#love her i hope this makes other celebs feel more comfy speaking out for her

[gale-gentlepenguin]

ML Fic: Soulmate Survey Part 11

(Master post)

Before you start, I want to thank all of you so much for the amazing fan art. I never thought I would see so many versions of Marinette’s outfit. Also, your comments and support have really made writing this a delight. 

Okay now for part 11.

_______________________________________________________________________

The ladybloger was relaxing in her room. She was looking at her laptop and was thinking of what to do? Adrien’s interview didn't start for another half an hour, nothing new regarding Ladybug and Chat noir, and she had zero motivation in tackling her homework. She was considering messaging her boyfriend and seeing if he wanted to play some ‘Super penguino’, he would likely say yes. Just as she picked up her phone, she remembered that thing Marinette sent her.

“Oh yea, what was this about.” She said aloud as she looked at the audio recording. “Jeez, its like a forty minute recording. What did she do an interview?”

Alya shrugged, ‘super penguino’ can wait. She pressed play and began listening to the recording.

_______________________________________________________________________

“And We. Are. Live! Welcome my lovely listeners! I am Sonny Potins and you are watching ‘Scoops and Scandal’, the show that brings up the scoops and scandals with your favorite Celebs.” The enthusiastic wavy blonde haired host exclaimed. She was in her mid twenties and was wearing plenty of make up. “And today we have a very special guest, you have seen his ads all over Paris, the young model who is the face of the Gabriel brand, the one and only, Adrien Agreste.”

The spot light shined on Adrien as he approached the stage to his seat with the audio from the cologne ad playing in the background. The studio audience cheered as the model walked with a cool yet approachable attitude. A bunch of them screaming ‘I love you’ ‘Adrien!’ ‘You are amazing’.  Adrien smiled and waved at the audience.

Sonny was sitting in a comfy leather chair across from Adrien, who was sitting in an identical chair. She was sitting on the left, and her was sitting on the right. A table with two water bottle and two microphones stood between them. The chairs were angled to help the two face each other while also face the cameras and the audience. Above them was a jumbo screen that would show clips, info, and whatever the people in charge wanted to show. Usually fan submitted questions, photos or live cam.

“I am happy to be here.” Adrien greeted the audience.

“I am sure all of Paris would love to hear all about you. So lets get the ball rolling.”

Back stage, Marinette watched out of view, she looked to see Adrien notice her and give her a quick wink before looking back at the host. Marinette smiled at his sudden wink, doing her best to stay calm.

“Seems like everything is going well.” A voice whispered from Marinette’s jacket.

“Yea, I can't believe Adrien found out about the scarf. I thought he would be sad about finding out the gift wasn't from his father.” Marinette whispered.

“Seems like he is happy to have someone who cares about his feelings. You both seem to be really connecting.” Tikki assured. “I think he doesn't see you as a just a friend anymore.”

“You think?” Marinette questioned with hope in her voice.

“Call it a hunch, but in the mean time, we should probably listen in. Maybe you can learn more about him through this interview.”

“I am pretty sure it won't reveal anything new, most of these interviews are just for publicity, repeating questions that were asked in the past. But I am glad Adrien is getting the screen time he deserves. He is really great.” Marinette responded. “Though I am not opposed to watching at all.”

Tikki rolled her eyes and smiled at her chosen. Marinette sure was helpless when it came to Adrien, but the same could be said about Chat noir around Ladybug. How the red bug Kwami wanted to reveal this tid bit of information to Marinette. But she said she wouldn't and the time will come one day.

_______________________________________________________________________

“And I was right about his favorite color!” One of the four girls squeaked.

“We all got that question! I expect nothing less from the Adriknights.” Adrienne answered with pride.

Lila was sitting to the side of the couch as she watched these four fangirls gush at every word that Adrien said, it was nauseating. The interview was so by the book it was boring, combine that fact with annoying fans and it only gets worse. The brunette had begun contemplating the pros and cons of a lobotomy by plastic spoon, but she knew she would have to endure. 

Adrienne was the perfect person to set up to be akumatized, she needed to wait for something to make her upset, anything that would bring potential negative emotions to draw an akuma here. But this interview was practically kid stuff. But then something caught her attention. Lila tuned back into the tv to listen to a particularly interesting thread the host was spinning.

_______________________________________________________________________

“...but yes I am allergic to feathers, but as long as I am not wearing them or I breath near them, I don't sneeze.” Adrien answered.

“Adrien, you are quite an enigma in this city. a young teen that is one of the most well known faces in Paris, a voice actor, and has his own line of cologne, which is just getting an international release.” Sonny exclaimed. The crowd cheered as the jumbo screen showed a picture of the Ad. “Yet you are one of the sweetest people I ever had the pleasure of interviewing. Most stars around your age are... well they are spoiled brats to put it mildly. What helps you stay so kind and keeps you grounded?”

The crowd was quiet as they waited for Adrien’s answer.

“Well I am lucky enough to be surrounded by talented people. My Best buddy Nino is an up and coming DJ, his girlfriend Alya runs the Ladyblog, my fencing Team mate Kagami comes from a legacy of proud fencers, and Marinette is a fashion designer that has designed works that the fashion critic Audrey Borgeois and My father have both approved of. The latter of which I can tell you personally is no small feat.” Adrien started off. 

“Then of course the fact that we live in a city full of superheroes. Nothing is more awe inspiring and humbling then seeing Ladybug save Paris. She is just so incredible. It is reassuring knowing that she is watching over Paris. She is really Miraculous” Adrien slightly gushed before bringing it back. “Those are just some of the amazing people I know and know off, its easy to remember to stay humble when you are surrounded by wonderful people.”

The crowd awed at the cute statement. They were eating up his words.

“Talented indeed. You are quite the fan of Ladybug. If I remember correctly she has saved you a few time. Should Chat noir be worried if you have a crush on the spotted heroine?” Sonny teased.

The blond blushed, but didn't let himself get flustered.

“I am sure Chat noir wouldn't hold it against me. I am pretty sure everyone in Paris has a little crush on Ladybug.” Adrien deflected. “It would be easier to make a list of people who didn't like Ladybug.”

The crowd clapped in agreement, Ladybug was a well respected hero and the Blond made an excellent point. Marinette smiled at the little display, the blond was able to easily handle everything the host was throwing at him. She also was a little happy to hear that Adrien was a fan.

“Truer words have never been spoken. Though speaking of the cat hero, he happens to be a handsome blond hero with a certain flare, are you actually chat noir?” Sonny prodded. “Because that is a popular theory going around.

Adrien for a split second felt a tingle of fear in the back of his spine, but thankfully he knew the host was playing with him.  So he laughed it off.

“Secrets out, Thats why I was cast to voice him in the movie.” Adrien remarked with a clearly joking tone.

The crowd laughed along with the blond.

“If that were the case, my father would have a trademark on all of the Chat noir merchandise in Paris.” Adrien answered.

“I heard your father is pretty protective of your image. Is it true that people can't take any pictures of you without you or your father’s consent without being fined?”

“Pictures are fine as long as they don't try to make merchandise of me or use it for financial gain like in magazines, media and tabloids. Thats when people get sued. Thats why there aren't that many paparazzi that hang out by the Agreste manor, they couldn't handle the lawsuits.” Adrien explained. “Not exactly easy to do, my father spent a fortune doing that, but considering the industry he was in, he more then made back his money.”

Marinette blinked.

That explained why he was never hounded at school by photographers. Though that didn't really stop the fans when that ad first came out.

“Fascinating, Your father must be pretty protective over you?”

“Its his way of showing he cares.” Adrien answered. He managed to maintain a smile despite how irritated he was over how protective and controlling his father is.

“So that means having permission to bring a guest to any of your events must be a hardsell.” Sonny continued prodding.

“He is easing up a bit more ever since he said I could go to school. I can sometimes bring friends along to events, like fashions shows and photoshoots.” Adrien assured. “I was even able to bring a guest to this interview.”

Sonny nodded.

“Oh, yes. I believe I bumped into her when you both showed up. I believe her name was Marinette. She was the designer you mentioned earlier.” Sonny smiled.

“Thats right. Marinette is pretty great. I am glad she was able to come along.” Adrien responded.

Marinette smiling brightly at the comment, he was happy she was there.

Sonny smirked, she had found a way to kick this interview up a notch.

“Hey can we get a view of Adrien’s cute guest? I remember her wearing this amazing outfit and I think the audience will love to meet her.”  Sonny asked.

“Wait I think she should have a say before...” Adrien tried to interject but sure enough the big screen revealed a camera showing up behind Marinette.

“Say hi sweetie, you are on the air.” Sonny called out.

The bluish-black haired designer turned around and noticed the camera. She nervously waved, unsure of what to do.

“H-hi sweetie.” Marinette parroted nervously. She wish she was better prepared for this. Granted it wasn't the first time a camera caught her off guard, she still remembers when the cameras following Jagged stone went into her room. That was a real nightmare, this might be a close second.

The crowd was cheering as they saw Marinette on the screen. One person in the audience yelling ‘Damn she cute!’ but no one knew where.

“Oh wow, she is cute.” Sonny commented. “I need to find out where she got that outfit, it is incredible.”

“She made it herself. That is just one of her designs.” Adrien answered. “But I think we should turn the camera off, I don't think she would like to be on camera without permission.”

“Of course.” Sonny motioned quickly and the screen stopped showing Marinette. “I guess we got a little over excited her on SaS. Thats what I call this little show.”

“As I was saying. Marinette did design that outfit herself. She told me it was inspired by Chat noir and I must say it is very impressive.” Adrien veered the conversation back to avoid that awkward moment. He made a mental note to make sure Marinette was okay with being on camera like that and apologize if she wasn't. He had told her she would likely not be on camera, and this was counter to what he had said.

“Well I see why you are humbled by her talent. That design is to die for. Though are you worried that Chat noir might steal her away from you? She did base a design off of him.” Sonny poked.

Adrien felt a faint blush thinking about this.

“I am sure Chat noir would probably find himself falling for her if she wore that in front of him.” Adrien answered, more honestly then the audience knew. 

“So what is your relationship with this Marinette? Are you dating? Because I do remember rumors floating around about you running around Paris with a mystery girl? Omg is SHE that mystery girl?!” Sonny excitedly interrogated, causing the crows to lean forward and ‘Ooooooooh’

“Marinette was one of the first people that helped me out when I first started class, though we didn't exactly get off on the right foot at first.” Adrien began.

“Oh? Someone that didn't love you after first meeting you? I find that hard to believe.” Sonny replied.

The Designer was beet red from the previous questions and was now listening super closely. She was going to get to hear how Adrien thought of her.

“You could almost say she hated me, but considering how she thought I put gum on her seat, I doubt anyone would have had a high opinion of me.” Adrien continued. “ It didn't matter that I was a model or had a decent face...”

One person on the audience screamed ‘Your face is perfect!’ which got a few claps. Adrien nodded in the direction mouthing a  ‘Thanks’ before facing the camera again.

“It was the first time I realized someone was treating me like a person, not just as a model or as some rich person that needed to be coddled. It made me want to change her mind, her opinion of me mattered. Because it was someone that was judging me for me, not my reputation, not my family, just me.” Adrien confessed.

Marinette remembered that moment in the rain outside of the school. It was the moment that she fell in love with him.

“I managed to clear the air with her and she was happy to move past it once she heard me out about the misunderstanding. After that, I started to get to know her.” Adrien smiled. “She had become my first real friend even though it was a bit bumpy at first, she always seemed nervous around me, I thought it was because she was still on guard, but I realized that it was just her being Marinette, she always seemed nervous but never let it stop her from helping people. She is someone I admire and someone that I can say I am better for knowing.” Adrien finished.

The crowd was surprised by his answer. kind of silent by it.

Adrien realized he had more or less spilled out how he felt about her. 

Crap... So much for keeping it calm and professional. I was so busy trying to not  to put a label on it that I ended up spilling my guts. 

The audience started clapping. There was thunderous applause, they were moved by Adrien’s word. 

At the edge of the stage, Marinette was crying happy tears. 

He thinks of me like that.

The audience’s applause seemed to die down and Sonny was able to speak up again.

“Truly beautiful wording. But that didn't really answer the question.” Sonny pointed out. She smiled as she noticed something on his cheek that was pointing away from the camera.

“Seems the make up crew missed a spot. There seems to be some lip gloss on your cheek there.” Sonny stated with glee. “And what a familiar shade it is.”

Adrien and Marinette’s face’s shared the same red blush and their thoughts were in sync.

OH FUCK!

“And we will find out more about that and answer some fan questions... When we come back!” Sonny answered as she closed out for commercial.

_______________________________________________________________________

“Oh wow things are really getting interesting.” Nino commented to himself as he was watching Tv and the interview went into commercial. “Good on Marinette for making a move.”

He decided to support his friend by watching the interview, at first it was pretty dull, until Adrien started talking about him and their friends. Of course that host smelled blood in the water and she kept on attacking. He notices his phone buzz. It was a text from Alya.

‘Open the door asap!’

Oh crap! Did I forget something important! Think Nino, is today her birthday? No that is next month. Anniversary? No that was last month. What did I mess up?

Nino opened the door to see his rather furious Girlfriend at the door.

“Hey Babe have you been watching Adrien’s interview? Things are really... is something wrong?” Nino asked cautiously.

“First, is anyone home aside from you?” Alya asked, talking with an eerie calm.

“Are you planning on Killing me?” Nino asked trying to pretend like he was joking.

“Not you, you are wonderful. Someone else.” Alya assured.

“Oh, then yea. Its just me.”

“Okay good.” Alya smiled for a second before closing the door before letting her emotions out. “THAT TWO FACED BITCH LIED TO OUR FACE!”

Nino was shocked. “Wait who?”

“Lila! She blatantly lied to our faces! She told us that she was sorry, that it was a simple error in judgment. That she was doing this to help Marinette and Adrien! It was all a load of crap! My Intuition was picking up on this but I ignored it because I didn't have proof. But now I have proof!” Alya raved.

“Babe, deep breaths. What proof?” Nino tried to ease.

“You are gonna wanna sit down for this.” Alya stated. _______________________________________________________________________

Lila felt her fist tremble as she watched that interview. She was disgusted by his praise of Ladybug, how he kept so calm and collected, but then, then he started talking about Marinette. He was practically saying he worshiped the ground she walked on and then just to add insult to injury, that comment about Lip gloss.

The brunette wanted to scream, but her emotions seemed to cool when she noticed Adrienne’s reaction.

“Who is that bitch!?” Adrienne shouted as she shot up from the couch. “How come she gets to get so close to Adrien!? How come he is practically singing her praises! Just because she is a designer? I designed all of these banners! I designed the Adriknight Logo!” 

“Adrienne... Please calm down, I don't think they are dating. He would have clarified it if they were.” Maggie tried to ease.

Lila felt her rage turn to sinister inspiration.

“Oh Adrienne, I am really sorry to tell you this, but they are.” Lila spoke with a saddened tone.

The three other girls looked at Lila with wide eyes. As if saying ‘What have you done’

“WHAT!?! That can't be true. You are lying!” Adrienne cried out.

Lila walked over.

“They started dating a few days ago, after they got matched up in Soulmate Searcher.”

Adrienne felt her knees wobble.

“Thats not possible... I made an account, I would have showed up on his list if he had one.” Adrienne answered.

Lila pulled out her phone and showed her a photo, one that showed Adrien’s list.

“Adrien sent me this when he told me they started dating.” Lila lied as she let the girl look at the photo closely.

“Adrienne please don't listen to her. It is obviously a joke!”

“Oh, I wish it was. Marinette is a nasty manipulative shrew that is only dating Adrien because she wants him to help launch her fashion career. The poor boy doesn't even realize it.” Lila spoke into Adrienne’s ear.  “I am convinced she rigged it to get 100%, after all, no one else has ever gotten 100%. But poor naive Adrien was so trusting of the app that he just couldn't help but give it a chance.”

Tears began to stream down the club president’s cheeks.

“Adrien... but he .... but we...” Adrienne tried to articulate as she dropped Lila’s phone. She ran into the bathroom and started sobbing.

The three other girls ran after their club president as Lila picked up her phone. She snagged an Adrien cupcake and took a bite out of it, before casually walking out of the room. Lila was going to make her way to the studio.

Enjoy your gift Hawkmoth. I need to go get that recording.

_______________________________________________________________________

A window opened letting the light into a dark room. A man in a grayish silver mask and a purple suit stood in a room filled with White butterflies.

“Ah, obsession, The crazy sister of the emotion of Love. The tears and absolute anguish of a heartbroken fan who finds herself separated from the object of her affections. How tragic. It seems Miss Rossi has blessed me with a gift.” Hawkmoth monologued as he opened his hand allowing a white butterfly to land. He infused the white butterfly with his power turning it into an akuma

“Go my Akuma, find the source of that powerful negative emotion and evilize her” The villain exclaimed as he sent out the akuma from his hand and let it fly into Paris.

_______________________________________________________________________

Adrienne wept on the floor of her bathroom as her friends tried to get her to come out. She was clutching her bag of homemade Adriknight pins as she cried.

“Adrien... you belong to all of us... not that evil witch...” She sniffled as she let her sorrow take hold. The akuma flew through the small bathroom window and possessed the bag. Adrienne sat up and her face now had a purple butterfly outline over her face.

“Fandoom, I am Hawkmoth. Adrien is someone that can not be possessed by one individual, he deserves the praise and adoration of all of Paris. I am giving you the ability to expand your influence and power by recruiting more members for your cause. Show him that he deserves better. In exchange, you will deliver to me Ladybug and Chat noir’s Miraculous.”

The red head smiled darkly at the proposal. Adrien was not something that could belong to one person. If Adrien was taken away, then there would be no Adriknights, and then the club would dissolve. She couldn't let that happen!

“I accept Hawkmoth. I will show Adrien the love he deserves.”

Adrienne was covered in a purplish black mist transforming her into an akuma.

_______________________________________________________________________

Part 11 is finished I am so amazed by all of the amazing takes you guys have on Marinette’s outfit. So, I thought of something that would be cool if you guys are up for it. I want to see your guesses on what you think ‘Fandoom’ looks like. (This is completely optional and will not impact whether or not I write part 12. It would be super cool to see.)

Please Keep up that amazing feedback. I love seeing those notes and comments, It really feeds my impulsive need to write.

Below are all the people who are tagged. If you have not been tagged, and want to be tagged, or requested to be tagged and want to be from now on (PLEASE Check to make sure you are tagged in case there is an issue with the system):

@suzanaboss @chrissyl0v3 @changingmagz @black-cat-9000 @misscrimsonflame  @wegan97 @maddrag @lady13bug @franco-green @i-sttan @t-mblrwontletmehaveagoodname @miraculous-multishipper@assortedyeets @noirchengs @katzzz  @miyugaze@mindfulmagics@janaikam@wolfyred-ks @only1nycsweetie @aconi17 @miraculousl4dybug @origami-dreams @mellsrants @idekpeople@isingwhennobodyseesme@garfieldloganlovesrachel@mr-ray607@bromanticgigglefits @masked-bixch@starryarose@flightfoot @coccinellegirl@cheezuschryst @checkmeow @auroradraws @absolutelycoathangered@solar-flare-606@angelisalise

@the-tophatted-dinosaur @galaxies-of-fandoms @rasberrytears@gprattt001  @katthekitkat@myheadinthecloudsnotcomingdown@shayshaymonyou@un1cornf1ghter@mewwitch @lionxufia @obliviousasheck @princessofdawn0718@martasaur @jewelcuzimpreciousdamit@ariana-the-fangirl@whimsicallyconfusedforlife

@mr-adrien-swagreste@poptartpeter@kabih@howtoshuckatlife@theartistinbed@alyas-ladyblog @http-chatbug @blueflower45 @generictrashblog@certainmuffinbagelcalzone

@adricat-and-buginette@tylily@snow-swordswoman@rose-sparks13@wilhelmares @mintflavormelon @kphoe8 @mery-vhan27@skeletonmermaidlife@mermain123@chatnoirismycinnamonroll @here-in-the-corner@lidgraphy@kitzune701 @bowser14456@coccinellegirl@funstufffandomsandcoolpictures @red-pandas-and-books@jsaais@strangerahne @ladybub @zoe-oneesama@chimpcamp@galahadwilder @biacetrash @rose-sparks13 @dweeborg @communistchexmix @heizerux @fusselkuchen @shitposting-embodied @tigris-types @avatar-jenny-mac @xxxspacexxx @loving-neko @coltaire @seguin @ale-san28 @foreverrightnot @panda-charlotka @fanatic-kay  @random-posts-and-stuff @moodiecookie @dear-minette @adannayamiraculousbakes @lunamoonmint @lilbabygoose @kiara-rose-blackthorn @pendragonpotterwinchesterchief @kikisuteru @rominix11 @starlightky @theluckiestwitchathogwarts @cosmiccarrotcake @gargling-through-the-memes @theyellowfeverexperience @scurry-vampire @fan8687 @finnsauroraborealis @vi-bi-bye @silent-storms-posts @kmarinova @absolutelycoathangered @maggiethemagical12 @lexysama

#soulmate survey #soulmate searcher #miraculous ladybug #ml #adrienette #ladrien #marichat #ladynoir #marinette dupain cheng #Adrien agreste #alya cesaire #if this one could also get 1000 notes that would be beautiful #or some delicious fanart #nino lahiffe #so much drama #the fluff #the suspence

[izziebash]

Get Out and Stay Out | STI

Who: @izziebash, @tiaisms, @sagegothel

When: Saturday, July 14th 

Where: A hotel in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee 

What: After hooking up with Huntley, Izzie comes back to the STI hotel room expecting her friends to be happy for her. What she gets, though, is the farthest from what she expected. 

Izzie tucked her touseled blonde hair behind her ear, exhaling for what felt like the first time all night. It had been such an eventful day — Dollywood finally, and then she snuck off to visit Huntley’s hotel room when Tia and Sage had fallen asleep. Mostly because she couldn’t sleep, and also...this whole trip made her want to get to know him a little better. He was cute and tall and funny, and he seemed interested in her, too. This whole trip being all flirty with her every chance he got, and Izzie couldn’t lie that she liked the attention. She’d never been the one who got attention from anyone whenever it was just the three of them. It was nice. And so she didn’t necessarily go to his hotel room expecting to have sex with him, but when one thing led to another, she left it with some experience that was definitely worth bragging to L’ogan about and nerdily screaming with her best friends about. She opened the door with her key card and flipped on the lights, picking up the nearest pillow off the floor and hitting the two sleeping girls with it excitedly. “Wake up wake up wake up!” Izzie exclaimed, before standing on a nearby chair, a perfect pedestal to declare her news. “I totally just had sex with Huntley!” She punctuated the declaration with a girly squeal.

Sage had been sleeping for quite literally hours. Dollywood like, totally wore her out. It was mostly because Tia dragged them around all day pointing out different things that Sage knew she should care about because it would make Tia happy, but in reality she basically had no clue what they were. Don't get her wrong, she loved Dolly Parton as much as the next millennial teen, but she'd totally been texting her super cool and chill boyfriend Wayland all day and had definitely not listened to anything Tia said beyond taking a mental note of the food stands to avoid. Just as she was about to get into a totally steamy dream scene with her current celeb crush, 100 pounds of Izzie shook her awake. "Huh?" She asked sleepily, rubbing her eyes so they'd adjust better. She didn't know if that actually worked, but people did it in movies so it had to count for something. After she fully processed what Izzie said, she sat up quickly. "What?" She half-yelled, instantly regretting it because, ew, morning breath. "You had sex with Huntley?" She hissed, covering her mouth to minimize the possible odor. "Oh my Godmother! How was it? Is this going to be weird? He doesn't think we all want to have sex with him right? Because I totes have a boyfriend and like, cheating probably isn't a cool thing to do."

Tia didn't appreciate being woken up in the slightest. Not only because she just hated her sleep being interrupted after a full and exciting time at Dollywood the day before, she also just wasn't all that interested in hearing anything from Izzie while she was still inexplicably getting all the attention she felt like she deserved from Huntley even while she was purposely keeping a little distance to their soft friends with minor benefits arrangement. Since she felt like it wasn't entirely Izzie's fault that the stupid boy was playing, what Tia assumed to be, the most basic form of hard to get, she left her sleep mask on and sleepily sat up in bed anyway to listen to her friend speak. After Izzie revealed that Huntley's new Izzie thing apparently WASN'T a play for her attentions, she felt her cheeks and chest warming with a blush fueled from a mixture of rage and some mild embarrassment. She almost wanted to hit Sage for asking so many questions but instead, she took her mask off and folded it into her hands on her lap and sighed as if the news wasn't worth waking up for. "At least when Sage lost her virginity she had the decency to do it while we were all awake. "She replied in an almost bored tone, purposely letting out a soft yawn for emphasis.

Izzie held her face with her hands, trying to cool down her burning cheeks and keep from smiling, but she couldn't. That was, until neither of her friends was smiling and squealing with her. "Oh -- sorry," she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear bashfully, biting her lip while still giggling from pure giddiness. "But no, I'm pretty sure he doesn't want to have sex with all of us -- I think he likes me. Me," Izzie repeated the word moreso to herself, because it was still so strange that someone like him would be so interested in her. But this was -- as far as Tia and Sage knew -- her virginity they were talking about! She figured the girls would at least be a little happier. Izzie stepped off of the chair, hugging the pillow to her chest and gave a shrug. "I mean, it's still like super weird that it even happened but it was so nice, and felt surprisingly really good...? And it was like, way more fun than I expected! Aren't you guys happy for me?" She raised her brows, expecting at least somewhat of a reaction from her friends, but all she found was an all-too-familiar sinking feeling in her stomach that made her feel like she did something wrong.

Sage usually looked to Tia for how to react in these kinds of situations, but the blonde looked like she was even sleepier than Sage still was. At least, she must be sleepy, right? Because Sage had been confused, but Tia like... didn't seem to care at all. She remembered how hurt her own feelings had been when she'd gotten like, less than warm comments about Wayland from her bestie, so she figured she'd just give Tia some more time to get to awake-ville while she turned up her excitement for Izzie instead. "Oh my gosh, no, of course I'm excited for you! I just like, had to make sure I understood what was happening first, but if it's not like an 'I drove you all so you owe me sex' kind of thing and it's actually like a 'I'm a boy who finally appreciates how awesometastic Izize is' kind of thing then I'm super here for it!" Sage squealed, reaching out to hug her friend finally. "He's like, super hot too, oh em gee! And you even got to do it in a bed, right? So you were super comfy?"

Tia waited patiently until Sage was done to completely ruin everyone's mood. "Actually, I feel sorry for you, Iz. Huntley doesn't like you. At least not that much, anyway. He's been super into me since we were practically babies and we've been sort of making out lately, that's why he even brought us to Dollywood. Because Ilove Dolly Parton and you guys. I thought it was kind of obvi, so I had sorta been cold shouldering him the whole trip and I guess he wanted comfort from the next best blonde. You." Tia replied, with a half apologetic pout and shrug directed towards Izzie. Tia was way harsher than she ever needed to be in breaking the news to her alleged bestie, but something about the way the other girl had repeated the "me" when informing them of Huntley's affections brought out a degree of jealousy and desire to crush her flat that Tia didn't even know she was capable of feeling. "It kinda makes sense why he'd go for you, we have been kinda twinsying super hard since you dyed your hair the same color as me."

Izzie smiled with relief, engulfed in Sage's hug and glad that she'd been given that little bit of affirmation from her friend. But then Tia spoke up, and the smile nearly melted off of Izzie's face. Tia's words weren't making sense -- well, they were, but it sounded too mean to be Tia. She was never so mean to her, so it took Izzie some time to actually process what she had said. "Next best blonde?" she repeated, a hand self-consciously tugging at her locks as she let go of Sage to face Tia and actually talk through this. A little worried that the words that were rising up in her throat were going to match Tia's venom, Izzie plastered a smile on her face. "You don't know what he likes. He's been flirting with me like, this entire trip, and if you've been making out with him, why didn't you tell us? You tell us everything! So don't feel sorry for me, because I did way more than make out with him so I showed him what he was missing, I guess." she shrugged before placing a hand on her hip, still trying to fathom that Huntley and Tia had been....hooking up? And she had no inkling from either of them that it happened.

Sage still had her arms around Izzie when she registered what Tia was saying, and her head snapped to her friend, her eyes filled with hurt. Izzie had been nice enough to run straight here and tell them like, super mega huge news, and Tia had been... keeping secrets from them? Had they done something wrong? Was it because stupid Charlie was back and Tia didn't need them anymore because she had like, a better person to share her life with? Sage tried to clutch onto Izzie tighter, to cling to the one friend she knew she was never, ever going to lose to somebody else, and she opened her mouth to talk -- to say something, to remind Izzie and Tia that they were both the best blondes and that best friends could share everything and that it was totally okay... but then Izzie was pushing her away, and all Sage could do was hug her arms around her own chest and watch the fireworks. All she could do was hope that things didn't really explode.

Tia rolled her eyes at Izzie. "Well yeah, you're great but you're not me. Yanno?" She said, feeling the tiniest bit bad about that jibe when Izzie looked really cute as a blonde. "But I do know that we're legit in my favorite place to visit because of Huntley wanting to get with me. He flirted with you because you liked it and it clearly made him feel wanted. I haven't even told Charlie about me making out with him after my party, it was a complicated situation." Tia semi explained, not really having that great a reason for why she'd kept the little hook ups to herself. Other than embarrassment about something that wasn't even a factor anymore thanks to Huntley's reinvention. "You're not better than me for having sex with him, you're just sluttier. And that's exactly why I feel sorry for you. You just gave up your v-card to a guy that would totes drop you like a bad sushi if I went over there and said I wanted to go farther. What'sa couple of days when we've had our whole lives?"

Izzie scoffed. Tia's ego had always been huge, but never directed toward her or Sage. She was taken aback and hurt, but also furious that Tia would try to take something so special from her over a boy she apparently didn't even want. "Exactly. You had your whole life to claim Huntley, but instead, you decided to waste four years on a guy who'd choose the ocean over you -- and has chosen the ocean over you -- a million times. At least I didn't lose my v-card to a guy who'd dump me on our anniversary. Maybe I made Huntley feel wanted because you didn't! Because you didn't actually want him! You just wanted someone to kiss your butt until Kai comes crawling back and you decide that you guys belong together again. Right, Sage?" Izzie couldn't believe she was speaking so bluntly to Tia, but she called her slutty! She didn't even say that to Sage when she did anal with Lui. She held onto Sage's hand, squeezing it tightly, trying to suppress the rage that was building up inside of her, and hoping that her friend would agree.

Sage could only let her mouth open and close like a goldfish as she watched the harsh words fly between her two best friends. It was so not like them, to lash out at each other and say such mega-mean things. It kind of reminded her of how she felt when she tried to talk of Kori, not of the safe, happy feeling she usually got from being around Tia and Izzie. And like... she really hoped she didn't have to choose a side, because as much as she usually was willing to follow Tia's lead on anything, Izzie was always the smart one, right? So didn't that mean Izzie was right? "Keeping boys secrets is never like, nice to them. Or nice to the bffs that you're keeping secrets from, but whatevs. If you aren't like, proud of them being your boytoy then you don't have dibs, right? I mean, I like... didn't have dibs on Wayland for a long time because I was embarrassed," Sage offered lamely into the conversation. It didn't quite relate, but she'd never shared a boy with her best friends quite like this before and she didn't know what to tell them. She still squeezed Izzie's hand harder, though, the sting of Tia keeping a secret outweighing everything else for her. Personally, she thought Huntley was super annoying and not worth fighting over, but this was Tia and Izzie's battle, and she was just caught in the middle praying to fix it. "And uh... I mean, just because you got a headstart doesn't mean that Izzie isn't super great, too, T! Maybe he likes you both the same now?"

Tia glared hard at both of them, fighting like crazy to not let the tears welling up in her eyes actually leak out so Izzie couldn't see how she was effecting her emotions. "You have no right to bring Kai up right now. But if you really wanna go there I can take it there. At least I can get guys to like me at all, Izzie. Kai might pick his family over me but at least I can get a boy to love me. What do you have, huh? A boy who dumped you once you learned how to stop dressing like an extra on glee? The boy I set you up with who didn't like you either even though we all know he mostly only likes blondes? Or even worse the boy who only brought you on the trip because he wants to bang your best friend? I don't know about you but I'd still go for Kai every time." Tia didn't even bother acknowledging Sage. Once Sage chose Izzie over her, it didn't even matter. Sage's entire existence was nothing more than noise. "But Kai and I are really are done for good, so dibs or no dibs, sex or no sex, wonder which of us is going to have a better chance actually dating Huntley?"

Izzie grit her teeth, squeezing Sage's hand even harder once Tia pulled out the card that she prayed she wouldn't. They knew that she was insecure about that -- well, then, of course, she knew that Tia was insecure about Kai, and she still pulled that card. But only because Tia was being a spoiled brat, like always. "Ugh, you're so spoiled! Little Miss Louisiana just can't handle not having everything! You get all the attention, all the clothes and the shoes and the cheer captain title, and you guys are always telling me to be more outgoing and try more things, and when I finally get one thing, you want to take it from me! I would have had a better chance at dating Huntley if I'd never even told you, because now you finally know that I'm a threat." She let go of Sage's hand, finally getting the courage to walk up to Tia and look her in the eye to say what she'd been wanting to say for months. "You're right, T. We have been twinning since I went blonde. But you know what? I'm pretty, I'm nice, and I'm smart. I'm beating you three to one right now. I should've known you wouldn't be able to handle it."

Sage hopped up instantly, worried that Izzie and Tia were about to get into a real actual fight. She would have no idea what to actually do if slaps started flying, but she wanted to be ready just in case she did need to jump in between them. The mean things they kept saying to each other were almost worse, though; handprints on your face totally healed, but she wasn't sure if the like, heart-hurts they were inflicting would. "You guys, boys both like you a super lot! There are other boys!" Sage attempted, not even sure her words were heard over the tension in the room. Tia and Izzie couldn't friend break up, besides Wayland they were the only people she had and even with Wayland, they were the only ones she really felt like she came first to. If she had to choose between them, Sage had a feeling that she might like, almost die. "Come on, can't we just like... do a boy draft or something and pick ones you each want to keep for yourselves and then everything will be fine? You're both the greatest, and this is just one like, tall but kind of weird boy, there'll be other ones!"

Tia stood immediately after Izzie started gritting her teeth, because if it was going to turn into a smackdown she wasn't going to be caught unaware."Is this what this is about then? You being jealous that I get things? It's not my fault that people want to pay attention to me more than you or that I got cheer captain when you didn't even try out for the stupid team! I've always been outgoing and cool and the best, without anyone's help, mind you. I'm happy that you're finally trying to step up to my level. But do not get it twisted, Isabella. You are not now, nor will you ever be, a threat to me." Tia's fists clenched up as Izzie stepped up to her and she got so ready to rip into her once she called her stupid. Tia knew she wasn't the smartest person around by any means and that a lot of people knew it too, but she never would've guessed that her own best friend was out here thinking it too. If she wasn't so aggressively angry right then, she'd be unbelievably sad about it, but that emotion could be saved for later. "I'd back away from me right now if I were you. You think you're nicer than me? You do not want to push me into proving you right, right now. I'm not sure Huntley would find you too pretty with a broken nose."

Izzie shrugged off Sage's attempts at consoling her. "This isn't about a boy anymore, Sage, this is about Tia thinking she's better than everyone and me finally not being willing to listen to it anymore. The only thing you're the best at, Tia, is being the snobbiest, stuck-up little brat who can't keep a boyfriend or a sister for more than a few months. We're the only people who have been there for you through everything, but guess what! You need me so much more than I need you. Without me and Sage, you're just the same sad, friendless, poor little rich girl from Freshman year." She did back off when Tia told her to, mostly because she was almost ready to cry, and didn't want things to turn physical and make it so much worse. Izzie started grabbing her things, tossing her clothes haphazardly into her suitcase. "I don't need you anymore. I've got my cousins, I've got Vivi..." She chuckled to herself, then, suddenly reminded of something. "God. You suddenly deciding you want to be with Huntley after having nearly twenty years to do it would be like if Wayland finally liked Vivi back. Ridiculous," she shook her head, forgetting in her moment of rage that her friends didn't exactly know that about Vivi. And when she realized that she'd kind of revealed a little secret, she hoped Sage wouldn't notice and just packed her things faster.

Sage usually hated feeling invisible, although just this once, it was almost better. In their hurry to be mad at each other, at least Tia and Izzie didn't seem to be mad at her... Maybe that meant she could still be friends with both of them, even if the worst happened and they never talked to each other again after today. That would be major suckville, but it would be better than losing one of them at least. Sage chewed on the inside of her cheek, knowing there was no point in saying anymore as she watched insults hurled back and forth. Finally, finally Sage felt like she could breathe again as Izzie seemed to gather her things to go... except, she tried to figure out who she was supposed to follow. Had she been too Team Izzie earlier? Was she supposed to be Team Tia now to balance it out? Izzie had kind of been meaner at the end, so maybe it was okay to switch? Her confusion ebbed away quickly, though, when she caught what Izzie was saying, and she whirled to face her friend, practically screaming, "WHAT?" Her heart was racing as Izzie confirmed all of her worst fears, and she stared at her so-called bestie in disbelief that she'd had this information all along and had let Sage stupidly ramble for a year without ever saying anything. "I knew it, I knew she liked him, and you -- you just SAT there and let me let her take him to PROM wearing MY color and... oh my God, do you even like me, or were you just trying to sabotage me and Wayland this whole time? How could you not tell me?" Sage asked, turning towards Tia for backup. She'd been so good at fighting before, maybe she could do a better job of yelling at Izzie for her than Sage could do for herself?

Tia didn't say anything as Izzie backed off to start packing her things and leave. She was glad to have her gone before she did actually go off and hit her in the face. She did however make a small gasp of surprise as Izzie revealed that Vivi did actually like Wayland back. Now that was interesting. Whenever she or Sage expressed concerns about Vivi and Wayland's super tight friendship, Izzie had straight up denied it. So Tia was straight up tickled when Izzie revealed that she was out here betraying BOTH of them. When Sage turned to Tia for backup, Tia simply raised an eyebrow back. "What do you want me to do, S? You're on Izzie's side here and this entire time she wasn't even on yours. What do you want me to do about it? Apparently I don't have any friends and now neither do you." Tia laughed meanly, before getting out of bed in order to distance herself even further from Sage.

Izzie sat wide-eyed when Sage turned on her, too. To her, it was never even a huge deal. She knew her cousin -- he was a good guy. He wouldn't cheat on Sage with his oldest friend, that would be awful. "I just found out a few months ago, S. Chill. Besides, Vivi isn't the boyfriend-stealing type. She's nice. She's just liked him for our entire lives, and for some reason he likes you better so you don't have anything to worry about. Vivi's my friend, too, so sorry for having other friends whose secrets I'm expected to keep!" Izzie rolled her eyes and zipped her suitcase, finally ready to leave. "You guys want me out of your lives so bad? Fine, the train station is nearby and I'm finding a Walt Express right now." She figured she could have just gone across the hall and maybe convinced Huntley to drive her, but knowing what she knew about him now, maybe Tia was right. He didn't really care, he just used her to get closer to Tia. Something kept her feet rooted to the ground, though, as she waited for her ex-friends' last words, part of her hoping they'd all just burst into tears and beg her to stay.

Sage blinked at Tia in surprise. Okay, so she hadn't like, totally backed her up, but she also hadn't totally been Team Izzie, either. She'd tried really hard to be Team Neutral and now apparently the only team left for her to be on was Team Sage, since nobody else wanted her on their side anymore. She wished she could go back in time and re-choose, though, because Tia's secret was like way less awful than Izzie's was, and she wanted to just hug her and keep Tia, at least. But it was too late -- she didn't even know what to focus on, but she let Tia telling her she had no friends slide to turn on Izzie. "For some reason? For SOME reason? You make it sound like I'm so super unlikeable, Iz, so fine! If you think I'm so terrible, then you're terrible too!" Sage sniffled, hugging her arms around her chest and not sure what to do. "And you can't find the Walt Express, because I have to find it first and hope that somebody will pay for me to get on the stupid train because I have no friends and no money now, and this whole stupid trip is the worst just like you!" She turned back to Tia, who was still standing there like she was too good for them -- had both of them just thought Sage was their dumb tagalong that wasn't good enough to be their friend this whole time? Since they obviously cared about stupid boys and stupid Vivi and everyone else more than her. Sage grabbed her own things, feeling smaller than she'd felt since back in the days of being locked up in a tower, and as she threw her own bag over her shoulder and stomped towards the door, she tried to think of one last parting word, wanting to get in a mean jab just like both of them had. Struggling to come up with anything better, she shouted, "Besides, I'm prettier than both of you!" as she flung the door open and walked out into the hallway, wondering if she could like, pay her Uber driver with a couple of inches worth of her hair or something so that she could get home.

Tia wasn't exactly planning on saying anything otherwise as Izzie was leaving. She could absolutely rot in hell for all Tia cared. But Sage? Sage's "betrayal" hurt worse. As much as she loved the two equally, she could admit that she felt a little more loyalty towards Sage and expected about the same considering how hard and often she busted her ass for the other girl, winning her prom queen, moving her into her cottages, buying her shoes and all sorts of favors over the course of their friendship. Obviously Tia had never expected or even wanted repayment, but Sage hanging onto Izzie's side during the worst fight of their friendship was inexcusable. Still knowing how easy it was for Sage to just offer up sexual favors in exchange for the things she needed, Tia didn't hesitate to grab her wallet. Turning briefly to glare again at Izzie, Tia spoke to her for the last time. "I'm going to give Sage some money before we have to find out about her on the news and then I'm going across the hall to get Huntley. Be gone by the time we get back here."

Izzie clenched her teeth, clutching onto the handle of her suitcase until her knuckles turned white. “Good. That’s a good idea,” she agreed with Tia timidly, avoiding eye contact with either girl. She didn’t want Sage to go around prostituting either, and had actually considered fake-dropping a ten-dollar bill on the ground for Sage as she left, but when Tia reached for her wallet first, she didn’t feel like she had to. But just because she agreed with her didn’t mean she was going to let Tia’s last words in this fight be telling her what to do. “I’ll do you one better — you’ll get to watch me leave.” Turning on her heel and holding onto the handle even tighter, Izzie held her chin up and walked calmly out of the room, and into the hallway. Well, as calmly as she could when she felt her shoulders shaking and her face crumple up into a sob. So the STI part of her life was over...and that was okay. She’d live. At least, she hoped she would.

#( interaction: tia ) #( feat: tia ) #( interaction: sage ) #( feat: sage )