𝐅𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆 ━━ HOPE MIKAELSON.

45

AFTER SPENDING A FEW more minutes talking, Seylah and Alaric went to talk outside, Hope stayed inside with Landon while Jaxon was standing outside, leaning against the wall as he stared at whatever was in front of him.

However, he was also listening in to the heartfelt conversation Hope and Landon were having.

Jaxon hated it. He didn't like that Hope cared for Landon more than she let on. He could read her like an open book and despite all the things she's told him about not having any feelings more than friendship for Landon, he knew that deep down, she did.

He leaned his head against the wall and sighed as he eavesdropped casually.

"Landon, I'm really sorry." Hope's voice filled his ears. Her voice was filled with regret as she was speaking.

"Don't be." Landon let out a loud sigh, "it'll be okay."

"You can't trust her."

"I don't," He responded, "but she's my mother, Hope. All I've ever wanted is a family. A home. So I'm not gonna give up on her just 'cause she's a little screwed up. That would be pretty hypocritical."

"You're not that screwed up." Hope mumbled as she sat next to him on the bed. Landon glanced at her, "I hate that you always see me when I'm weak."

Hope's face softened as she mumbled, "you're not weak. You're a survivor. Landon, that makes you one of the strongest people that I know."

"I'm starting to think I'm a bit of a danger magnet." Landon said earning a small smile from Hope,"I'm starting to think you're right."

"I didn't..." Landon began, "I didn't mean to bring all this into your life. I'm sorry I ever walked into it."

"I'm not," Hope whispered, shaking her head.

Landon smiled, "I, uh... I wrote you letters. On the... on the bus.

"Oh, yeah?" Hope raised her brows, "what did they say?"

He chuckled, "they were embarrassing." 

"Try me." Hope said making Landon take a deep breath as he cleared vis throat, "um... Uh... Dear Hope... The state of Alabama has, like, a million Waffle Houses, and I cannot stop thinking about what it's gonna felt like if I would ever kiss you."

Before Hope could do or say anything, Landon leaned forward and placed his lips on hers. Jaxon glanced through the small window and his eyes flashed red as he stood there for a few more seconds, practically begging for her to pull away in his head but she didn't. He locked his jaw, turned around and walked away, clenching his fists to his sides.

Hope pulled back instantly, eyes widening, "Landon, I—" she was cut off by Landon who shook his head, chuckling, "I know, I know. It's okay. I'm sorry."

"I don't like you in that way," Hope explained, standing up, "we are friends. I... I love someone else."

"Jaxon," Landon stated, sighing, "I figured that out. Since long?"

"Since past two years," she mumbled, biting her lip while her face flushed making Landon smile as she continued, "I— I need to go." Without waiting for Landon to say anything, she walked out of the room.

Jaxon was standing outside, a little far from the house as he could feel that something was gonna happen. However, his mind was on Hope and Landon. The image of them kissing was very clear in his mind, playing on repeat.

He inhaled sharply. He knew that giving in to feelings would end up breaking his heart— it was pathetic.

"Fuck," he hissed but was forced to calm himself down when he felt the ground beneath him shaking. "Fuck Landon," he began mumbling, "fuck Hope, fuck everything."

"What's wrong?" Hope's familiar soothing voice filled his ears as she questioned, feeling a strong wave of anger while she made her way towards Jaxon who couldn't help but scoff at her presence. "Jax..." She furrowed her brows, standing beside him as she looked up at him, "are you okay?"

"Splendid," He responded sarcastically, not bothering to look at her, "never been better."

"Clearly something is wrong." Hope said, crossing her arms as she looked at him although he was avoiding her gaze.

He then clicked his tongue against his teeth, "you know, I just saw the only girl I've ever liked in my whole existence—" he glanced at Hope who held a confused look on her face, "—and a girl who I thought liked me back, kissing someone else."

Her eyes widened and she was quick to react, "it wasn't what it looked like! It was unexpected, I didn't want Landon to kiss me—"

"—Yet he did," Jaxon rolled his eyes, stuffing his hands in the pocket of his jacket, "and you didn't immediately pull away." She opened her mouth, ready to explain but closed it instantly when she realized that he was right.

"Let me ex—"

"—you know what? Forget it." He cut her off, turning to face her, "I don't really care. Do whatever you please. It's not like I give a fuck anyway. This is stupid."

"What?" A heartbroken look took over her face. "Look, what happened inside was a mistake, okay? I didn't want it to happen. When Landon kissed me, I was taken aback and took a while to react. Why are you being like this?"

"Why am I being like this?" He turned to her, "you're the one who fucked up. I stood there and watched, waited for you to pull away because I thought that maybe you were shocked or some shit, that's why you didn't do it instantly but no. It took you two minutes to realize that he was kissing you." He stared at her for a few more seconds and sighed, running a hand through his dark hair, "you like him in that way but you don't wanna admit it."

"What? No, I don't like him!" She shook her head, grabbing his hand, relieved when he didn't pull away, "I like you."

"Yeah but you like him too."

"I don't."

"You're in denial."

"I'm not."

"You like me and him." He stated, dismissing her words completely, "you just like me a little bit more—"

"—Jaxon, can you like shut the fuck up?" Hope cut him off, staring at him with a look of determination on her face which made him raise his brows, shaking his head, "no, I can't." He was burning with jealousy. He couldn't help but to think of what face Landon would make if he went to murder him right there.

"I don't like Landon in that way." Hope said more surely, bringing his attention back to her, "I've got only friendly feelings for him. It's not the same as what I feel for you. I need you to understand that."

"For real?" He questioned, pursing his lips in a thin line as he waited for her response. She nodded, "yes. I like you and I want to be with you." And then she got on her tiptoes and connected her lips with his.