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║ Chapter 37 – Tiny Bonds and Big Families 💕🍼💫 ║ ╚════════════════════════════════════════════╝
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The sunlight filtered softly through the blinds ,f the NICU, casting warm streaks across the room. The rhythmic hum of machines was now almost comforting, their quiet beeps a lullaby that filled the air. Hope and Nova sat side by side, the incubators before them glowing softly as their daughters slept peacefully within.
Hope had one arm draped protectively around Nova, who was still pale but healing. Every few minutes, Nova would reach out and trace the incubator's glass, whispering softly to the twins. "You're getting stronger every day, my girls," she murmured, her tone full of warmth. Hope smiled, pressing a kiss to the top of Nova's head.
"They already know their mommy and mama are watching over them," Hope said softly.
Nova chuckled faintly, leaning into her. "You mean hovering."
Hope smirked. "Protecting."
Nova nudged her gently. "You know, Hopey... with how you hover—sorry, protect—I think our girls are going to be the most spoiled babies in the entire supernatural world."
Hope's smirk softened into a warm smile. "Please. Between your Hale pack instincts and my Mikaelson overprotective tendencies? They never stood a chance."
Nova laughed softly, leaning her head against Hope's shoulder. "They're going to be so loved it's ridiculous."
Hope pressed a kiss to her hair. "And maybe a little smothered."
Nova grinned. "By all of us. Our families, our friends... everyone's going to spoil them rotten."
Hope snorted. "Lydia's already planning matching outfits, Lizzie's planning their first birthday party, and Stiles keeps talking about toddler-proofing with mountain ash and duct tape."
Nova giggled. "See? Totally doomed."
She hesitated for a beat, then looked up shyly at Hope. "Um... Hopey? You're gonna be super protective of the babies, right? Does that mean you might... be a little less protective over me?"
Hope blinked, caught off guard for only half a second before her expression softened into warm, fierce affection. "Nova," she said, voice low and certain, "I'm protective of all three of you. But you? You're my heart. I'm never going to stop looking out for you."
Nova's cheeks flushed pink, a soft smile blooming. "Good... 'cause I kinda like it when you go all protective werewolf-mama on me."
Hope smirked and kissed her temple. "Oh, don't worry, love. I'll always be that for you."
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A knock came at the door, and Klaus stepped in with his usual swagger, though even his sharp expression softened when he looked at the twins. "Your little warriors seem to have inherited the Mikaelson spirit," he said proudly.
Hope grinned. "They're a perfect blend of Hale and Mikaelson. The world should probably be worried."
Klaus chuckled and turned to Nova. "You're recovering well?"
Nova smiled politely. "As well as I can when I'm not allowed to get out of bed. Or out of this wheelchair, apparently."
Before Klaus could respond, Hope shot her a warning look. "You heard the doctor. You just had two babies, Nova. You're not getting up yet."
Nova pouted dramatically, crossing her arms. "I feel fine."
Dr. Elena Gilbert-Salvatore, who had appeared behind Klaus, cleared her throat with a knowing smile. "You feel fine because your body hasn't realized yet that you tried to do too much. Rest, Mrs. Mikaelson-Hale."
Nova sighed but smiled, nodding in defeat. "Yes, ma'am." Then she frowned slightly. "But I have werewolf healing—can't I get up at least for a bit?"
Hope's eyes narrowed with that familiar, protective edge. "No, Nova. You just had twins prematurely. You're not moving until the doctor says so."
Nova suddenly went pink, her eyes widening. "Wait—did she just call me Mrs. Mikaelson-Hale? Hopey, we're not even married." She hid her face in her hands, mortified. "Oh my god... I can't believe she said that out loud."
Hope, of course, was smirking—full, proud, and entirely too pleased with herself. "Could get used to hearing it," she murmured with a wink.
Elena nodded firmly, her calm voice leaving no room for argument. "She's right. You gave birth prematurely to two babies and almost died in the process. You need rest, not stubbornness."
Nova sighed again but smiled, nodding in defeat this time with a touch of guilt. "Yes, ma'am." Then she grumbled under her breath, "Still think I could've managed a short walk."
Hope arched an eyebrow, a small, amused smile tugging at her lips. "What was that?"
Nova feigned innocence, eyes glinting with mischief. "Nothing, Mama Wolf."
Hope rolled her eyes, though affection softened her tone. "That's what I thought."
Elena chuckled from the doorway. "Stubbornness and sarcasm—both good signs of recovery."
Nova laughed softly, leaning her head on Hope's shoulder. "Guess I'm healing faster than you thought."
Hope pressed a kiss to her hair. "Maybe. But you're still staying right here, troublemaker."
Elena smiled knowingly. "She'll keep you in line, Nova."
Nova grinned. "Oh, she always does."
Hope chuckled softly, squeezing her hand affectionately.
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Later that day, Klaus had the hospital staff prepare a private room for the family. With a subtle use of compulsion, he ensured that no one would disturb them. "My grandchildren deserve peace," he declared proudly.
The room was decorated softly, with gentle lighting and plush chairs for visitors. Hope wheeled Nova in, the twins' bassinets side by side near the bed. Nova's eyes shone with tears as she finally got to hold both babies at once.
"Oh, Hopey," she whispered, her voice trembling with joy. "They're perfect."
Hope's eyes softened. "Just like their mommy." She brushed her thumb gently across Talia's cheek as the baby cooed softly, and Nova leaned closer to nuzzle Andrea's tiny head.
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When the rest of the Mikaelson family, the Beacon Hills pack, and the Super Squad entered, the room filled with soft laughter and heartfelt joy. Rebekah immediately burst into tears at the sight of the twins, while Kol whistled low. "Two new Mikaelsons in the world," he said proudly. "Let's hope they don't inherit our family drama."
Freya laughed. "Too late, Kol. They're born into it."
Nova smiled tiredly as everyone gathered around. Lydia and Lizzie were fussing over the babies' blankets while Malia and Isaac stood nearby, both smiling warmly. Even Derek, usually calm and collected, had a small tear in his eye.
Klaus stood near the edge of the room, his hand on Hayley's shoulder, his eyes soft with pride as he looked at his daughter and her little family.
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After everyone had settled, Hope cleared her throat. "Nova and I wanted to name our babies' godparents officially."
The room went quiet instantly.
"For Talia Elizabeth Mikaelson-Hale," Hope said, smiling, "we'd like Lizzie and Stiles to be her godparents."
Lizzie gasped, her eyes wide. "Wait—me? Really?"
Nova chuckled softly. "Really. You've been there for both of us from the start."
Stiles blinked, caught off guard but grinning ear to ear. "I—uh—yeah. Of course! I mean, who wouldn't want to be godfather to a tiny super-baby?"
Laughter filled the room, and Hope turned toward Lydia and Isaac next. "And for Andrea Lydia Mikaelson-Hale, we'd like Lydia and Isaac to be her godparents."
Lydia's hand flew to her mouth, her eyes misting. "You named her after me, and now this? I'm going to cry again."
Isaac smiled softly, resting a hand on Lydia's shoulder. "We'll make sure she knows how amazing her parents are."
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Before anyone could say more, Malia crossed her arms with a grin. "I call dibs on being godmother to the next kid."
The room erupted in laughter. Nova's face turned bright red, Hope coughed awkwardly, and Kol nearly doubled over laughing. "Well," Kol snickered, "looks like someone's planning ahead."
Hayley rolled her eyes, though she was smiling. "Malia, let them at least recover before talking about more babies. And for the record—there will be no more babies while these two are still in high school."
Nova buried her face in Hope's shoulder, still blushing furiously. "Can we not?" she muttered.
Hope smirked, pressing a kiss to Nova's cheek. "Don't worry, love. We'll cross that bridge when we get there."
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As the laughter and conversation filled the room, Hope looked around at the gathered families—the Mikaelsons, the Hales, the pack, and the Super Squad—and felt an overwhelming wave of gratitude. For once, everyone was smiling. For once, their world was at peace.
She looked down at Nova, who was gently rocking the twins, whispering softly to them. "We did it," Hope said quietly. "They're safe, they're loved, and we're all together."
Nova looked up, her eyes shining. "Yeah," she whispered back. "This is what family feels like."
Hope leaned in, pressing her lips to Nova's forehead as their daughters slept between them. "It's perfect," she whispered. "You're perfect."
Nova smiled sleepily, her voice a soft hum. "Always, Hopey. Always."
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Meanwhile, across town, a storm was brewing.
Scott sat stiffly on the bed in the hotel room, wringing his hands as Allison paced in front of him, her boots clicking sharply against the floor. Her expression was tight—too tight—and her ponytail swung sharply with every step.
"Allison... you need to sit down," Scott said softly.
She froze, turning slowly. "What is it? You're scaring me."
Scott swallowed, guilt tightening in his chest. "Nova... she had the babies."
Allison's face went white, then red with something sharp and ugly. "She—she WHAT?"
Scott held up his hands. "Allison, listen—she went into early labor. The babies are premature."
For a long moment, Allison said nothing. She just stared at him, breath unsteady, eyes darkening into something obsessive and unhinged.
"She had the babies," she repeated, quieter this time. "And Hope was with her?"
Scott hesitated. "...Yes."
Allison's jaw clenched. "Of course she was." She turned, grabbing her jacket with shaking hands. "Nova needs me. She never should've been with Hope. I should've been the one by her side."
"Allison—" Scott started, dread pooling in his stomach.
But she cut him off, her voice low and chilling. "She had my future. Our future. And Hope Mikaelson stole it."
Scott froze.
Allison's expression twisted into a cold smile. "I'm getting her back. Those babies should've been mine."
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║ End of Chapter 37 – Tiny Bonds and Big Families 💕🍼💫 ║ ╚════════════════════════════════════════════╝