Pre-Party Anticipation 🌸💭
Lizzie had been running around the great hall all morning, clipboard in one hand and a water in the other, barking orders like she was running a royal ball. Lydia was right behind her, double-checking colors, fussing over enchanted balloons that kept floating away from their tethers, and snapping at Stiles every time he tried to pop one for fun. Rebekah, naturally, inserted herself into the chaos, correcting fabric choices, making cutting remarks about Lizzie's insistence on sequined tablecloths, and rolling her eyes in dramatic Mikaelson fashion. Caroline, ever the patient overseer, was trying to keep everyone calm with her firm-but-kind tone.
Nova sat off to the side, her hands absently rubbing over the curve of her growing baby bump, watching the frenzy with a nervous little smile. Her emotions had been all over the place lately—her hormones making her tear up one second and laugh the next. She leaned into Hope's shoulder, murmuring, "I don't know if I can handle everyone looking at me."
Hope kissed her hair softly. "They're looking at us, not just you. And you're radiant."
Nova's eyes welled up instantly. "You're so sappy," she sniffled, her voice catching. "But… thank you." Hope brushed a tear away with her thumb, and Nova smiled, equal parts embarrassed and comforted. Snuggling closer, she pressed herself against Hope's side, seeking comfort in her warmth and presence.
The Party Begins 🎊💐
By the time guests arrived, the great hall had been transformed. Strings of enchanted lanterns floated near the ceiling, glowing with warm candlelight, while a shimmering archway of roses bloomed at the entrance. Tables were loaded with charmed treats that sparkled faintly and bowls of punch that refilled themselves.
The Beacon Hills crew arrived together—Derek trying not to look impressed but clearly softening when he saw Nova's happy smile, Lydia squealing over the décor, and Stiles immediately getting glitter stuck in his hair after trying to sneak a cupcake early. Malia laughed so loudly at his misfortune that Caroline threatened to kick her out.
The Mikaelsons drifted in next—Klaus looking dour but secretly amused as he whispered sharp remarks in Elijah's ear, Hayley snapping pictures on her phone like an excited mom, and Freya nodding approvingly at the protective wards woven into the decorations. Marcel and Davina were close behind, smiling at Nova like she'd always been part of the family.
Caroline clapped her hands to get everyone's attention. "Alright! Games first, reveal later. And yes, everything is magically safe."
Hope snorted under her breath. "Magically safe, she says, at a Mikaelson-Saltzman party. That's comforting."
Nova giggled, then covered her face as tears started falling. "Why am I crying?!" she whispered, though the words broke into a laugh.
"Because you're pregnant and adorable," Hope teased, handing her a napkin and kissing her cheek. Nova, of course, made her way straight to the dessert table afterward, happily piling her plate with cookies and cupcakes. Hope hovered close, gently trying to remind her not to eat too many sweets that might upset her stomach. Nova only widened her green eyes in a perfect set of puppy dog eyes, making Hope sigh and laugh even as she gave in, slipping another cookie onto Nova's plate.
Games & Teasing 🎲😂
The first game was "Guess the Gender," with everyone writing their predictions on enchanted slips of paper that glowed pink or blue. Lydia declared herself the expert on baby energy, claiming she'd been right in every prediction she'd ever made. Stiles dramatically wrote "Triplets" just to watch Lydia smack him upside the head. Nova, overhearing him, rolled her eyes and promptly threw her shoes at his head, making the room burst into laughter.
Malia leaned over and whispered way too loudly, "So, do pregnant people really want pickles and peanut butter? Or is that just you, Nova?"
Nova blushed furiously. "I did want Cheetos in my cereal yesterday…" she admitted, hiding her face against Hope's arm.
The room erupted in laughter.
"Good lord," Rebekah muttered, sipping her champagne. "And I thought Nik was dramatic."
Klaus raised a brow, his smirk betraying his amusement. "I think I pity these children already."
Isaac leaned against Derek, murmuring, "Two of them. Can you imagine the chaos?"
"Don't remind me," Derek muttered, though the faintest of smiles tugged at his lips.
Hope squeezed Nova's hand under the table, her smile proud and protective, as if daring anyone to laugh at Nova in a cruel way.
The next game was a magical take on "Baby Bingo." Cards lit up whenever someone guessed correctly about Nova's cravings, sleep habits, or quirks. Lydia smugly checked off "cried at a puppy commercial" while Penelope whispered loudly that it was obviously true. Nova groaned and hid behind her hands while Hope kissed her temple, trying not to laugh.
Then came a relay race with baby dolls enchanted to crawl away from their caretakers. Stiles, naturally, tried to cheat by using duct tape, earning a scolding from Caroline. Malia and Ethan got overly competitive, yelling across the hall as their dolls raced away. Even Elijah cracked the ghost of a smile as Rebekah declared herself the champion babysitter when her doll toddled neatly back into her arms.
By the end of the games, Nova was both mortified and delighted. Her cheeks were pink from laughter, her eyes bright with emotion, and her hand never left Hope's. The atmosphere was warm, chaotic, and full of teasing affection—the exact kind of family mayhem that made Nova feel like she truly belonged.
The Reveal 🎉🌈
Finally, Lizzie clapped her hands, her excitement nearly vibrating out of her as she declared the big moment had arrived. At the center of the hall stood an enormous cake, enchanted to shimmer faintly with hidden magic. Everyone gathered close, chattering excitedly. Some of the younger students climbed onto chairs to see better.
"On three!" Caroline called, her voice carrying like a stage actress.
"One!" the group shouted, the sound booming in the hall.
"Two!" Anticipation built, the air buzzing with magic.
"Three!"
The cake burst open in a spectacular explosion of glowing mist—one side shimmering in vibrant pink, the other in a soft lavender glow that sparkled like starlight. Gasps echoed across the room, followed by stunned silence.
"One girl!" Lizzie squealed. "And… wait… lavender?!"
Freya's eyes widened knowingly, while Hayley's hand flew to her mouth, tears streaming. Rebekah clasped her hands, tears brimming in her own eyes. "A girl… and another who's different but perfect."
Nova's voice shook as she added, a bit defensive but fiercely protective, "And for the record—the other baby is like Hope. Intersex. So don't anyone dare say a damn word against them, or against her. They're ours, and they're perfect."
Hope smiled softly at Nova's fierce protectiveness, her chest warming at how she defended both her and their baby without hesitation. She stepped forward, wrapping her arms gently around Nova's waist and pulling her close, whispering soothingly as she tried to calm her down.
The Beacon Hills crew looked around in awe. Lydia was already tearing up, Ethan and Aiden slapped each other on the back, and Stiles whispered, "So… one mini-Nova and one mini Hope, magical unicorn babies?" before Malia smacked him.
Nova's face softened, her eyes brimming with tears as the swell of emotion overtook her. She clutched Hope's arm tightly, laughter mingling with sobs. "I can't believe how loved they already are… it's overwhelming, but in the best way."
Hope kissed her temple firmly, grounding her. "See? You gave us something perfect."
Everyone cheered, hugging and clapping, voices filling the hall until it felt like the very walls were glowing with joy.
Aftermath & Intimacy 💞🌙
The rest of the party was a blur of hugs, congratulations, and laughter. Lydia, Lizzie, and Rebekah were already huddled together, starting to plan the baby shower, sketching decorations and color schemes on napkins. Nova turned pale at the thought of another big event, clutching Hope's arm nervously, which only made Hope laugh softly at her reaction. Freya pressed protective charms into Nova's palm and whispered blessings for health and safety. Keelin promised to bring medical supplies "just in case," while Davina assured her that magical safeguards were already woven around the babies. Even Klaus muttered something about "family" that made Hayley smile softly at him.
The Beacon Hills crew joined in too—Stiles loudly suggesting godparent positions (and being immediately vetoed by Lydia), Derek hovering protectively like a silent uncle, and Isaac awkwardly offering Nova his seat whenever she shifted uncomfortably.
Later, when the crowd began to thin and the laughter mellowed into quieter conversations, Hope and Nova slipped away to a quiet corner. Nova curled into Hope's lap, eyes still damp but glowing with joy. Her hands rested protectively on her bump, her heart full to bursting.
"I didn't think I'd ever feel this loved," Nova whispered. "Not even when I thought I was happy before. But this… this is everything."
Hope tucked a strand of hair back, gazing down at her. "They already have the best mom in the world. And I'll make sure they have the safest home."
Nova pressed her forehead to Hope's, both of them smiling through the emotion, while the sound of their families laughing in the distance wrapped around them like a promise of the future.
Hope eventually picked Nova up gently in her arms, murmuring to her family that she'd be back to help clean up. But the Mikaelsons and their friends only waved her off, insisting they would handle it. With Nova still snuggled close, Hope carried her back to their dorm room. There, she helped Nova change into softer clothes, easing her into bed with careful hands. Nova relaxed instantly, curling against Hope as she slid in beside her. Hope stroked her hair and whispered that she was safe, loved, and didn't need to lift a finger tonight. It was a soft, loving moment, the chaos of the party melting away as the two of them held each other in the quiet of their room.
Nova whispered softly, "Hope, I don't know what I'd do without you. You make everything feel safe. I honestly didn't think I'd ever find love again after Allison and Scott. Thank you for not letting me push you away, for breaking down my walls, loving me, for giving me out two future babies… and, okay, for the amazing sex too."
Hope smiled, kissing her forehead. "You'll never have to find out. You and the babies are my whole world—and so is the way you've let me love all of you, flaws, cravings, tears, laughter, and yes, even your sass... and your ass. And the way you've trusted me to be here through it all."
Nova snuggled closer, her voice playful but earnest, tears glimmering in her eyes but her smile bright. "And for the record, I love you just as much. You make me feel like I can breathe again, Hope. You never gave up on me, and now I don't want to imagine a world without you. You're not just my love, you're my home," she breathed, and Hope held her tighter, letting the night close around them in warmth and love.