Salvatore School – Morning Light 🌞🏫🍁
The crisp fall sunlight filtered through the stained-glass windows of the Salvatore School, bathing the hallways in soft color. Hope walked with one hand in her jacket pocket, the other wrapped tightly around Nova's waist as they strolled toward the exit, ignoring the stares and whispers that followed them.
Nova didn't seem to care. She leaned into Hope's side like her life depended on it, cheek pressed to her shoulder, both arms wrapped around Hope's middle in a slow, sleepy hug as they walked.
"Babe, you're going to trip us," Hope murmured, though she didn't make any move to untangle them.
Nova just let out a soft hum. "Then you'll catch me," she said with a small smile, nuzzling into Hope's neck like a sleepy kitten.
Hope bit back a grin and kissed the top of her head. "You're unbelievable."
"You love it."
"I really, really do."
They reached the car, and Hope helped Nova in like she always did now. Not because she had to—Nova was still strong, still capable—but Hope couldn't help it. She hovered. Nova never complained. In fact, she seemed to like it.
Nova placed her hands on the bump that was now clearly visible under her soft hoodie. "They're extra squirmy today," she mumbled as Hope started the car. "Probably know they're about to get poked by Elena again."
Hope glanced over, her expression soft. "They're just dramatic. Like their mama."
Nova looked mock-offended. "Are you saying I'm dramatic?"
Hope reached over and squeezed her thigh. "I'm saying you're passionate and adorable and like to cling to me like a baby koala lately."
Nova smirked. "You're warm and smell good."
They drove in silence for a while—comfortable, with Hope's hand resting over Nova's as they both kept it on her belly. When the babies kicked, Nova giggled and grabbed Hope's hand tighter.
"You feel that?"
Hope nodded, eyes shining. "They're getting stronger."
Nova turned her face toward Hope, studying her. "You're not... scared?"
Hope didn't answer right away. She pulled the car into the clinic lot and parked before turning to Nova fully.
"I'm terrified," she said honestly. "But only because I love you so much it makes my chest hurt. You and them." She reached out and cupped Nova's cheek. "But I've never been more sure of anything in my life. We're going to be okay."
Nova blinked fast, trying not to cry. She leaned forward and kissed Hope softly. "You always say the right thing."
Hope smiled. "Only with you."
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Mystic Falls Medical Office – Elena Gilbert-Salvatore's Private Practice 🩺🖥️🌼
Elena stood by the ultrasound machine as Hope helped Nova get comfortable on the exam bed. Nova tugged Hope down by the hand and didn't let go even once she was lying down.
Elena gave a knowing smile. "You two ready to see your little troublemakers again?"
Nova nodded, glowing. "Always."
Hope just squeezed her hand tighter.
Elena adjusted the wand over Nova's belly as the soft, rhythmic sound of two tiny heartbeats filled the room. One fast, the other even faster.
Hope and Nova both stared at the screen in awe—two small, distinct shapes squirming on the monitor.
"They're getting so big," Nova whispered, tears in her eyes.
"They really are," Elena said warmly. She captured a few stills and set the wand aside, gently wiping the gel off Nova's bump.
"Everything looks good physically. Strong heartbeats. No signs of complications. You're doing great, Nova," Elena said, tapping a few keys. Then she gave Nova a gently stern look. "And just a reminder—no training, no sparring, nothing strenuous. You need to take it easy, for you and the babies." She softened again, then added, "And...I got some test results back."
Hope straightened, brows pinching together in concern. "Something wrong?"
Elena shook her head. "No, no. Nothing wrong. Actually..." She smiled gently. "I thought you'd want to know the sexes."
Nova blinked. "We can know already?"
"Bloodwork and ultrasound alignment says yes. Would you like to hear?"
Nova looked at Hope, and the two shared a quick, silent exchange. Nova nodded. "Tell us."
Elena turned the screen slightly toward them, pointing to two distinct markers. "Baby A is a girl. Everything lines up genetically and physically."
Nova let out a little laugh. "A girl..." She looked down at her bump, voice soft. "Hi, baby girl..."
Elena hesitated slightly before continuing. "And Baby B... is also a girl. But she's intersex."
There was a pause. Not one of tension—just of processing.
Elena gave them a moment, then added, "Genetically, she has both male and female markers, but her body is developing primarily female, with some unique differences. It's nothing dangerous. Just different. She's healthy—completely."
Hope was the first to speak. "She's perfect."
Nova sniffled, her voice thick with emotion. "They both are."
Nova's hand stayed on her belly as her lips curved into a soft, knowing smile. "She's just like her mama."
Hope blinked, caught off guard. "Me?"
Nova nodded. "Yeah. Strong. Unique. Completely herself. She's going to have an amazing role model to grow up with, Hope."
Hope's breath hitched, eyes stinging as she looked at Nova like she'd just said the most precious thing in the world.
"You really think that?" Hope asked softly.
Nova squeezed her hand. "I know that. She's lucky. They both are. And so am I."
Hope leaned down and kissed her gently, whispering against her lips, "No, I'm the lucky one."
Elena smiled, visibly moved. "You two are going to be incredible moms."
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Salvatore School – Late Afternoon 🌅🏫🍃
The sun was beginning to dip lower in the sky as Hope pulled into the familiar circular driveway of the school. The long shadows of the trees danced across the stone walls, and the sounds of students murmuring and laughing echoed faintly through the open courtyard.
She glanced at the passenger seat, where Nova had gone quiet during the drive. One hand rested over her bump, the other still loosely curled around Hope's.
"Hey," Hope said gently as she parked. "You've been quiet."
Nova blinked slowly, like she'd been lost in thought. "Sorry. I'm just..." She trailed off, and her throat worked like she was swallowing something thick and heavy.
Hope turned off the ignition, unbuckled her seatbelt, and shifted to face her fully. "What is it?"
Nova didn't answer right away. She opened the door and stepped out slowly, her movements a little slower now that her bump was more noticeable. Hope was immediately at her side, hand on the small of her back as they started walking toward the dorms.
They made it halfway across the courtyard before Nova suddenly stopped.
Hope turned. "Nova?"
Nova looked up at her, eyes glassy. "It just hit me." Her voice trembled. "We saw their faces, Hope. Heard their heartbeats. We know their genders. We're having two little girls. One of them... she's going to need us to fight for her. And I just—" Her voice cracked. "I don't want to mess this up. I don't want to mess them up."
Hope stepped in immediately, hands cradling Nova's face. "Hey. Nova. Look at me."
Nova's chest rose and fell, fast and uneven, trying to breathe through the building wave.
"You are not going to mess them up," Hope said firmly. "You're going to love them like crazy. You already do. And they're going to grow up knowing that they are safe, and strong, and wanted. Especially the little one who might need more protection—she has you."
"And she has you," Nova whispered.
Hope nodded. "She has us. Both of them do. And you're allowed to be scared, Nova. I am too. But being scared doesn't mean you're weak. It means you care."
Tears finally slipped down Nova's cheeks. She let out a breath that shook as she stepped into Hope's arms and buried her face in her neck.
Hope held her tightly, arms wrapped fully around her, one hand stroking up and down her back.
"You're doing amazing," Hope whispered. "You're allowed to feel everything. And you don't have to carry it alone, okay?"
Nova didn't respond with words, just held on tighter.
Students walked by, most giving them space, some shooting curious glances—but Hope didn't care. She wasn't letting go until Nova was ready.
After a long moment, Nova finally pulled back, eyes red but smile soft. "God, I'm crying in the middle of the damn courtyard. Fuck, these goddamn pregnancy hormones. "
"You're pregnant," Hope said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "You get a free pass to cry literally anywhere."
Nova let out a shaky laugh. "That includes crying into your cleavage, right? Because, honestly, I really like your boobs."
Hope smirked. "Only because it's you." She laughed, brushing her fingers lightly under Nova's chin. "Though I'm starting to think you get emotional just so you have an excuse to stare at them."
Nova grinned, a playful glint in her eyes. "They're a great reason to be emotional." She cupped her own breasts and gave them a gentle squeeze. "Besides, mine are getting bigger too. I might need a new bra soon."
Hope's eyes widened slightly, and a flirty smile curved her lips. "I volunteer as tribute to help you find one. But fair warning—I might get distracted along the way."
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