Work Text:
“Can you give us a minute?” Lizzie whispers to Alaric, still staring at Hope, she can see tears in Hope’s eyes threatening to fall, the heartbreak clear in how her body is already beginning to shake, barely holding it together the only reason she was even standing was the table next to her bracing her fall.
They had been avoiding this situation for a while, after Hope revealing who would have to detonate the bomb, someone who had an almost guaranteed fate of dying. Lizzie was done skirting around the big questions around the tension that had been around them for so long, finally coming to a head.
“I think you may want to sit down for this conversation Hope” Lizzie couldn't help but look at her with soft eyes knowing that this may be their only time to finally air out all the tension, all the ignored consequences, especially regarding Hope’s time without her humanity. “I just need to get this out okay? Because I've been hiding from everyone, MG, my dad, and you. Especially you” Lizzie spoke with a pleading look in her eyes, one that conveyed how much she needed to finally get everything out. Lizzie had to sit down herself because this heart to heart was honestly making her light headed, there was no hiding now. She was finally going to accept the truth she had been trying to avoid, trying to abstain from for almost 12.
Lizzie Jenna Saltzman was irrevocably and unbelievably in love with Hope Mikaelson and not even the circumstances surrounding her death could change that. It was a simple truth that had been eating away at her since Aurora had revealed how their sire bond came to be, how rare it was and it was rooted in feelings, human ones.
As usual Hope was patient when it came to Lizzie, letting her get herself together in silence. And as much as Hope wanted to reassure her that everything would be okay, she couldn't. Because this was the type of situation where someone had to potentially sacrifice themselves so that the others would have the chance to live, to win. Hope couldn’t help but stare at Lizzie with anticipation, her hands wrapping around themselves, continuously moving around. Hope was just as nervous about this conversation than Lizzie it seemed.
Hope had situated herself onto the desk, not entirely sitting in the chance that she had to go to Lizzie, for comfort or any other possible reason. Finally after a few minutes of palpable tension and silence Lizzie began her speech.
“I’ve been fighting this voice in my head, the one that's always telling me that I don't deserve to be happy to live a long and fulfilling life. Especially after all the awful things I've done, all of my mistakes that hurt the people I care about. But it seems like I may not get much longer to figure out how to make it up to everyone, to you. And that's why I'm at last saying something, my time appears to be limited and if this was the last time I ever spoke with you I wanted it to be honest and open. I wanted to make up for how badly I treated you as kids, as teenagers. I wanted to apologize for taking this long to become your friend. Because these last few months, hell this past year has taught me that you are undoubtedly my best friend, and despite the whole you killing me thing I have never been more grateful for that.”
Hope was speechless, caught between wanting to interrupt and comfort Lizzie all at the same time, but she knew this wasn't easy for Lizzie, for her to be so bold and open with her emotions, especially to Hope. So she kept her gaze on her, soft and adoring, her eyes trying to keep this image of Lizzie with her forever. Keep this moment from ending. Lizzie took a breath as she rose from the chair, taking one small step towards Hope, still keeping her distance for this last part.
“Because if dying is the only way for you to win, I'll do it every time. I gladly put my life on the line for you to as long as you get some much needed happiness, a break from all the fighting, from all the death. I will gladly do that for you, every single time.” Lizzie’s eyes were red from the tears she had been keeping at bay, threatening to fall. She was finally going to open her heart for Hope, one last time.
“Loving you has taught me that being selfish can sometimes be a good thing. Loving you has kept me safe and I never want that to change. Being in love with you has been worth it at every turn, at every monster and every fight. But I want-”, Lizzie never got to finish her confession as Hope pushed herself off the desk and crushed her lips into hers, consuming the rest of her final goodbye. Hope had wound her arms around her waist pulling her into her body while also gently cradling her neck, keeping her as close as possible.
Hands roaming all over each other, little sighs escaping their lips when they needed to breathe. Hope couldn't get enough of Lizzie, Lizzie couldn't get enough of Hope. Hope eventually pulled away, Lizzies lips chasing after her in the attempt to continue their kiss. “I need you to listen to me very carefully Elizabeth”, Hope wasn't taking any chances with this, her eyes boring into Lizzie’s shining with love. “I am insanely in love with you and if you think dying is going to get you away from me you are sorely mistaken. Because I am going to fight for a future with you, I want dates, and I want a lifetime of being loved by you.” Hope still had one hand around Lizzies waist, her fingers digging into her hip in an effort to keep her as close as possible. She brought up her other hand to caress her face and wipe the now fallen tears. Never taking her eyes off of her.
“Elizabeth Jenna Saltzman I love you so so much, and I am going to find a way to win, a way to never lose you. If I have to kill everyone else, sacrifice someone else then so be it. I am never letting you go” Hope was done losing those who meant the most to her. And Lizzie, sweet Lizzie had been with her for so long, and they now had an eternity to work everything out. And Hope was determined to get her lifetime.
Lizzie let out a small half laugh, half sigh “I believe you, and I trust you wholeheartedly” icy blue eyes never leaving ocean eyes, a promise to live, to fight for eachother being made without words.
“I'm with you until the bitter end. Hope, we are the most powerful creatures in the world. If we can't figure this out…well I don't know who could.” Lizzie let her hands move through Hope’s long hair, as she brought their lips together again for a short chaste kiss, one of reassurance, one of the promise of life. Hope pulled away to gently rest her forehead against Lizzie’s, eyes closed and cheeks flushed.
Hope knew right then and there that if it took becoming the monster everyone had feared she may become would be the only way to save Lizzie, then so be it. She’d be the villain to them, but she’d always be Lizzie’s hero at heart.
“I forgive you” Lizzie whispered, her eyes too closed.
And they held each other tightly and with love until they knew they had to face everyone. But for now they let themselves this one quiet moment before the storm, this moment to reflect and to remind themselves what they were truly fighting for.
Love.