I PROMISE YOU.
Requested by mi amorcita emma <3
It officially was October 6, meaning it was Bad Blood day. Weeks ago when her match with Rhea got announced, she was super excited and confident. But ever since last week, when Rhea stated that Dominik would have to be locked in a shark cage and raised high above the ring, Liv had been on edge. She tried to shake the worry away, but it lingered like a dark shadow, growing longer each time she thought about it.
The cold autumn air nipped at her skin as she sat backstage, staring at her reflection in the mirror. Her hands, usually steady, trembled slightly as she adjusted her ring gear. The usual pre-match adrenaline was there, but something else coiled in her stomach—a knot of unease she couldn’t untangle. She knew how Dominik was claustrophobic, how the tight space of that cage would close in around him. And the heights—he'd once mentioned how they made his heart race in a way that was anything but thrilling.
Liv never told Dominik this, but in a way, she felt guilty. Guilty that she couldn't shield him from Rhea’s challenge, guilty that her match meant putting him through this ordeal. She forced a smile as she turned toward the door, hearing the distant rumble of the crowd beyond the curtain. But in the back of her mind, the thoughts of Dominik’s fear—being lifted up, trapped alone—made the excitement of the night feel heavier, weighted down by a quiet dread.
Dominik walked up to her, a small, reassuring smile playing on his lips, and gently grasped her hand. He squeezed it for a moment, offering a silent comfort before speaking. “We’re up next, and we have to start standing in the gorilla since the lowrider is getting set up for our entrance,” he softly explained, his voice steady despite the knot of nerves twisting inside him. He masked the fear that gnawed at him, the thought of the shark cage looming like a shadow. He didn’t want to let Liv see any cracks in his facade—didn’t want her to feel guilty or worried—so he kept those thoughts buried deep, far from the surface.
Liv noticed the tension in his shoulders, but she pushed away her own worries, leaning into their familiar banter. “Okay, let’s go, guapo,” she replied with a playful lilt in her voice, bumping his shoulder with hers. The word made his expression soften, and he let out a quiet giggle, ruffling her hair like he always did when she managed to lighten his mood, even for a moment.
Dominik’s touch was gentle as he guided her through the maze of staff and equipment, weaving through the bustling chaos backstage. The air was thick with anticipation, filled with the hum of voices and the distant roar of the crowd beyond the curtains. Each step brought them closer to the gorilla, the pulse of the arena vibrating in the walls and floor beneath their feet. Liv could feel his hand tighten slightly around hers as they reached the edge of the curtain, where the lights were dimmer but the energy was electric, ready to launch them into the chaos of the ring.
Dominik's attention was ripped away for a second as a staff member approached him, rattling off last-minute adjustments for their entrance. He didn’t mean to, but his hand slipped out of Liv’s grasp, leaving her fingers grasping at air. As soon as the warmth of his touch was gone, she felt the creeping coldness of her own thoughts rushing back in. Her heart pounded against her ribs, each beat heavy and uneven, and her chest tightened with the pressure that seemed to build with every passing moment.
Liv’s fingers moved unconsciously, twisting and turning the matching promise ring that Dominik had given her. The cool metal was smooth against her skin, a small comfort, but it wasn’t enough to stop the storm brewing in her mind. Her thoughts swirled, one anxious spiral after another, each worse than the last. 'What if something happens to him?' The idea struck like a flash of lightning, quick and painful. 'I feel so horrible, this is all my fault.' The guilt clawed at her, twisting in her gut like a knife. 'What if he falls out?' Her breath hitched as the image of him plummeting from the cage filled her mind. 'Fuck, fuck,' she thought, the word pulsing with each beat of her racing heart.
Her thoughts scattered wildly, becoming impossible to rein in, and she felt herself slipping further into a spiral she couldn’t control. Her chest tightened, each breath becoming more ragged than the last. She hadn’t even realized what was happening, but her vision blurred, the edges of the world smudging and bending like a dream. The faces of the crew became indistinct, just shadows moving past her. Her breaths came in quick, shallow gasps, the sound of her own panicked breathing roaring in her ears. A heavy, crushing weight pressed down on her chest, as if the entire arena were closing in around her, and suddenly, she could no longer feel the solid ground beneath her feet.
Liv hadn’t realized how Dominik had stopped talking to the staff for a minute already. He had felt it, the subtle shift in the air, the way her energy seemed to change—tightening, growing frantic. He could sense something was off, the kind of feeling he’d learned to recognize in her over time. Without a second thought, he excused himself from the conversation, his heart clenching as he turned to see his beloved struggling, her breath coming too fast, her shoulders quivering.
Dominik’s heart panged as he took in the sight of Liv in the early stages of a panic attack. It was a side of her he rarely saw, one she tried to keep hidden. But he knew her—knew the little shifts in her mood and the signs that told him when she was hurting, even when she tried to put on a brave face. Liv never realized how much Dominik truly understood her, how he could read her like a book with each turn of a page, knowing when she needed space, when she needed comfort, or when she just needed him to be there. He cared deeply for her, more than he could put into words.
Without hesitation, he reached out, his larger hands immediately finding hers, intertwining his fingers with her smaller, trembling ones. The warmth of his touch was like an anchor, something real and steady in the storm of her thoughts. He brought himself closer, guiding her gently until she could lean her head against his chest, his arms wrapped protectively around her. The familiar scent of him—something warm and comforting—filled her senses, grounding her just a bit.
“What’s wrong, hermosa?” Dominik asked, his voice soft, barely more than a whisper, as if he were afraid of breaking her with the wrong tone. He held her with a tenderness that made Liv feel like she might fall apart, but in the safest way possible. His touch, his presence, it was enough to steady the edges of her panic, bringing her back to the present, even if just a little.
She fought against the tears that welled in her eyes, trying to keep them from spilling over. It was instinct to hide this kind of vulnerability, even from him. But as she rested her head against his chest, she could hear the steady beat of his heart, and it gave her something to hold onto, a rhythm that steadied her own frantic pulse.
“I’m... I’m scared...” she admitted, her voice small and cracking, barely audible above the distant noise of the arena. The words came out shaky, as if she might break apart completely just by saying them. Dominik’s arms tightened around her, his heart growing heavy with each unsteady breath she took, wishing he could take all of her fears and shoulder them himself.
Dominik’s expression grew more serious, a gentle but firm determination settling in his eyes. “Take a deep breath, sweetheart. Then you tell me why you’re scared, okay?” he softly guided her, his voice steady and calm. Liv nodded, her head still resting against his chest, the rhythm of his breathing giving her something to focus on.
She took a few deep breaths, each one a struggle against the tightness in her chest. The heaviness in her heart refused to leave, pressing down like a weight she couldn’t shake. But with each breath, she felt herself starting to calm, bit by bit, melting into the warmth of Dominik’s words. They wrapped around her like a blanket, offering comfort in the middle of her storm.
“I’m scared because… you’re going in that shark cage, and I know your fear,” she began, her voice trembling with emotion. “I know you’re claustrophobic and afraid of heights. I’m scared that something will happen to you, and like… what if you get hurt? It’s all my fault, Dom. I’m so sorry.” The words tumbled out of her mouth, fast and urgent, as if she might lose the nerve to say them if she slowed down for even a second.
Dominik listened closely, understanding every word despite the speed with which she spoke—he was used to her like this, her thoughts racing ahead of her voice. He understood her, truly, and that understanding made his heart flutter. The fear in her voice was laced with a deep concern, and as he held her, he couldn’t help but feel a warmth spreading through him, a sense of being loved and cared for that wrapped around his heart like a gentle embrace.
“Oh, my baby…” he murmured, a soft chuckle escaping his lips as he let her words settle between them. He raised her chin with his free hand, tilting her face up so she could see the sincerity in his eyes, the warmth in his smile. Then, he lifted their intertwined hands, holding them up as a reminder of their connection, of the strength they drew from one another.
“You’re such a kind-hearted and loving soul, I don’t deserve you,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper, filled with admiration. “But this isn’t your fault at all. I know you yelled at Adam Pearce and even complained to Triple H about the whole shark cage thing.” He couldn’t help but chuckle softly, remembering the way Adam Pearce had come to him, flustered and irritated, recounting Liv’s passionate protests. “I knew if you could change things, you would. And knowing you tried means the world to me.”
Dominik’s words were like a balm, slowly soothing the raw ache in Liv’s chest. He squeezed her hand, a gentle reminder that he was here, right now, that they were facing this together.
“Also, I promise you that nothing is going to happen to me. If I hurt my pretty face, then how can I be around you?” Dominik joked, the corners of his lips curling into a teasing grin. He tilted his head slightly, letting his playful energy shine through in an attempt to pull her out of the dark place her thoughts had taken her. There was a lightness in his voice that felt like a warm breeze, something that wrapped around Liv and momentarily lifted the weight pressing down on her chest. Despite herself, a small giggle bubbled up from her lips, a sound that was fragile but genuine, like the first cracks of sunlight breaking through after a storm.
She rolled her eyes, giving him a playful swat on the shoulder with her free hand, the gesture carrying a touch of their usual banter. It felt comforting—normal—and she clung to that feeling. “You know, no matter if you hurt your face, you’ll still be perfect to me,” she confessed, her voice softening into something tender, a quiet honesty slipping through her words. Her head shook slightly as she spoke, the hint of a smile playing on her lips despite the tension that still lingered in the back of her mind. For a moment, she let herself believe in his words, in his ability to make everything feel lighter.
Dominik’s chuckle was warm and low, a sound that rumbled deep in his chest, vibrating against her cheek where it rested against him. It was a sound she had always loved, like a secret shared just between the two of them. He brought their intertwined hands up slowly, his movements gentle as if handling something delicate. His lips brushed against her ring finger, pressing a kiss right where the silver promise ring rested, cool against his lips but warmed by the love behind it. The gesture was small, but it spoke volumes—it was a promise and a comfort all at once.
“Te lo prometo, mi amor,” he whispered, the words flowing easily in Spanish, their rhythm smooth and gentle, like a lullaby meant just for her ears. His voice softened even further, barely more than a breath, but the promise in it was deep and unwavering. It was a vow, spoken directly to her heart, and for a moment, it was like the world beyond the two of them had melted away, leaving just their connection and the reassurance of his presence.
Liv felt the tightness in her chest ease just a little more, her heart fluttering with a strange mix of relief and affection that made her feel lighter, like she might float away in the warmth of the moment. His words wrapped around her, soothing the ache in her chest and turning her fears into something softer, something she could hold without crumbling under its weight.
She looked up at him, her eyes glistening but filled with a quiet, gentle trust. A small, genuine smile broke through the tension on her face, like a fragile flower pushing through the cracks in the pavement. “Te creo,” she replied, her voice so soft it barely reached above a whisper, but the words carried all the faith she had in him. It wasn’t just about believing in the promise he made, but about believing in him—in the love he showed her every day, in the strength he had that gave her the courage to face this fear. The warmth of his embrace and the tenderness in his voice made the world feel a little less overwhelming, and for the first time that night, she felt like maybe, just maybe, everything might be okay.
“How about after, I take you out on a cute little date to your favorite shop? Then tomorrow, we can go sneaker shopping. We can even get as many matching sneakers as you want,” Dominik suggested, his voice slipping into a playful tone, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. He knew how much she loved sneakers, knew how her eyes would light up whenever she saw a new pair, and especially how much she cherished the idea of them matching—two halves of a whole, right down to their shoes.
Just as he expected, her reaction was instant. Her eyes lit up, sparkling with a brightness that contrasted against the dim backstage lights. The shadow of anxiety faded for a moment, replaced by pure excitement, the way it always did when he found a way to reach her heart. “Really?” she asked, her voice filled with childlike enthusiasm, the excitement bubbling up as she leaned in closer to him. For a second, she forgot about everything—about the match, the looming shark cage, and the fears that had gripped her moments before.
He nodded confidently, his lips quirking into a gentle smile as he muttered, “Mhm.” The way her expression softened, the way she seemed to breathe a little easier, made his own heart swell with warmth. He loved that he could do this for her, that he could be the one to bring a spark back into her eyes when everything else felt overwhelming.
Just then, a staff member appeared nearby, offering them an apologetic smile before saying, “You two lovebirds will be on in two minutes.” The words cut through the tension lingering between them, and both Dominik and Liv couldn’t help but let out soft giggles, their laughter blending together like a melody. It was a reminder that there was still lightness even amidst the pressure, and for a moment, they allowed themselves to bask in that simplicity.
But Dominik could see it—beneath her smile, the trace of unease that still lingered in her eyes, like a shadow that wouldn’t fully disappear. He wrapped his arms around her more tightly, pulling her into the comfort of his embrace. His movements were slow and deliberate, and he brought his forehead down to rest against hers. It was a gesture that carried a deep, unspoken meaning for him—a memory of something his father used to do when he needed reassurance or just a moment of closeness. It was an intimate habit he had reserved for those he loved most deeply, and now, Liv was the only one he shared it with.
The closeness of their foreheads pressed together made them feel like they were in their own little world, even as the noise of the arena buzzed just beyond the curtains. The difference in their height was clear and endearing—he had to lean down slightly to meet her where she stood, and the way she looked up at him with those wide, glimmering eyes made his heart swell. Her breath mingled with his, a soft rhythm that steadied the moment.
“Remember,” Dominik murmured, his lips curving into a gentle grin, a spark dancing in his eyes as he spoke. “Three little words.” His voice was low, a reminder, a promise, and the sincerity in it reached through the last of her lingering fears. Those three simple words held a meaning that was theirs alone—a secret code that could always bring a smile to her lips, no matter what.
And just like that, a smile cracked through Liv’s lips, small at first but growing as her heart fluttered in her chest. Her eyes sparkled like they held bits of glitter, reflecting the love she felt for him—a love so pure it made everything else seem smaller, less important. It was in this moment, as she held his gaze and felt the strength of his arms around her, that she remembered why she felt safe, why she felt loved. Dominik had shown her that she could be loved deeply, that she deserved this kind of care, and that love was not just a distant idea but something tangible, something she could hold onto.
“Everything’s going to be okay,” she thought, letting the realization settle in. She knew that whatever happened tonight, they would face it together. They would protect each other—she would do anything to keep Dominik safe, and he would do anything to shield her from the things that scared her. For a moment, all her fears faded into the background, replaced by a simple certainty. Everything, truly, was going to be okay.
