Hope @hopeforthelogans - Tumblr Blog

My attempt at making a Steffy/Hope PNG.

#steffy forrester #hope logan #jacqueline macinnes wood #kim matula

queensteffy:

“Too late,” Steffy said, enjoying the smile Hope managed to bring to her face so fast. “You have to let them run their course.” Steffy could, in fact, turn them off at will. She had done it before. It took a lot of effort though, and right now, Steffy didn’t even want to turn them off. She had some emotions to let out.

Steffy just let herself enjoy the moment, let herself enjoy the hug. She slowly breathed out, her muscles relaxing with her, not realizing how tense she had been. This had the effect of allowing her to absorb the details of her surroundings. The fabric of Hope’s shirt, her smooth skin, the faint fragrance from her hair, which smelled like vanilla…but what she noticed the most was the strength of the hug. It wasn’t a low-effort attempt at appearing empathetic…there was actual worry and care behind it.

Pulling back from the hug slowly, she said, “I know it’s hard to trust other people to help. You’re so used to doing everything for yourself, but Steffy, we’re here for you. I’m here for you.”

A part of her was sad at having to leave the hug but she ignored it. She turned her attention back to the conversation. “I know, and thank you. I promise I’ll…be more open to accepting help. Thank you for being so supportive.”

As Hope watched Steffy’s eyes drooped and her posture sagged, clearly the pills were starting to kick in. It was oddly humanizing.

“You can go take a nap if you want?” Hope suggested lightly, hooking her thumb over her shoulder to indicate the closed door to Steffy’s bedroom. “I can stay and keep an eye on the girls while you rest so you can sleep uninterrupted.”

She’d even packed her laptop into Beth’s diaper bag. She could work while everyone else slept or, looking over at Steffy as she fought so hard against the wave of sleepiness, she could cook dinner while they slept (that way when her stepsister awoke again she wouldn’t have to cook.)

#p: queensteffy #t: checking #v: main

queensteffy:

“I’m grateful for the chance at girl time, you know?”

Steffy’s hopes were dashed. Of course she has time now. She started to come up with a new plan but stopped when Hope began again.

“I know we’ve had our ups and downs, Steffy, but I care about you…When my Mom called me and said you’d been in an accident, my heart stopped for a second. You could’ve died, Steffy.”

Despite the fact she was in a pretty bad wreck, that wasn’t the way she saw it. She thought of it as nothing serious because no one was seriously hurt, so the result framed her point of view. It happened, she was okay, move on. Steffy realized she never stopped to think about how others might have viewed the incident.

She took a second to reverse the situation, imagining her mother or Liam or even Hope in that situation. Her heart hurt a little at just imagining that scenario, but she knew that she would want to be right there with them to make sure they were taking care of themselves.

“You might not believe me, Steffy, but you are so important to me.”

Steffy turned to Hope at those words, not expecting to hear anything like that. She felt surprise followed by a small rush of emotion, then a second rush when she saw the tears forming in Hope’s eyes. They weren’t just empty words.

“You’ve been my acquaintance, my sister, my coworker, my work rival, my love rival, and my friend. You’ve challenged me and made me stronger. Honestly…part of the reason I am who I am because I’ve had you in my life. The idea of you being gone… it terrified me, Steffy.”

Every word hit Steffy hard, Hope’s tears not helping the situation. Instinctively she reached out. “Sweetie, no, come here.” She tried her best to move into a hug, embracing her sister-in-law tightly.

“Don’t cry, I’m…” Steffy couldn’t find the words. She knew just saying “I’m fine” would do nothing. She pulled away enough to look her in the face. “I need to apologize. I…was too busy trying to protect my pride and thinking about what I went through that I didn’t think about what you were going through.” Steffy caught a falling tear with her thumb, having nothing else to wipe them away.

“That car accident didn’t just hurt me did it?” Steffy asked, offering an apologetic smile, her own tears starting to fall.

“I didn’t think about what you were going through.”

Hope chuckled humorlessly, meeting Steffy more than halfway into the hug, being as careful as possible not to aggravate the other woman’s injuries. “No, Steffy, that’s not what I meant. What you’re going through is way more important. I just meant, you aren’t alone. That no matter what you think of me, I do care about you. We all do. Let us be here for you. Let me be here for me.”

The blonde offered a watery smile as Steffy wiped a tear. Steffy was so fierce, so strong, and so afraid of being hurt that she kept people at arms length, but occasionally she let people see the real her. Those opportunities weren’t often in Hope’s presence, but when they did, she felt incredibly honored. This was one of those moments.

“Hey, no,” she said, pulling herself together a little, “if you start crying, then we’ll both be crying and that’s no good, yeah?”

#t: checking #p: queensteffy #v: main

queensteffy:

“Well, it doesn’t hurt that bad,” Steffy clarified as she popped a pill in and reached for the juice. She froze as the pain reared up again, and continued to reach for the orange juice but noticeably slower. Still, she tried her best to play it off as if it were simple.

Steffy felt the juice wash the pill down, thinking about the relief it would bring, until she remembered all of the side-effects. She didn’t know what she would potentially do under the influence and she didn’t think she could handle having Hope seeing her in that state.

She began to think of a way to get Hope out soon before the pills took effect.

“So I’m sure you have a busy day ahead of you today don’t you? I hope I didn’t take you away from anything important.” Steffy lay back on the sofa, trying to act relaxed. “If you’re staying here for me, don’t worry, I’ll be fine,” she said using her most confident voice.

Busying herself with her mini water, Hope pretended not to see as Steffy halted for a second before reaching for her drink again. Clearly her claims of it ‘not hurting that bad,’ were simply bravado on her part. Hope understood that; Steffy was prideful woman and admitting she needed any help (even pharmaceutical help) went against her nature. Unfortunately for her, helping and trying to do the best thing for everyone was in Hope’s nature. She wasn’t about to let Steffy struggle alone, not when it was in her power to be there for her.

“So I’m sure you have a busy day ahead of you today don’t you?”

“No, not really,” Hope said, settling back into the couch. She was well aware that the older woman was trying ton push her away. Hope, however, could be just as stubborn as her stepsister. “Most days, I’ve been working for home. Zoe’s been handling the office stuff for the most part.”

“If you’re staying here for me,”

“Are you kidding?” Hope asked with a little chuckle, “It’s been so long since I’ve held an adult conversation with anyone, but Liam.” Tossing Steffy a soft smile, “I’m grateful for the chance at girl time, you know?” It was becoming crystal clear that if she wanted Steffy to accept her help, she’d have to be vulnerable first.

“I know we’ve had our ups and downs, Steffy, but I care about you.” Unconsciously, she started to peel at the label on her water bottle, “When my Mom called me and said you’d been in an accident, my heart stopped for a second. You could’ve died, Steffy.”

Shaking her head slightly, “I was so relieved when mom said you were going to be okay. For Kelly and Liam, obviously, but for myself as well. You might not believe me, Steffy, but you are so important to me.”

Chuckling softly, she looked over at the brunette with a watery smile, “You’ve been my acquaintance, my sister, my coworker, my work rival, my love rival, and my friend. You’ve challenged me and made me stronger. Honestly,” Hope said with tears shining in her eyes, “part of the reason I am who I am because I’ve had you in my life. The idea of you being gone... it terrified me, Steffy.”

#p: queensteffy #t: checking #v: main

queensteffy:

“Why don’t put her down for a more traditional nap? Which will give you back the use of your arms…”

Steffy’s arms were happy to get a break. Infants were never easy to carry, but it was exponentially more difficult with injured arms. Her muscles became tired way too quickly.

Sleeping with Kelly was a much better idea. Just the thought of those two in the same crib brought a big smile to her face.

She gathered her strength and moved to the couch, hissing in pain as she sat down, but sighed in relief when she was in a comfortable position. Steffy took the pill bottle and braced her arms to open it but her muscles were too tired. She tried to squeeze again but her hand couldn’t do it, and Steffy couldn’t tolerate much more pain.

“Kelly’s sleeping soundly…I hope Beth sleeps as well at Kelly’s age.”

Steffy instinctively stopped trying to open the bottle, holding it between her palms. She hoped Hope didn’t notice, her prideful side taking over.

“Did you take the medication?”

Steffy considered lying to spare herself the humiliation, but she needed it if she was going to get back on her feet again. She swallowed her pride. “Umm…so I can’t open the bottle…” she said not making eye contact. “Could you…?” She couldn’t even bring herself to finish the question as she handed the bottle to Hope.

“I don’t need them that bad.” she stated in an effort to save a bit of pride, “After all it was just a small accident, nothing too serious.”

Hope eyed the bottle between Steffy’s hands, but quickly turned her blue gaze to her companion’s face. It was strange, seeing the usually so polished woman less than perfect, but Hope thought it made the older woman less intimidating, more approachable.

“Could you…?”

“Oh yeah,” Hope said as Steffy offered up the bottle. “These things are always a pain to get open on the best of days.” Hope herself struggled to get the lid off the prescription bottle, “Boy, this thing is on there, huh?” Finally managing to get the top off, she handed the orange plastic container back to its owner along with its lid.

Hope nodded sagely as Steffy offered unnecessary explanations. She didn’t need to justify herself. Of course she was in pain, she’d been in a serious motorcycle accident. She didn’t need to minimize her pain, not to Hope anyway. Steffy was a strong woman, if she thought she needed medication, then she damn well needed it.

“Even so, the medicine can’t hurt. Why be in pain unnecessarily?” She reasoned, pushing her hair behind her ear.

#t: checking #v: main #p: queensteffy

queensteffy:

Steffy happily took the juice, quite thirsty, and took a gulp.

“Liam took him to that trampoline park he’s been wanting to visit so he’s probably having a blast, but he did want me to tell you that he’s thinking of you.”

“Aww, that’s so sweet of him,” she said, touched by just how much of an angel that boy could be. “I really want to see but you’re right. Right now I feel like one hug from him and I’ll break into pieces. But he’s probably having way more fun at the trampoline park than he would visiting a broken, old lady,” she said laughing to herself.

As she spoke she could feel a dull throb begin to surface and right on queue, her watch alarm went off, letting her know it was time for her medication. She silenced the alarm and looked around for bottle of pills, remembering it was in the kitchen. Why did I even leave them there? she thought to herself.

Steffy looked at Hope and, seeing the kindness in her eyes, felt secure enough to ask. “Could you please bring me one more thing? I sorta left my medicine in the kitchen.” Steffy gave an apologetic smile.

“You neither broken nor old,” Hope objected amid a light laugh; she had to assume Steffy was joking because if Steffy was old than Hope was too. She refused to be old, darn it. “You’re just healing.”

“Yeah, of course,” Hope said, hopping up from her chair to retrieve the prescription. The bright neon-orange bottle was easy to find, standing out in Steffy’s clean kitchen. She snagged it, turning back almost instantly as Beth started to fuss a bit.

Bridging the distance between them, Hope proffered the prescription, while offering, “Why don’t put her down for a more traditional nap? Which will give you back the use of your arms...”

Carefully slipping her arms beneath her baby, the blonde took Beth’s weight on herself and lifted her away. “Is it okay if I put her down with Kelly?”

Once Beth was sleeping soundly in her half-sister’s bedroom, Hope offered the brunette a tentative smile when she closed the door behind her gently. Steffy had moved from the dining table to the plush couch in the living room in the moments that she’d been otherwise occupied.

“Kelly’s sleeping soundly,” she informed her fellow mother, “I hope Beth sleeps as well at Kelly’s age.”

Flopping down next to her stepsister on the white sofa, Hope asked cautiously, “Did you take the medication?” She only inquired because she knew those pill bottles could be a bitch to get open and, with Steffy’s injuries, Hope was sure that didn’t make getting past the child-proof cap any easier.

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queensteffy:

“You want something too while I’m here?”

“Yeah…I’ll have some orange juice please.” She wanted to ask for a bottle of wine but it wouldn’t do well to take alcohol with the painkillers.

As she waited with Beth in her arms, Steffy contemplated Hope’s words. With everything going on, she had almost forgotten about the newest addition to her family. The whole debacle with Douglas was a rollercoaster, but it was probably for the best considering she gained a great son and he gained an amazing mother. Hope went from losing a child to having two. She was almost jealous.

Hope nodded unconsciously, making her way to the stainless steel refrigerator. She pulled one cup down. plastic because little kids made glass not a good choice, and set it down on the counter before opening the refrigerator. She took out a mini-water bottle before removing the orange juice. After pouring the drink and returning the container, she took both the drinks back to Steffy’s dining table.

“Here you go,” she said, coming up behind Steffy to place the cup beside her on the tabletop.

“Speaking of Douglas though, he wanted to come too, but he’s been a bit rambunctious lately and we didn’t want to overwhelm you.” She took her seat once more and broke the seal on her mini-water bottle, “Liam took him to that trampoline park he’s been wanting to visit so he’s probably having a blast, but he did want me to tell you that he’s thinking of you.”

Last night as she was headed in to tuck him into bed, she’d overheard him praying/talking asking his mommy (Caroline) to watch over his Aunt Steffy and help her feel better. It had brought tears to her eyes; he was truly amazing little boy.

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queensteffy:

“Why don’t you sit and I’ll hand her to you so you don’t have to lift her?”

Steffy’s pride was a little hurt at being vulnerable in front of someone. She wasn’t the kind who liked showing weakness, even in front of close family. She took it as consolation that at least Hope hadn’t outright mentioned it, though Steffy realized she wasn’t too upset she was in such a state in front of Hope.

Years ago she would never let Hope see her in such a state, but now, Hope had turned into someone she could trust and even be vulnerable around. She knew Hope wouldn’t judge her or think any less of her.

This realization let Steffy relax more and enjoy the incoming moment with Beth. She had to restrain herself from planting a barrage of kisses on the sleeping bundle of joy, happy to hold the baby she thought of as her daughter for months.

The pain of letting go of Beth was offset by the happiness she felt when she saw Hope with her daughter. It was where she belonged and how things were supposed to be. Plus she was allowed to be in Beth’s life, and that was more than enough.

“So, how are holding up, Steffy, really?”

“As good as I can be.” Steffy decided it was okay to be a little open and vulnerable. “A lot of pain, but I’m just glad Kelly and I are okay and nothing worse happened.” Steffy gave Beth’s nose a light tap with her finger, unable to resist and careful not to wake her.

“I’m also glad I don’t have to be in the hospital, so I can be here with Kelly though…” Steffy carefully adjusted on the chair with a small wince. “…The pain can be pretty strong at times. But it’s worth it.”

Steffy looked up at Hope. “How have you been?”

“As good as I can be [...] and nothing worse happened.”

The mention of pain had Hope’s smile fading. Sure, she and Steffy had their issues, but she never wanted to see the older woman in pain or anyone else, for that matter. Chewing on the inside of her cheek a little, Hope mentally went down a list of the things she might be able to help Steffy with while she was visiting without, you know, letting Steffy know that she was helping.

“But it’s worth it.”

Looking at Beth still slumbering in Steffy’s arms, she couldn’t keep a smile from her lips. “Yeah, it really is.”

She’d do in the world anything for Beth. Douglas and Kelly too. She’d lay her life on the line for all of them, because they deserved it. They were precious.

“How have you been?”

The question prompted a choked-off laugh to tumble from her lips. How had she been? She hadn’t been the one in a motorcycle accident. She hadn’t sprained her back or fractured several ribs. In fact there was only thing worthy of note, in the face of all that Steffy had been through. “I’ve just been keeping up with Douglas...or trying to anyway. Between he and Beth, well, let’s just say, it’s very dull.”

Offering her host another cautious smile, she asked, “Would you mind if I got a glass of water? I’ve been parched today.”

Once she’d got the go ahead, Hope stood and headed for the raised kitchenette. She turned a little as she opened the fridge, making sure to keep her voice low, “You want something too while I’m here?”

#t: checking #v: main #p: queensteffy

queensteffy:

Steffy’s face lit up at the sight of Beth which had the effect of making her momentarily forget her injuries. Trying to stand up had the effect of reminding her of those injuries, her hand clutching her ribs. “Oh wow..every time I keep thinking it won’t hurt as much but…”

Steffy reached out for Beth. “Oh but seeing that beautiful face of yours makes me feel so much better,” she said in her baby voice. “May I?” she asked Hope, hoping to pick up Beth. Her face occasionally winced in pain when she moved.

Hope watched, warmth blossoming in her chest, as Steffy’s face lit up at the sight of Beth. Those months of loss and sorrow that she’d lived through, thinking Beth had died at birth, were some of Hope’s darkest days, but one thing she would never deny was Steffy’s love for Beth. The brunette had loved and cared for her little girl while outside forces kept Hope away from her baby; Hope would be eternally grateful for that. After all, she was a firm believer that the bigger, more supportive a ‘village’ for a child, the better.

A frown turned down Hope’s lips as she heard Steffy mumble to herself. Hope was so tempted to kindly suggest that Steffy take easy, but instead she held her tongue. The other woman probably won’t take her well-meant worry for what it was. Hell, she’d probably assume Hope was judging her for her pain or something. No, it was much better to hold her tongue.

“May I?”

“Of course,” Hope said with a small nod of consent. “Why don’t you sit and I’ll hand her to you so you don’t have to lift her?” Bridging the small distance to the dining table, she set the heavy carrier down on the table. Noting the slight wince that Steffy couldn’t suppress as she settled back into her chair. Hope undid the mint green clasps on Beth’s baby seat and gently picked up the little girl.

The slumbering baby made of a few noises of distress at being tucking of the place where she’d been sleeping so comfortable, but Hope bounced her lightly for a few second while muttering a soft hush and Beth returned to her slumber. Carefully settling the slumber infant in Steffy’s folded arms, Hope settled down in one of the other chairs at the dining table, watching as her step-sister by marriage cooed at the baby.

After a few moments of companionable silence, Hope finally dared to ask, “So, how are holding up, Steffy, really?”

#v: main #t: checking #p: queensteffy

Checking: Hope & Steffy

Hope smiled down at her sleeping baby girl in her car seat as she came to a stop in front of the door to the beach house. Not wanting to risk waking the house’s child occupant, on the off-chance that Kelly was asleep too, Hope settled for waving at Steffy’s motion-activated video doorbell.

Once given permission to enter, she called out softly, stepping down the two stairs into the house, “Steffy?”

Following the sound of the older woman’s voice, she found the brunette sitting at her dining room table, “Hey Steffy, hope you don’t mind us dropping by.” Letting the carrier the handle of which she held in her dominant hand, “Beth wanted to come check on you.” Looking down at the sleeping child she added, “The ride here put her to sleep though.”

@queensteffy

#t: checking #v: main #p: queensteffy