Chapter Text
Hope and Scarlett spent quite a bit of time with each other as young children, as Emma and Regina were always saving Storybrooke from whatever new curse or monster was in town, terrorizing the people. They were often sent to the Charming's, whilst their mothers fought off evil. Despite the pair being such opposites, they seemed to get along rather well...in the beginning.
Scarlett was to become Queen one day so she had rules to abide by, responsibilities, and duties to uphold. Even though she would much rather go out exploring around town, or go to the woods with her father to shoot some arrows. She never wanted to be a Royal nor did she want to become a powerful sorceress...she just wanted to be normal, to be plain ol' Scarlett. Whereas Hope was always looking to be just like her mother, a Saviour. A hero, not afraid to break the rules, but sometimes that meant putting herself in danger, all for the greater good. She loved to be a part of the action, to fight against the bad guys. But Emma often disallowed this behavior, scared she would get hurt or die from this bravery.
When Scarlett's magic began to show, Hope was fascinated by it. She would have loved for her mother to have taught her how to use magic so that she could be just like all the powerful women in this town. Hope questioned Scarlett about magic a lot, but Scarlett never wanted to talk about her powers. Quite honestly she hated them. Scarlett didn't think Hope understood how difficult it was holding all this power, having so much responsibility on her shoulders. It was too much for her to handle, she didn't want to be different from her friends, she just wanted to be normal.
Eventually, as they got older Scarlett avoided Hope at all costs, getting annoyed with all the questions about her magic, about how it feels to know one day she would rule The United Realms. Hope was a constant reminder to Scarlett of how much pressure was on her, and that the life she truly desired was never going to happen. Hope never really understood what happened between the two of them, she was really just curious about her friend's abilities. She cared for Scarlett despite their differences, but it seemed like the feelings were not reciprocated. She was just always so amazed by Scarlett, her powers, and the title she would one day hold. A true hero, a legend.
**
The pair crossed paths every now and then but every time Scarlett would see Hope, she would rapidly turn the other way. Rolling her eyes at the sight of her approaching. After not having spoken to each other for the past four, Hope and Scarlett spoke for the first time in years.
They were 16 now and all it took to get the conversation going was a collision.
Hope was walking to school rather rapidly, she was late and she was never late. As she turned a corner, she bumped into Scarlett, causing her to drop all the books she was holding.
"Ugh, can't you watch where you're going? Seriously!" Scarlett yelled.
Hope eyes met hers and her breath caught in her throat. Scarlett has always been beautiful, but today she just looked breathtaking. Literally.
"Scarlett? I- I'm so sorry. Here let me help you with that." Helping her pick up the books scattered around.
"I don't need your help." She snapped, snatching the book out of Hope's hand.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to."
"Sure you didn't. Can't say I'm surprised, you never know when to stay out of my business."
Hope was taken aback by her comment, "Excuse me, what are you talking about? What's your problem with me?"
"My problem? You've been my problem since the day we met. Why couldn't you just leave me alone? Just because your mother's the Saviour doesn't mean you have to be the hero in everyone's story. Be your own person, Hope."
"What are you talking about? I've never said or done anything to you. You're the one who avoids me, who blocked me out completely. We haven't spoken to each other in years.''
"I don't have to explain myself to you. Just leave me alone." Scarlett stormed off, leaving a confused Hope behind.
Why was she acting like that? Hope couldn't help but wonder what she could have done for her to have reacted that way. She didn't understand, and she wanted to. She was determined to make things right between them, even if that meant she had to swallow her pride and apologize. As a true hero would.
**
Later that day, Hope made her way to the library, a place Scarlett spent most of her time at. She knew she would eventually bump into Scarlett there, and she would do her best to apologize. Possibly even trying to make amends, she missed her friend, their relationship, and the bond they once had.
Hope opened the door and was surprised to see Scarlett wasn't alone. She was laughing and smiling, she didn't even seem like the same girl from this morning.
As she sat next to Giddeon, Hope's heart broke a little, and she was overcome by jealousy. She couldn't figure out why, but her blood boiled, seeing the pair together. She needed to get out of there and fast. Leave before Scarlett could see her standing there, broken and angry...over what? How could she explain why what she saw as she stood there, caused her so much pain? But she was not fast enough.
Scarlett noticed Hope, and her smile faded. "What are you doing here, Hope?"
"I- um- I just wanted to come to talk to you. But, I can see you're busy. So, I'm just gonna go."
"No. Say what you have to say."
''Not here, not now. Maybe another time." Hope ran out, she was upset and didn't want to hurt Scarlett in the process.
She had the right to be friends with whomever she wanted. Even the god-awful, Giddeon. Son of the Dark One, such a stupid and cowardly boy. Hope could not see what she saw in him, she couldn't understand.
Hope made her way around the corner of the library and down the narrow street. Her back pressed on the cold concrete wall, slumping down slowly until her ass hits the hard pavement underneath her. Tears rolling down her cheeks. Why had this affected her so much, caused so much jealousy? Scarlett had other friends, why did it bother her so much that she had someone who she seemed interested in, someone who wasn't her? Maybe it was time she admitted it to herself, Hope liked Scarlett, more than a friend. She had known for long that she missed Scarlett, but only now did she understand just how much she missed HER.