damon a little while they stay in this theatre room.

Hope looked over at him, her eyes sparkling as the light poured into her room from the windows. "I really appreciate it, Stiles. I just didn't think you guys remembered me telling you about my birthday."

"The lighting makes her eyes look so blue it's unreal," Caroline gushed.

Scott sat down the cake on the dresser and walked over to her before pulling her into a hug. "Of course we remember. And seeing as you can't go back home to celebrate, we decided to take it into our own hands. So... happy birthday."

"He's such a brother to her," Bonnie smiled. "I wish I had a brother."

Tears began to shine in her eyes as she faced back of them. At this moment, she knew for certain that Scott and Stiles were the two most important people in her new life shes going to have to make. They were who she could rely on no matter what, and that they will always have her back. "Thank you," she whispered, and that's when the tears began to fall.

The Super Squad frowned at that. It's like she's replacing them.

"Don't cry," Stiles said softly before glancing at Scott. They both nodded and pulled her into a group hug. "We're here for you, Hope. Okay? And if you don't want to celebrate, then we won't. Just tell us."

She looked at them through her blurry eyes, and smiled. "I really needed this." She pulled away from them and wiped away her tears. "Alright. Take the cake downstairs and let me get dressed so we can celebrate the right way."

Stiles clapped excitedly and did a little dance while Scott smiled and grabbed the cake. "Yes!" The Stilinski shouted as they left her room, closing the door as they did so.

Hope chuckled fondly at them before grabbing her necklace again. She caressed it softly with her thumb, her big smile getting smaller. "I miss you, mom and dad. But, I'm going to try and move on like the Necromancer said I should. And maybe... you'll both be happy and not have to worry about me anymore."

"Necromancer?!" Kol sputtered. "What?!"

Lizzie tilted her head back at him, "yeah, he resurrected our dead bio mom. It was a whole thing."

"He did some mind thing on Hope and that was the first time I had ever seen her cry," MG told them, frowning as he remembered that day.

"He hurt my daughter?!" Klaus roared, his hybrid eyes on display.

"Don't worry, he's not in any position to harm her," MG reassured the angry hybrid.

Klaus nodded at him. "Good. Very good."

With that being said, she walked over to her closest which was filled with a little more clothes now that Lydia made her go shopping a few days ago.

Even though they had that little make-out session two weeks ago, neither have talked about it again. It was a spur of the moment decision, and they both knew they worked better as friends anyway. If something were to grow between them in the future, then they'll talk about it, but for right now neither have romantic feelings for one another nor do they want a relationship.

"Aw man," Rebekah pouted. "I thought they were cute together."

"Yes they were, but—" Caroline stood up, "Stiles and Hope are cuter!"

Rebekah tilted her head back and forth before nodding, "you're right."

"No girls or boys," Klaus reminded them with a scowl. "Not until I see how they hold under torture."

Caroline shook her head at him. "Men," she uttered in disgust.

Hope reached up and grabbed a red, white and light pink stripped long shirt which was cropped, light-washed high-waisted skinny jeans, and then decided to go simple with a pair of white vans.

Once she got into the outfit, she walked over to her vanity, brushed her hair which was straight, then applied a light layer of makeup which consisted of shiny lipgloss, eyeliner, mascara, and some light pink eyeshadow.

"God, she's so gorgeous!" Bonnie sighed dreamily as she slouched in her seat.

"It's the Mikaelson genes, darling," Kol smirked, kissing his wife when she agreed.

Sighing at her reflection, she stood up and walked out of her room, and down the stairs.

Once she stepped off of the stairs, she noticed a karaoke stand in the living room, flowers placed everywhere, even a banner that's said 'Happy Birthday Hoe' which made her laugh out loud. It was suppose to say 'Hope' but whoever made it, forgot the 'p'.

"This is iconic," Lizzie snorted. "I now have a good idea for a decoration for her next birthday."

MG frowned in thought, "I feel like we have never celebrated her birthday."

"That's because she would isolate herself even more when it came to that time," Lizzie stated like it was a known fact. Her blue eyes widened when everyone turned to her with raised brows. "What?"

"And how do you know that?" Josie asked slowly.

The blonde realized that it was because she always kept a close eye on the tribrid all the time. If it wasn't her, it was one of her 'minions' that kept an eye on Hope. "Umm.... Next scene!" She shouted in a hurry which left people laughing at her. Sadly, she's used to people laughing at her.

"I know," Stiles spoke up as he rubbed the back of his neck. "The girl on the phone must've thought I said that instead of Hope. Sorry."

Hope bit her lip from snorting again. "It's fine, Stiles." She then gestured to the karaoke stand. "Do you even know how to sing?"

Stiles rose an eyebrow. "This isn't for me. Though, I am totally going to take it home with me afterwards. It's for you."

Hope began to shake her head. "No, no, no. I don't sing."

Kaleb smacked his lips together. "Yeah... I don't think I've ever heard her sing."

Hayley smiled fondly, "she always used to sing when she was younger. She stopped after..." she trailed off and the Originals understood immediately what she was referring to.

Scott smiled as he watched them began to argue about who was going to sing. Eventually, they began to laugh at themselves.

Caroline grinned, "he sooo ships them."

"Fine. Only one song though," Hope finally gave in. "But, you'll have to sing, too." She smirked as she turned her head to stare at Scott. "Both of you." As he opened his mouth about to protest, she pointed at him with narrowed eyes. "It's my birthday so that means I can demand anything and you'll have to give it to me."

"She could do that on a regular day and anyone would listen to her," Elena commented, "or at least I would."

"Same," Caroline nodded, leaning forward, practically falling for Hope's smily face.

Scott sighed and nodded with a small smile. "Fine. But let's eat first."

That's when Hope noticed the table full of snacks. There was like five different kinds of chips, soda's, dips, tons of different candy's, and then there was the pink cake.

"And then you can open your presents!" Stiles exclaimed excitedly, pointing to the wrapped presents on the table. "Allison had one sent here yesterday."

Hope smiled and then asked, "What about Lydia?"

Scott shrugged. "I texted her and told her to be here soon. I'm guessing she's getting hold up on something."

Hope slowly nodded and then walked over to the table full of food. "I really appreciate this guys. I have never really celebrated my birthday like this before."

Stiles frowned at that. "I am so sorry you never had a happy life, Hope. But, you're here now and we're going to make sure you're happy."

"He's so considerate," Caroline gushed and then sighed loudly, "when can I find a love like that?!"

The girl in question began to tear up again, but she pursed her lips tightly, and breathed in deeply. "So... should we dig in?"

"Yes!" Both boys shouted before they literally began to dig into the food.

Hope stood there and watched them for a minute, her smile growing the longer she did so. Maybe she could be happy here, with them, and find herself. Before, she could barely even get half a day without something bad happening at the school. At least now, she's able to relax, make friends, move on from all the tragic things that have happened in her life. Just maybe, she'll finally find happiness.

The Super Squad frowned at that. She wasn't happy with them in their universe?

Just then, the front door opened and in came the strawberry blonde, huffing loudly, and smoothing down her hair. In her right hand was two bags.

"I am so sorry I am late!" She exclaimed as she walked into the kitchen. She paused upon seeing the boys with food around their mouths, and then looked up at the banister with horrified eyes. "What kind of party is this?"

Hope smiled over at her friend. "Nice to see you too, Lyds." She then gestured to the banister. "I actually kind of like it. I honestly can't wait until Melissa gets here and sees it."

That is what made Scott stand up straight and look at Stiles' eyes. "Oh, my god! I totally forgot my mom will be here soon!" He looked up at the banister with fearful eyes. "Crap, I am so going to die!"

"He's so dead," Bonnie snickered, leaning up against Elena who was giggling into her hand.

Both girls looked to one another before giggling loudly. Lydia stumbled forward due to her laughter and leaned up against the tribrid who was turning red in the face from laughing so much.

Stiles looked between them and noticed how close they were pressed up against each other, and felt a tightness in his chest. He shook it off and then gestured to Lydia's bags. "What's in those?"

"Oooh, someone's jealous," Rebekah sung lightly, grinning.

"This is where a love triangle is usually formed," Damon commented, glancing down at Elena before turning slightly to his brother. "Right, brother?"

Stefan narrowed his eyes at Damon's arm around Elena's shoulder. "I hope she has better taste than Elena has."

"Oooh," Kol held his mouth as he chuckled.

Elena chewed on the inside of her mouth, feeling her chest tighten. It seems that whenever she is having fun or becoming her old self, Stefan is there to crush her and her feelings under his boots. And after everything, she feels like she deserves to be happy and loved. And that's why she said, "shut up, Stefan."

The whole room went silent after that.

"Someone hand me popcorn real quick," Rebekah snapped her fingers, and suddenly a large popcorn bucket appeared in her hands.

"I am tired of you treating me like I'm some sort of toy that needs to be won," Elena said harshly, standing up out of her seat so she could look at him more clearly. "I hurt you, and I'm sorry. But, we were already broken up when I moved onto Damon. Damon who has always been on my side, no matter how many times I declined his advances. You always tried to control me and my thoughts and actions, and I'm so tired of it! I am sorry for breaking your heart. But, I am not sorry that the one person I fell for whole heartedly, was your brother. I love Damon, I love him so much and you're just going to have to get over that." She huffed and sat back down.

"Yes! Tell him!" Lizzie clapped loudly, even going to the extent of whistling. "Let no man treat you like garbage!"

Stefan held back tears, clenching his teeth so hard he's surprised he didn't break them.

The girls sobered up before Lydia grinned. She walked over to the kitchen island and placed the bags on top of it. "Okay. So... I might've gone overboard but you really need more outfit choices."

Hope sighed and walked over to the strawberry blonde. "How much did you spend?"

Lydia shrugged. "It's your birthday and you deserve it." She swiveled around and clapped her hands. "So, who's ready to party?"

They spent the next four hours laughing so hard that none of them could breathe, dancing, singing obnoxiously loud — though Lydia was very good at it, ate all the food they could, and bonded more than they thought they could.

Lydia had complained about the cake, but once she saw the smile Hope sent Stiles once the boy sheepishly chuckled, she decided to not say anything else mean. So, she spent the night being herself and making friends with people that she never thought she would ever be friends with.

"Even Lydia can see their growing feelings," Kaleb commented.

Once the night hit hour number five, that when Melissa McCall came home with a thing of cupcakes. She had paused once she walked into her house, and it was because Hope and Stiles was singing to a song, and Scott and Lydia was cheering them on.

She was still smiling as she looked around at the mess they made, but once her eyes landed on the banister, she gaped, and dropped her keys on the little table by the door.

Elena, Bonnie, Caroline, Lizzie, and Josie were trying their hardest to hold in their laughs at the scene.

Suddenly, it got eerily quiet, and then they were all giggling and laughing. That was a sign of having too much sugar, and Melissa couldn't even be mad at them. They were having a good time and bonding, that's all she could ask for seeing as Hope needed to get used to being there.

"I got cupcakes!" She called out loudly and sat them down on the table, and stepped back with a smile as the four teenagers bounded into the kitchen, and began to pick out what color cupcake they wanted.

"Thank you," Hope said with a small smile as Stiles handed her a purple cupcake. "How'd you know I wanted this one?"

He grinned sheepishly, his cheeks turning pink. "You told me your favorite color was purple, remember?"

Landon frowned with furrowed brows. "I didn't know that was her favorite color," he mumbled to himself.

The birthday girl couldn't help but smile brightly at the boy. He was the first person to remember what she liked and didn't like. Landon never remembered — actually, he never asked.

Everyone shot the curly haired boy looks of disbelief and annoyance.

"You never asked her what her favorite color was?!" Caroline shouted as if Landon had killed a whole village of people.

Landon sunk down in his seat, shrugging sheepishly. "It never came up."

Elena stared at him, mouth opening and closing.

"Elena's favorite color is between blue and purple, and she never even had to tell me," Damon commented, smiling when Elena stared up at him brightly. "Blue is when she's feeling the most happiest. Purple is the days where she is struggling."

Caroline rose a brow at that. "Damn.... none of my exes ever remembered my favorite colors, let alone remembered the outfits I wore." Yeah, Damon is definitely getting on her good side now. The favorite color thing might seem silly to most, but if you can remember that simple thing, it means you care. And that's pretty much Damon's whole personality; caring about and being in love with Elena Gilbert.

Melissa shook her head softly and walked over to the auburn haired girl. "Happy birthday, Hope."

Hope beamed up at the older woman. "Thanks. How was your day?"

Melissa smiled softly at her. "It was good, thank you for asking." She then gestured to everything. "I guess you had a very fun day, too."

Hope brightened up even more and nodded her head. "Yeah. Stiles and Scott basically forced me out of my room. It was a good decision, though. This is the best birthday I have had in a long time."

The older woman pulled her into a side hug and placed a kiss on her forehead. "I am glad you're liking it here."

And with that, the party went on, and by midnight, no one could sleep because they all had a sugar high.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓'𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒆

— who should caroline end up with ?? bc im obviously going the klayley route. and while i love bonenzo, i also love carenzo. but, i also kind of want bonnie with a girl bc BISEXUAL BONNIE IS CANON IDC WHAT ANYONE ELSE SAYS !

— i already have everyone from teen wolf and the super squad panned out, but im not going to tell you who they're paired with bc im evil like that (hehehe). those who have read the she wolf & venom books, don't spoil it lol

— and while it seems like there is a lot of delena anti's in this book, they are endgame ! i love them both to death. also, yes, i love hizzie as well so there will be lots of hizzie crumbs throughout this whole book <3

— are you guys enjoying this reaction fic so far ?? what are your favorite parts and what are you most looking forward to ??