Stopping The Merge

Chapter Two: Posie Reunites!

Josie fiddles with the necklace around her neck. The one Penelope gave her for their six month anniversary. It has a thin gold chain with a small heart pendant with Josie's initials on it. She could never bring herself to throw it out after their breakup.

"Hey Jojo," Josie hears.

She turns and sees Penelope standing there, dressed in a white shirt with a decorative ribbon around the neck and a black skirt. Josie's heart pounds. She's missed the girl so much, despite having dated other people after their breakup. They just weren't Penelope, her one true love.

"Hi Penny," Josie replies.

"I... I'm sorry I left. I'm sorry I broke your heart. I was just trying to protect you. I'm so sorry, Josie. I'm back now, for good, and I promise I'm never going anywhere without you ever again. If you'll have me as your girlfriend again, that is," Penelope apologizes.

As much as Josie wants to stay mad at the Park girl, she cannot. She understands now why Penelope did what she did. It was to protect her and make her stronger so she stands a chance when the merge happens, and for that, she loves Penelope Park even more.

"I forgive you, Pen. I understand why you did it, baby. I have a confession though. I dated other people while you were gone," Josie says.

"I know, and I'm not mad. While I can't stand the thought of someone else kissing you, touching you, we weren't a couple. But I'd like to be one now. Please be my girlfriend again, Jojo. I'll be there to help you find a way to stop the merge. I'll never leave you again. I'll be by your side for as long as you'll have me. Please baby. I need you in my life again," Penelope begs the brunette.

Josie launches herself across the room and into Penelope's arms, kissing her passionately. Penelope catches her easily and kisses her back, smiling against her warm lips. They break apart after a while, their foreheads resting against each other's.

"Is that a yes?" Penelope asks.

"Yes," Josie replies.

The pair grin at each other happily. Josie feels like the weight she has been carrying on her shoulders since Penelope left for Belgium is gone. She has the raven haired witch back in her life and together along with Hope, Lizzie, and her parents, they will find a way to stop the merge.

"Penelope?" Josie asks softly.

"Yes, baby?" Penelope responds.

"Lizzie's staying with Hope tonight. Will you please stay with me and hold me? I'm scared, Penny. I don't want to die," Josie begs.

"Of course. And I'm not going to let you die. We will figure out a way to stop it. I promise," Penelope assures the brunette.

"I still have a pair of your pajamas and your toothbrush is in the bathroom. I couldn't stand to throw them away," Josie admits.

"That's adorable. Now let's get changed and brush our teeth. I've missed your cuddles," Penelope smiles.

The pair change into their pajamas and brush their teeth. Josie can't help but smile as Penelope lays down, lifting to covers up for Josie. Josie curls up beside her love, and the witch takes her into her arms, kissing her head.

"I love you, Jojo," the raven haired girl whispers.

"I love you, too, Penny," Josie smiles, resting her head on Penelope's chest.

Penelope watches, her eyes full of love, as Josie drifts off to sleep, safe and sound in her arms at last.

******

Meanwhile, in Hope's room, Hope is desperately trying to calm Lizzie, who is on the verge of a meltdown.

"Lizzie, you need to breathe. Just breathe for me, baby," Hope says, trying to keep her voice steady.

"I don't want to die. I don't want Josie to die. What are we going to do, Hopey?" Lizzie asks, pacing around Hope's room.

"I know, baby. I don't want you or Josie to die either. We will figure something out. Come here, Lizzie. Come listen to my heartbeat," Hope says, laying down on her bed and opening her arms.

The tribrid knows listening to her heartbeat always calms Lizzie down. Lizzie lays down next to hope, resting her head on her girlfriend's chest. She sighs as she focuses on her heartbeat. Hope wraps her arms around her girl, holding her close.

"I got you. I got you, Lizzie baby," Hope promises, kissing her head.

"Love you, Hopey," Lizzie murmurs sleepily.

"I love you too, Lizzie. Sleep. You're exhausted," Hope urges.

Lizzie nods and closes her eyes, allowing herself to drift off into unconsciousness. Hope looks down at her lovingly. She pulls a blanket over the girl.

"I promise we will find a way around it, Lizzie," Hope whispers, allowing herself to drift off as well.

Tomorrow they will start looking for a solution, but for tonight, they will sleep soundly in each other's arms.