Cutie always struggled to fit in. There must be something different about them compared to everyone else, because for some reason everyone seemed to avoid them. They didn’t know why. When they tried to make friends as children, they’d always smile and welcome them, but then the next day they’d turn around and pretend she didn’t exist. They put on an act which ends as quickly as it started once they got to know Cutie a little bit more.
They spent their primary school days alone, eating lunch in the bathroom with the door locked because they didn’t want to be seen.
Then their telepathic powers manifested. Their parents were unempowered, so they were completely new to magic. It was a scary, foreign world, but for Cutie it was a blessing.
They could hear what people were thinking. Every single person. It took a little practice, but they started to get the hang of changing whose mind they listen in to, and turning their powers on and off. They learned that unempowered people don’t know when they’re listening to their thoughts, but empowered people notice the magic. They learned that they can close off their own thoughts to stay silent whilst in someone’s mind.
But most importantly, they learned how to be liked. Cutie closely listened to other people’s opinions of them and changes the conversation or their personality depending on what they thought.
“Ooh… this person’s quite direct.”
Ok, then I’ll be careful of what I say.
“They’re being really quiet.”
“Ugh, another extrovert. So loud.”
If being themself wasn’t good enough, then they’ll be the person that everyone wants them to be. If they were loved, then it’ll all be worth it.
They were so happy, surrounded by people that wanted to be their friend. Everyone smiled when they talked to them, and they’d go out of their way to ask to meet up with them too. They ate lunch with a big group of friends in high school. A lot of people developed crushes on them. They were popular.
Cutie never turned their telepathy off. It was the only way they’d be able to keep up the act. The moment they can’t know exactly what the other person is thinking is when they’ll be hated and everyone would avoid them again. Just listening to their words and looking at their facial expression isn’t enough. People are complex. But their thoughts never betray them.
Cutie would do whatever it takes to make everyone like them.
Then they developed their first real crush. They were on a run at a nearby park when a handsome man that was exactly their type was tying his shoelaces. Cutie felt their heart flutter, and was elated to hear that he had an interest in them too. That was when they decided to approach him and strike up a conversation.
This meeting led to more. Then they started dating, and Cutie couldn’t be happier.
They felt so loved. Geordi’s thoughts were always filled with warmth and kindness. He always thought about them.
They froze. They were overwhelmed with joy, but a part of them also felt guilty. This was something they wanted to hear from his mouth, not his brain. But they were happy he felt the same way.
Maybe with him they can show their real self a little bit. Just a little.
So Cutie told Geordi about their telepathic powers.
At first he didn’t believe them, but after they proved it, he was laughing in disbelief. His life had been turned upside down - magic is real, and his partner is a telepath. He loved it.
This means he doesn’t mind them reading his thoughts, right?
After Cutie’s confession, everything was fine. Better, even. They had a lot of fun talking telepathically to each other and exploring their powers.
Geordi was mad. Frustrated. Annoyed. It kept getting worse.
Cutie couldn’t understand why.
But Geordi wanted them to promise not to listen in on him without making themself known. So they did. It’ll make him happy if they promised.
They kept listening though. Silently. How else will they know what he wanted from them?
But the longer this went on, the more Geordi got mad. He was also distressed. And sad.
Cutie couldn’t understand why.
Why? You love me, don’t you? You love me because I’m everything you want, right? If it means I can be what you want me to be, then why are you mad that I’m listening to your thoughts? Why is that a bad thing?
I don’t know how to be myself.
I don’t want to be alone again.
“I can’t do this anymore.”
“I love you, but I just… I can’t. I don’t deserve to have my heart broken like this again.”
They curled in on themself in the corner of their room and cried. They were scared. They were terrified.
They’ve hurt the one person they loved the most, the one person they wanted to be loved by the most. And they don’t know what to do.
They were plunged into a deep pit of guilt.
After two months, Geordi asked to catch up with them. They had texted during the break, but they’ve never met in person since the argument.
Cutie was terrified. This would be the first time they show their true self, not changing to adapt to what Geordi was thinking.
He’ll probably want to break up with them.
They couldn’t bring themself to look at him in the eyes the whole time. Their hands were shaking, and they felt so small and vulnerable.
They hurt him and brought back his past trauma. Nothing can change that. They hurt him.
Their gaze shot up, meeting his for the first time in two months.
He still had that warm smile. He still looked at them with the same kindness. When he hugged them, he felt the same as before.
Cutie felt tears welling up in their eyes.
