InsaneJournal

Tweak says, "Hold me Gilbert... I'mma fadin"

Sofia stared at her reflection in the full-length mirror, twisting her hips slightly to see how the dress moved. It was simple, elegant, a safe choice for the network's upcoming event. The kind of event where everyone would be watching, not just the broadcast, but each other. The weight of that realization settled in her chest as she adjusted the fabric on her shoulder.

"You're not seriously thinking about wearing that, are you?"

Sofia nearly jumped out of her skin as her father, Hermes, appeared in the mirror's reflection. He leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed, a bemused smirk tugging at his lips. He looked exactly like he always did - immaculate, with a casual godly confidence that made it seem like he could stroll into any era and own it.

She rolled her eyes. "Don't you knock?" she quipped, though the corners of her mouth lifted in amusement.

Hermes ignored the jab, his gaze sweeping over her outfit. "Mortals and their love for plain fabrics," he muttered, shaking his head. "Where's the drama? The spectacle?"

"Dad, it's an industry event, not a coronation," Sofia said, smoothing the dress once more. "Mortals don't walk around in royal robes or whatever you're picturing."

He stepped closer to the mirror, eyes narrowing critically. "Well, you should. You should be making a statement! A dress made of flames, perhaps, or a suit woven of light. Now that would turn heads."

Sofia laughed, despite herself. "Yeah, I'll just call the designer and request an outfit from the 'elemental forces' collection."

Hermes arched an eyebrow. "Why not? You're my daughter, after all. You should stand out, show them you're above-"

"I think I'll stick with the dress, Dad," she interrupted gently, turning away from the mirror and facing him, her smile softening her words. "Not all of us are gods, you know. We mortals have to keep it… grounded. We have things like dress codes, you know."

Her father tilted his head, as if considering her excuse before waving his hand dismissively. "Dress codes are for the uninspired. You could wear anything, be anything. Why not make a statement?" His eyes glittered as he warmed to the idea. "A royal robe embroidered with starlight? Or something bold - a suit made of light itself."

Sofia bit back a smile. "A suit of light. Right. That won't be distracting at all during the awards ceremony."

Hermes sighed dramatically, leaning against the invisible air in her reflection, as if truly pained by her reluctance. "Mortals lack vision. You'd be magnificent."

"I'd be blind in that thing."

His eyes narrowed playfully, and Sofia caught the spark of humor dancing in them. These moments, these back-and-forths, had not quite become routine, but they weren't unfamiliar any longer. Over the years, their father-daughter dynamic had evolved into something that wasn't quite traditional, but it was theirs. Hermes always had opinions - not unlike her mother, though his were usually impractical, grandiose opinions - but they weren't so different from how he would nudge her in other parts of her life. Always pushing for more, for something extraordinary.

"You know," she added, tugging at the hem of the dress, "I think this one works. It's simple, professional - perfect for the cameras."

"Simple," he repeated, his tone practically dripping with disapproval. "You're a daughter of a god. You should dazzle, not blend in."

Sofica smirked, turning fully to face him now. "I dazzle enough just by showing up."

Hermes grinned, a flicker of pride in his expression, though he quickly masked it with another theatrical sigh. "But you're still missing something."

"Oh?" Sofia raised a brow, playing along. "What's that?"

"Confidence," Hermes replied, stepping closer to the mirror, his eyes meeting hers. "You look good, Sof. But you'll look better when you own it."

Sofia's heart softened at his words. Despite his flair for the dramatic and his occasional meddling, her father always knew when to give her the push she needed. "Thanks, Dad," she said, her tone more sincere this time.

"Just make sure you don't let anyone outshine you tonight," Hermes added, his smirk returning. "You're the daughter of a god, after all."

Sofia laughed again, shaking her head as he faded away, leaving only the faint shimmer of light behind. She took one last look at her reflection, and this time, when she adjusted the dress, she felt the confidence settle over her like a second skin.

"Yeah," she murmured to herself, smiling. "I'll own it." © tessisamess