Dominik's eyebrows furrowed as he hurried to Liv's place, his heart pounding with worry. Her call had been urgent, her voice laced with anxiety, so he had rushed over, expecting some kind of emergency. But now, sitting in her cozy living room with fairy lights casting a soft glow on the walls, he found himself forcibly seated in front of a small, cluttered table. The air smelled faintly of lavender, a scent he associated with Liv, but it did little to calm his confusion.
Liv, with a determined expression, leaned over his arm, carefully filling in the intricate swirls of his tattoo with a glittery marker. Each stroke of the pen shimmered under the light, making his normally dark ink blaze with vibrant colors. She seemed completely engrossed in her work, tongue poking slightly out in concentration as she added silver to the edges.
"So this was the emergency?" he asked, trying to hide the grin threatening to break through his stern expression. Despite himself, a soft chuckle escaped. He watched as the golds, pinks, and blues melded into his skin.
"Mmhmm..." Liv hummed absently, her eyes never leaving her task. She didn't spare him even a glance, her brow furrowed with the same determination she must have imagined he had when he came rushing through her door. She moved the marker with precision, considering each color choice like an artist would a masterpiece, ensuring every line and curve was filled just right.
Dominik couldn't help but feel the tension drain from his shoulders. The absurdity of it all—how he had raced here thinking the worst, only to end up as a canvas for Liv's impromptu art—was too ridiculous not to smile at.
He couldn't help but admire her in that moment. Liv’s face was framed by strands of loose hair, the soft light catching in her eyes, making them glimmer with an ethereal glow. To Dominik, her beauty felt almost unreal—like she had been plucked from a dream and brought into his reality. How did he manage to be with her? Liv was an angel in his eyes, incapable of doing any wrong. She exuded a warmth that soothed his worries and made the world outside of this room fade away.
As her delicate fingers moved across his skin, he began to relax, sinking into the gentle rhythm of her touch. The glide of the markers across his arm was surprisingly calming, even when her long stiletto nails brushed against his skin, sending a ticklish shiver up his spine. Yet, instead of discomfort, it filled him with a peculiar sense of tranquility, like he could stay in this moment forever.
He suddenly noticed how she had shifted from simply coloring in his tattoos to drawing little doodles on the unmarked patches of his arms—tiny stars, hearts, and smiley faces, all in a vibrant, glittery pink. The sight of her focus, the way her brow furrowed as she drew each whimsical design, made him chuckle, a sound that echoed warmly between them.
"You're quite the artist," he teased, his voice light. But then, as the words left his lips, a thought flickered through his mind, his expression shifting from playful to contemplative. An idea took root, and his eyes widened with a sudden excitement.
"You should draw me a tattoo, baby," he said, the suggestion tumbling out before he could second-guess it. His words made Liv pause, the marker hovering just above his skin. She looked up at him, and for a moment, there was a silence between them, filled only with the soft hum of the room. Then her eyes lit up, sparkling with an infectious enthusiasm that made his heart skip a beat.
"Really?" she asked, a grin spreading across her lips, her excitement almost palpable. Dominik felt his own smile deepen in response, the promise of something new and special between them settling in the air.
He cupped her cheeks with his hands, the freshly colored-in tattoos catching the light, making them shimmer with every subtle movement. The glittery designs sparkled against his skin, and Liv couldn't help but giggle at the sight, her laughter soft and warm between them. A rosy flush spread across her cheeks, creeping up to her ears. No matter how long they had been together, Dominik’s touch always had a way of making her heart race, making her feel like she was falling in love with him all over again.
"Mhm, orrr..." he drawled, his voice playful as he let the words hang in the air. He had brought this idea up before, hinting at it with subtle suggestions, but she had never seemed entirely sure. Dominik didn’t want to push her into anything she wasn’t comfortable with—he knew that wasn't the way. But today, with her hands still holding a glittery marker and the air between them humming with unspoken possibilities, he felt a little braver.
"How about we get matching tattoos, and you draw them?" he proposed, his tone softening as he tilted his head slightly, his thumb brushing gently across her cheek. His touch was tender, tracing the heat that lingered there from her blush.
Liv’s eyelashes fluttered, and she bit her lip, her playful demeanor turning thoughtful. She hesitated, the question hanging in the air between them as she pondered his suggestion. Her brow furrowed slightly, uncertainty reflecting in her eyes as she met his gaze. "But where would we even get them, hm?" she asked, her voice carrying a note of genuine curiosity as she considered the idea.
Dominik’s grin widened at her question, a spark of excitement lighting up his face. "How about behind our ears, where it’s a little secret just for us? Or we could put them on our ankles, something small and simple," he suggested, his voice barely above a whisper. His hand never left her cheek, his thumb still tracing slow, soothing circles on her skin as he watched her reaction closely. He could see the wheels turning in her mind, the thought of sharing something so permanent, so uniquely theirs, dancing behind her eyes.
Liv slowly turned her head, her eyes narrowing as she studied both of Dominik’s arms, searching for the perfect spot. She took her time, scanning each line and curve, before gently grabbing his right arm. With a shy smile, she pointed to a bare patch of skin on his right wrist, where the smoothness of his skin was unbroken by ink. "How about here?" she suggested softly, her cheeks still flushed with a lingering warmth that she couldn’t quite hide.
Dominik raised a brow, a playful smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Somebody wants our matching tattoos to be on display, hm?" he teased, his voice carrying a mischievous lilt. Liv rolled her eyes dramatically, but a smile tugged at her lips, betraying her playful mood.
"I'm going to poke your eyes out with my nails, I swear," she shot back, waving her glittery marker-clad fingers in a mock threat. But her expression softened again, and she let out a small, thoughtful sigh. "Yeah, I’d like for our tattoos to be there for everyone to see. You usually wear long pants for your gear, and behind the ear isn't always visible." Her voice was shy but earnest, as if she was revealing a little piece of her heart with each word.
The sincerity of her words made Dominik’s smirk melt into a wide grin, a rush of affection flooding through him. Without a second thought, he wrapped his arms around her and began smothering her face in a flurry of playful, enthusiastic kisses. Liv squealed in surprise, dissolving into fits of giggles as she tried to squirm away from his affectionate attack. Her laughter rang through the room, bright and infectious, making his chest feel light and warm.
After what felt like an eternity of kisses, Dominik finally pulled back, leaving her breathless and still giggling in his arms. He met her eyes with a bright, boyish excitement as he spoke up again. "Sooo... I could probably get us an appointment with my artist for today even," he said, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. His smile was as wide as ever, his eyes sparkling with anticipation, hoping to see the same excitement mirrored in Liv's expression.
Liv felt her heart flutter, a bundle of nerves twisting in her chest. She was still a bit hesitant, unsure if she was truly ready to commit to something so permanent. But then she looked at Dominik's face—his eyes bright with eagerness, his smile wide and genuine—and her resolve melted like ice in the sun. She couldn't resist that genuine excitement, the way he made everything feel a little less scary and a little more like an adventure.
"Only if I get to color in your other arm," she countered, trying to sound stern but barely hiding the playful smirk tugging at her lips. She crossed her arms over her chest, hoping to keep up the pretense of negotiation, though inside, she was already caving.
Dominik let out an exaggerated sigh, rolling his eyes dramatically as if the idea was a burden. "Hmmm..." he dragged out the sound, pretending to ponder her demand, but the glint in his eyes gave him away. When he noticed her narrowing her eyes at him, arms still crossed and her glare pointed right at him, he couldn't hold back a laugh.
"I'm joking, I'm joking!" he said quickly, raising his hands in mock surrender, a wide grin splitting his face. "Whatever makes my pretty girl happy, I'll let you do," he added, his voice softening as he reached out to gently tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear.
Liv’s cheeks burned, and she quickly turned her head, trying to hide the flush that spread across her face. "Whatever," she muttered, but her lips quirked up into a small smile as she reached for another pack of glittery markers, eager to dive back into their playful project.
As she fiddled with the new markers, Dominik leaned closer, his tone growing a little more serious. "Remember to draw our tattoo, mkay?" he reminded her, his words gentle but filled with a hopeful undercurrent. He was trusting her with this, letting her creativity shape the symbol that would connect them.
Liv nodded, her fingers brushing over the colored caps of the markers as she thought. After a moment of quiet, she glanced back up at him, her voice soft as if she were sharing a secret. "How do you feel about yin and yang tattoos?" she asked, her tone gentle, as if she wasn’t sure how he’d react to the idea. The question hung in the air between them, as she hoped he’d see the meaning behind the suggestion—a symbol of balance, of two halves that complemented each other perfectly, just like them.
"I absolutely love that idea!" Dominik replied with a burst of enthusiasm, his smile so wide that it made Liv’s heart swell with warmth. In that moment, she felt like her chest might burst from the rush of affection that flooded her. He made everything feel so easy, so right, and his excitement washed away any lingering doubts she had about their matching tattoos.
A few minutes passed, and Liv had settled back into her artistic rhythm, leaning over his arm with careful concentration. This time, the soft, soothing tunes of Laufey played in the background, filling the room with a gentle melody that helped her focus. It wasn’t too loud, just the right volume to fill the space without distracting her from her work.
“Pass me the silver, baby,” she asked gently, her eyes focused on a delicate detail she was adding to his arm. Dominik grabbed a marker and handed it over, but she didn’t notice right away that he had passed her the gold one instead. As she colored in a small section, her brows suddenly furrowed, realizing the mix-up.
“Babe, I said the silver one...” she giggled, glancing up at him with an amused smile. The realization struck Dominik, and he broke into laughter, the sound rich and warm as it filled the room. He leaned closer to her, his shoulder bumping playfully against hers as he laughed. The warmth of his body against hers made the moment even sweeter.
Liv couldn't help but join in, her own laughter mingling with his. She reached out and interlocked their arms, pulling him closer as they shared in the lighthearted moment. For a second, they just stayed like that, wrapped in each other’s laughter, the air between them filled with a carefree joy that made her heart feel light.
“I didn’t think the silver would really show or look good,” he admitted through his giggles, his eyes crinkling with mirth as he watched her reaction. There was a mischievous glint in his eye, as if he’d known all along what he was doing.
Liv rolled her eyes, but there was no hiding the smile that tugged at her lips. “Well, mister creative direction, let’s see how this turns out then,” she teased back, dipping the gold marker back into its cap before reaching for the silver one herself. Dominik’s laughter softened into a fond smile, his gaze lingering on her as she went back to work, feeling like there was no place in the world he’d rather be than right here, sharing this moment with her.
Liv spent about two hours meticulously coloring in his tattoos, each stroke of her marker applied with care and precision. Dominik sat there patiently, not moving an inch, making sure she had the perfect canvas to work on. He could feel her focus in the way she worked, and he didn’t want to break that concentration, not when she was so absorbed in her little art project. Meanwhile, he managed to get them both an appointment with his tattoo artist for later that day, sealing their plans for the matching tattoos.
By the time Liv was done, she leaned back, taking in the final result with a bright, amused smile. Dominik’s arms were a riot of glittery colors, catching the light with every small movement he made. His skin shimmered with gold, pink, silver, and all the shades in between. Liv couldn’t contain her giggles, her joy bubbling up as she admired her handiwork, while Dominik watched her with a fond smile.
He wasn't even the slightest bit upset about being turned into a human disco ball. Seeing his güerita so happy made everything worth it, and the way her laughter lit up her face made his heart feel full.
"I have no clue how I'm going to explain this to my tattoo artist," he chuckled, shaking his head at the sheer absurdity of the situation. His voice held a note of mock exasperation, but there was no hiding the warmth in his eyes as he watched Liv's cheeks flush from her laughter.
After a good hour of Liv diligently helping Dominik wipe all the glittery marker off his skin, he finally drove them both to the tattoo parlor. The car ride was filled with laughter, music blaring from the speakers as they sang along to their favorite songs. The atmosphere was light and carefree, a perfect prelude to the adventure that lay ahead.
Once they arrived, they walked in hand in hand, Liv’s heart racing with a mix of excitement and nerves. She stood next to Dominik, fidgeting slightly as he spoke to his tattoo artist, her mind racing with thoughts of the tattoo that was about to become a permanent part of her.
“Mi güerita took almost one hour trying to draw this for us,” Dominik said proudly, handing over the paper with the yin and yang design. The artist took it with a nod, a smile playing on his lips as he examined the artwork.
After about twenty minutes of chatting and preparing, they were finally ushered into the tattooing room. Dominik’s thumb gently caressed Liv’s hand, a soft, reassuring touch that helped her feel a little more at ease. She took a deep breath, focusing on the warmth of his hand in hers, grounding herself amidst the swirling butterflies in her stomach.
Liv had decided to go first, eager to get it done quickly so she could focus on Dominik and support him afterward. As she settled into the chair, she could feel the tension building inside her, her heart racing at the thought of the needle. But throughout it all, Dominik’s gaze never left her. He watched her lovingly, his eyes filled with care and admiration, the way he always looked at her when she was at her most vulnerable.
His hand remained interlocked with hers, providing an anchor in this new experience. The sound of the tattoo machine buzzing filled the room, but Liv found comfort in Dominik’s presence. With every gentle squeeze of his hand, she felt a little more grounded, and soon enough, the nervous energy started to melt away. Being with him made everything feel better, reminding her that they were in this together.
The tattoo didn’t take as long as Liv had anticipated, and before she knew it, she was being led to the mirror to see the final result. The moment she caught sight of her wrist, her eyes widened, and she couldn’t contain her excitement any longer. She squealed with joy, a bright, infectious sound that filled the room.
She wanted the moment to be special, so she turned to Dominik, urging him to look at their tattoos at the same time. "Look at how cute!!" she exclaimed, pressing her wrist against his excitedly, her eyes sparkling with delight. The yin and yang design looked even better than she had imagined, its lines clean and vibrant, the colors representing their unique connection.
Dominik couldn’t help but admire her, a big, warm smile spreading across his face as he took in her reaction. Her excitement was absolutely adorable, a light that made the entire experience even more meaningful. He felt a rush of happiness watching her revel in their shared moment, the love they held for one another shining brightly.
He looked down at his own wrist, where the matching tattoo sat proudly beside hers. He was just as thrilled with how it turned out. While Dominik was used to getting tattoos and had grown accustomed to the sensation of the needle, this experience was different. He had Liv by his side, her hand intertwined with his throughout the entire process. Even though he was familiar with the feeling, her touch ignited a fluttering sensation in his stomach, sending butterflies dancing with each squeeze of her fingers.
In that moment, as they stood side by side, both wearing their new tattoos with pride, the world around them faded away. It was just the two of them, their hearts connected by ink and love, and neither of them could imagine a more perfect way to celebrate their bond.
Dominik’s hands found their way to Liv’s hair, ruffling it gently, a tender gesture that sent a rush of warmth through her. He leaned down slightly, their height difference making his actions even more affectionate as he looked deep into her eyes, searching for that spark of connection they always shared. “You wanna get some tacos?” he asked, his voice low and soft, his gaze unwavering and full of adoration.
Liv’s heart fluttered at his words, a smile blooming on her lips as she stared back into his eyes. “Mhm, sounds good!” she replied, her excitement evident in her voice. The atmosphere around them felt electric, the air thick with an unspoken tension as they held each other’s gaze, lost in the moment. Time seemed to stand still as they leaned closer, both of them caught up in the intimacy of their shared space.
But just as their lips were about to touch, the tattoo artist’s voice suddenly broke the spell. “Can you two get a room?” he teased, and they both pulled away, laughter bubbling up between them at the interruption. It was a lighthearted moment that drew them back to reality, but the warmth of the encounter lingered.
After exchanging playful glances and a few more giggles, they left the tattoo parlor, their hands still intertwined as they walked outside into the bustling afternoon. The sun bathed the street in a warm golden light, casting soft shadows as they made their way to Dominik’s car. The scent of fresh paint and antiseptic lingered in the parlor, but as they stepped into the open air, the rich aroma of food began to envelop them.
The drive to the taco truck was filled with a comfortable silence punctuated by laughter and playful banter. As they approached the truck, the vibrant colors of the painted vehicle caught Liv’s eye—bright greens, yellows, and reds, all blending together to create an inviting atmosphere. The sound of sizzling meats and the chatter of hungry customers filled the air, making her stomach growl in anticipation.
Dominik parked the car and they hopped out, the sun warming their skin as they walked towards the truck. The tantalizing smell of grilled carne asada and fresh tortillas wafted toward them, making Liv’s mouth water. The truck was adorned with colorful murals depicting traditional Mexican sscene.
They joined the line, the excitement palpable as they browsed the menu plastered on the side of the truck. Liv’s eyes lit up at the various options—each one sounding more mouthwatering than the last. She could see the steam rising from the grill, and the sight of perfectly charred meat and freshly chopped cilantro sent her taste buds into a frenzy.
As they stepped up to the taco truck, the warm, rich aroma of freshly grilled meats filled the air. Dominik leaned in with a familiar smile and greeted the vendor with a friendly wave. “¡Hey, Solange, ha sido mucho tiempo, ¿no?” (Hey, Solange, it's been a while, no?) he said, his voice filled with genuine warmth. Liv stood beside him, picking up on the familiar sounds of Spanish she had learned over time, thanks to Dominik. From the easy way he spoke, she could tell that Solange must have been an old friend of his.
Solange, a lively woman with a welcoming smile, looked up from the grill, her eyes brightening at the sight of Dominik. “¡Dom, sí que ha pasado tiempo! Veo que trajiste a tu novia por primera vez,” (Dom, it's been awhile! I see you brought your girlfriend for the first time.) she replied with a playful smirk, her tone carrying a teasing edge that made Dominik chuckle.
Liv, catching enough of the conversation to understand, smiled warmly at Solange, a small blush creeping onto her cheeks. The older woman turned her attention to Liv for a moment, her eyes crinkling kindly. “Es una belleza,” (She's a beauty.) Solange added, her voice sincere as she gave Liv an approving nod.
Liv’s blush deepened, but her smile grew even wider, feeling welcomed into this little part of Dominik’s world. Dominik’s smirk softened as he glanced at Liv, then back at Solange, pride shining in his eyes. “Lo sé, toda mía,” (I know, all mine.) he replied confidently, his voice playfully possessive as he wrapped an arm around Liv’s shoulders, pulling her a little closer against him.
Liv leaned into his touch, her heart fluttering as she felt the warmth of his arm around her. Solange watched them, her smile widening at their obvious affection for one another. The moment felt like a snapshot in time—Dominik introducing Liv to a piece of his past, sharing a part of himself that was familiar and meaningful. It was more than just ordering food; it was like blending their lives together, one small but significant gesture at a time.
“Amorcita, ¿te gustan los tacos de birria?” (Love, do you like birria tacos?) Dominik asked Liv, his voice gentle as he spoke the question in Spanish. He watched her closely, a soft smile on his face as he waited for her answer. Liv’s eyes lit up with excitement, sparkling as she eagerly nodded, her enthusiasm clear.
Solange’s eyebrows shot up in surprise, her expression curious. “¿Tu güerita entiende español?” (Your güerita understands spanish?) she asked, clearly taken aback. It was rare for her to see someone outside their community who not only understood but appreciated the language and culture.
Liv gave a gentle smile, her cheeks flushed with pride as she responded, "Y puedo hablarlo,” (And I can speak it) she said smoothly in Spanish, her tone warm as she glanced up at Dominik. “Todo gracias a este hombre guapo que es mío,” (It's all thanks to this handsome man that's mine.) she added with a playful grin, nudging Dominik lightly.
Solange’s surprise melted into delight, her hands coming together in an excited clap. “¡Mira nada más!” she exclaimed, clearly pleased by this unexpected twist. Dominik couldn’t hide the pride that beamed from his face, his grin wide and unrestrained. He loved seeing Liv connect with this part of his life, and her efforts to learn Spanish always made his heart swell.
“Dame dos combos de tacos de birria,” (Give me two combos of birria tacos.) Dominik said, turning back to Solange, his voice carrying the easy confidence of someone who felt right at home. Solange nodded, her smile lingering as she turned to start their order. “Muy bien, sólo siéntense allá y espérenme,” (Alright, just sit over there and wait for me.) she instructed, gesturing to a nearby table where they could wait for their food.
Liv and Dominik nodded in unison, thanking Solange before making their way over to the small picnic table under the shade of a tree. They sat side by side, enjoying the warm afternoon and the hum of life around them, their hands casually brushing against each other. The anticipation of the meal made everything feel even more special.
Soon enough, Solange appeared with their order, balancing two steaming plates of birria tacos, their aroma rich and mouthwatering. She handed over the plates with a warm smile, but before she turned to leave, she leaned in close to Liv, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “Le gustas mucho, de verdad,” (he really likes you) she murmured, her eyes twinkling.
Liv felt her heart skip a beat, a warm glow spreading through her chest at Solange’s words. She looked up at the woman, her own smile growing soft and grateful. “Gracias,” she whispered back, her voice barely audible over the bustling sounds around them. As Solange walked away, Liv turned back to Dominik, their eyes meeting in a shared moment of unspoken understanding, and she couldn’t help but feel like she was exactly where she was meant to be.
Dominik had never been the type to take selfies or pictures; he always found himself more comfortable behind the scenes, appreciating life without the lens. But ever since Liv came into his life, something shifted. There was a new warmth in the ordinary moments they shared, a kind of magic he suddenly wanted to capture and hold onto. So, slowly, he grew fond of pulling out his phone to freeze those little memories in time.
As Liv took her first eager bite into one of the birria tacos, her eyes closed in delight, savoring the rich flavor and the warmth of the tortilla against her lips. Dominik couldn’t resist the urge. He pulled out his phone, positioning the camera just right, and snapped a quick picture of her, the taco halfway to her mouth, her expression full of pure, unfiltered joy. A small smear of sauce clung to the corner of her lips, and she looked radiant, glowing in the golden light filtering through the trees.
He took another shot, this time framing their wrists together, their matching yin and yang tattoos catching the sunlight. The contrast between his darker, inked skin and her softer, lighter tone made the design stand out even more, their wrists pressed together in a perfect symbol of their connection. The tattoos shimmered faintly under the sunlight, the freshly inked lines still bold against their skin. He knew that years from now, he would look back at this picture and remember how this simple moment, sitting together at a taco truck, had meant everything.
Liv noticed the click of the camera and turned towards him, her lips curving into a playful smirk. “You’re so obsessed with me,” she teased, her voice light but her eyes holding a knowing warmth. She reached out, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear, the gesture soft and casual.
Dominik looked up from his phone, catching her gaze, and without missing a beat, he nodded with a grin that reached his eyes. “Always,” he replied, his voice sincere, the word holding a weight that went beyond the joke. He slipped his phone back into his pocket, but not before taking a moment to admire the pictures he had just taken. The sight of her, happy and unguarded, was something he knew he’d cherish long after the tacos were gone and the day had faded into memory.
It had been about four months since Liv and Dominik were paired up for their carefully crafted plan to get revenge on Rhea Ripley—the person who had hurt them both more than anyone else ever had. The idea was risky, but they’d decided that pretending to be lovers would give them the best chance to manipulate her. It was a game of deception and mind games, with every interaction carefully staged.
Finn, ever the skeptic, had voiced his doubts when they first pitched the plan. “This could end up being a bad decision," he’d warned, watching them with narrowed eyes. But even he couldn’t deny the undeniable spark between Liv and Dominik. Their chemistry was palpable—so much so that even the lines between reality and pretense had begun to blur.
In the beginning, Liv had told herself it was all part of the act. She practiced her smiles, her laughs, and the way she let Dominik's hand linger on her waist. But soon, she found herself unable to control the way her heart would flutter whenever he was near. It was like a restless bird trapped inside her chest, beating faster and faster whenever he leaned in too close, whispered something in her ear, or flashed that mischievous smile of his.
Dominik had a way of looking at her that made her feel seen, truly seen. His dark eyes, deep and thoughtful, seemed to reach right into her, making her forget that it was all just a façade. When they trained together in the gym, his laughter would echo against the walls, filling the empty space between them, making her feel lighter than she had in years. She couldn’t quite place the feeling—nervousness or joy, perhaps a tangled mix of both—but it left her breathless all the same.
She told herself it was the thrill of the plan, the rush of adrenaline as they plotted Rhea’s downfall together. But late at night, when she replayed the moments they’d shared, she couldn't ignore how Dominik made her feel. He was the first thought that crossed her mind when she woke up, and the reason she looked forward to going to work every morning. His presence had become like the sun in her life, a warmth that she craved without understanding why.
And she hated how easy it had become to care for him. It made everything feel messier, more real, and more dangerous. Yet, there was a part of her that didn’t mind the risk—that loved how she could be herself around him, without needing to pretend. Sometimes she wondered if he felt it too, in the way his gaze lingered a little too long when he thought she wasn’t looking, or in the way his touch seemed to soften when their eyes met.
But the plan was still the plan. It was a mission they couldn’t afford to fail, a game they couldn’t let slip through their fingers. They both knew it, and yet, somewhere along the way, they had become more than just co-conspirators. They had become something else, something unspoken. And in the quiet moments between plotting revenge and keeping up appearances, Liv found herself wishing, for just a second, that this was real.
But Liv always kept those feelings buried deep inside her, locking them away like a secret she didn't dare speak. Every time she caught herself lingering on the way Dominik's smile made her feel or the warmth of his touch, she quickly shoved those thoughts aside, afraid of what might happen if she let them show. After all, unrequited love had been a painful companion before—its sting still fresh in her memory. She couldn't bear to go through it again. So, she built walls around her heart, hoping that maybe, if she acted convincingly enough, no one would notice the cracks forming beneath the surface.
One afternoon, when the two of them had taken a break from their endless planning, Finn cornered her in the hallway, his expression unreadable. “Liv, you’ve been different lately. What’s going on with you and Dominik?” His voice was low, curious, and she felt her pulse quicken, panic threatening to bubble over.
She forced a smile, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes, and shrugged as casually as she could manage. “Nothing, Finn. We’re just doing what we planned—keeping up appearances, that’s all.” She hoped he couldn’t hear the tremor in her voice or see the way her fingers fidgeted nervously with the hem of her shirt. Finn studied her for a moment longer, his brow furrowed as if he might press further, but eventually, he let it drop, leaving Liv with a sinking feeling in her chest.
But as the weeks turned into months, hiding her feelings became an impossible task. The love she felt for Dominik seemed to swell with every passing day, growing like a relentless tide that refused to be contained. It washed over her in waves—when he laughed, when he looked at her like she was the only person in the room, when he held her close in those moments they pretended to be a couple. She told herself it was all an act, but each touch, each glance, made her wish it could be real. And she was drowning in it, pulled deeper into the currents of her own emotions.
She thought she could keep it hidden, but the more she tried to hold it back, the more obvious it seemed to become. Her cheeks would flush when he leaned in too close, her voice would waver when he teased her, and she found herself looking at him with a softness that she could no longer disguise. Even Finn had started to notice the way her eyes seemed to follow Dominik across the room, like a moth drawn helplessly to a flame.
Liv knew it was only a matter of time before Dominik realized too. The thought sent a chill of fear through her—a fear that he might look at her with pity, that he might pull away, leaving her heart exposed and aching. But even that fear couldn’t quiet the way her chest fluttered every time he touched her arm or gave her one of those smiles that seemed meant just for her.
She tried to avoid being alone with him, knowing that the closer they got, the more her resolve would crumble. But their plan kept pulling them back together, and each moment they spent alone became another crack in the armor she had tried so hard to maintain. Every word, every touch, was an unspoken promise that she longed to believe in.
Yet, every night when she was alone with her thoughts, she couldn’t help but imagine what it would be like to let herself fall completely—to tell Dominik everything, to risk her heart again. It was a dream she didn’t dare chase, but it haunted her nonetheless, creeping into her thoughts until it was all she could see when she closed her eyes.
And in those quiet moments, she knew that she couldn’t keep this secret forever. One day, it would spill out, whether she wanted it to or not. The truth, like her feelings, had grown too big to stay hidden. And when that day came, she would have to face whatever came next—whether it was heartbreak or something she never dared to hope for.
One night, after wrapping up a segment with Rhea, Liv and Dominik finally had a moment to breathe. The whole thing had gone off without a hitch—Rhea’s expression during their act was priceless, her jealousy and frustration almost palpable. It was clear that she had no idea they were faking it. She still had feelings for Dominik, and seeing him with Liv had gotten under her skin in exactly the way they’d hoped.
Exhausted but pleased, the two of them found themselves sprawled on the couch in The Judgment Day's locker room. Liv’s head rested against Dominik’s shoulder, while his arm draped lazily around her. They both let out tired laughs, their bodies warm from the adrenaline of the successful segment.
“That was so much fun,” Dominik said, a tired grin spreading across his face.
Liv couldn’t help but smile as she nodded, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “The look on her face was amazing,” she replied, recalling Rhea's reaction with a laugh that bubbled up despite her exhaustion.
Dominik chuckled softly, shaking his head. “Can’t believe our acting is this good.”
But something about that word—Acting—landed heavily in Liv’s chest. The sound of it echoed in her mind, bouncing off the walls she’d tried so hard to build. Acting. It hit her like a splash of cold water, pulling her back to the reality she had been trying so hard to ignore. It was all pretend. Everything—the lingering touches, the closeness, the way he’d look at her—was just part of the game. And in that moment, she felt the ache she’d been hiding come rushing to the surface, sharp and undeniable.
Her smile faltered, and before she could stop herself, she shifted her head from his shoulder. The warmth of his body that had been so comforting just a moment ago now felt like a painful reminder of how close he was, yet how far away. Silence settled between them like a thick fog, her heart feeling heavier with each passing second.
Dominik noticed the shift immediately, turning his head to look at her with a puzzled expression. “What’s up? You went quiet all of a sudden,” he asked, his brows furrowed with genuine concern.
Liv’s chest tightened, and she swallowed hard, knowing that what she was about to say would change everything between them. She could hear her own heartbeat, loud and frantic in her ears, and she knew she should laugh it off, brush away the question that was on the tip of her tongue. But the weight of the unspoken truth was too much, and she couldn’t hold it back any longer. Her lips parted, and the words came out before she could think twice. “Just acting, right?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, but the vulnerability in it was impossible to miss.
Dominik’s eyebrows furrowed deeper, confusion flashing across his face as he studied her. For a moment, he looked as if he might say something lighthearted, a joke to keep the mood easy, but he caught the serious look in her eyes. He turned fully toward her, his arm slipping from around her shoulders. “Yeah, what else would it be, Liv?” he asked, his voice a bit softer now, but there was a tension there, as if he was trying to figure out what she was really asking. His eyes searched her face, trying to read the emotions she couldn’t quite hide.
Liv felt a painful twist in her chest at his words, and she forced herself to meet his gaze even though it hurt. She could see the confusion in his eyes, the way he was trying to understand what she meant, but she knew that to him, it was simple. It was all part of the plan, a role they played to get under Rhea’s skin. But for her, it had become so much more, and now she was stuck between the fear of losing what little she had with him and the unbearable ache of pretending she felt nothing at all.
She could already feel the regret pooling in her stomach, knowing that she had opened a door she couldn’t close. Her heart was racing, and she struggled to keep her voice steady, even as she forced a small, wavering smile onto her face. “Yeah,” she replied, but the word came out broken, barely more than a breath. Her gaze dropped to the space between them, where her hand rested inches from his, wishing for a moment that she could take it all back.
But the truth was out there now, hanging in the air between them like a thread waiting to snap, and all she could do was brace herself for whatever came next.
Dominik could sense that something wasn’t right. There was a tension in the air, the kind that made his chest feel tight, and he could see the way Liv was shrinking into herself, her shoulders tense. He was about to ask her what was wrong, to press her on the sudden shift in her mood, but before he could even get a word out, she spoke. Her voice was small, barely more than a whisper, and it made his breath catch.
Liv’s eyes were fixed downward, staring at her shoes—those matching sneakers he’d gotten for both of them as a joke, a little reminder of their act. But now, they felt like something more, a symbol of all the time they had spent together. The lump in her throat grew, and she could feel the burn of regret spreading through her chest, making it hard to breathe. She knew she was about to cross a line, one she couldn’t uncross, but the question tumbled out of her mouth before she could stop it.
“You’ve never felt anything for me during these months?” Her voice trembled as she spoke, the vulnerability bleeding into every word.
Dominik’s eyes widened, her question catching him completely off guard. Was she really asking what he thought she was? His heart skipped a beat, and for a moment, he couldn’t find the words. He ran a hand through his hair, letting out a soft sigh, his mind racing. He needed to be careful here, to understand exactly what she meant before he answered. He couldn’t afford to misread this moment.
“In what way, Liv?” he asked, his voice low and careful, almost afraid of the answer. He studied her face, trying to find the truth hidden in her downcast eyes. He wanted her to say it—wanted to hear the words clear and direct—so that there would be no room for misunderstanding.
Liv’s teeth dug into her bottom lip, holding back the emotions that threatened to spill over. She could feel her hands trembling in her lap, and every instinct in her screamed at her to take it all back, to laugh it off and pretend she hadn’t meant a thing. But her heart was speaking for her now, louder than the voice in her head that urged her to keep quiet. And so, she let the words slip past her lips, hating how vulnerable they made her feel.
“Romantically,” she whispered, the word feeling fragile in the space between them. “Have you ever liked me? Or felt any genuine spark between us, Dominik?”
The question hung in the air, raw and unguarded. She could feel the weight of it pressing down on her, could feel the tears she was fighting back stinging at the corners of her eyes. She didn’t want to ask it—didn’t want to put herself out there like this—but it was too late. The words were out, and now all she could do was brace herself for whatever answer might come.
This was a confusing situation for Dominik. He opened his mouth to respond but found that he couldn’t quite form the words. There was a lump in his throat, a tightness in his chest, and a dozen thoughts swirling through his mind. He wanted to tell Liv something that wouldn’t hurt her, something that would ease the vulnerability in her voice and the pain in her eyes. But no matter what words he thought of, none of them felt right.
He looked at her, really looked at her—at the way her eyes were glistening with unshed tears, the way her shoulders seemed to slump as if she was bracing herself for a blow. He hated that he was the one putting that look on her face. He hated that this moment, one she had clearly hoped for, was turning into something that hurt her. But he also knew he couldn’t lie to her, couldn’t make promises he wasn’t sure he could keep.
“I’m sorry, Liv,” he finally said, his voice barely more than a breath. It was the only thing he could muster, the only words that felt like they wouldn’t break him or her any more than they already were.
The silence that followed was sharp, slicing through the air between them like a knife. It was the kind of silence that held a weight to it, that pressed down on them both until it was almost suffocating. Liv’s world seemed to come crashing down all at once, those three words echoing in her mind like a bell tolling the end of something she had only just begun to hope for.
She felt her nails dig into the soft flesh of her palms, trying to ground herself against the overwhelming ache that spread through her chest. Her breath came in short, uneven gasps, as if her lungs had forgotten how to work. Her heart pounded in her chest, each beat like a sharp pain that made her feel like she might shatter into pieces right there in front of him. It felt like someone had taken a glass vase and thrown it to the ground, shattering it into a million pieces—and she was the one trying desperately to gather them all back together.
Her mind screamed at her to take it back, to laugh and say it was just a joke, just part of their little game. But the words wouldn’t come, her throat too tight, her emotions too raw. All she could do was sit there, the reality of his apology sinking into her like a cold weight.
Across from her, Dominik watched the heartbreak unfold on her face, and it cut through him like a knife. Deep down, he knew the truth: he did like her. He liked her in a way that made his chest ache when she wasn’t around, in a way that made him want to hold her a little longer when they hugged, in a way that made him feel alive when she laughed at something he said. He felt something for her that he couldn’t quite put into words—something that was warm and bright, something that made him want to believe in the possibility of a future that was more than just their game of make-believe.
But as he looked at her now, seeing the pain his answer had caused, all he could feel was the shadow of his past, dark and unyielding. The memory of his relationship with Rhea still lingered inside him like a ghost, haunting him with its bitterness and its failure. He remembered how that relationship had gone wrong, how he’d hurt and been hurt, how love had twisted into something that only left scars behind. It was a part of him he couldn’t seem to shake, no matter how much he wanted to.
He felt like he didn’t deserve Liv’s feelings, didn’t deserve the hope she’d placed in him. He felt like he would only end up hurting her, just like he’d hurt Rhea, just like he’d hurt himself. And that fear held him back, chained him to the silence between them. This confession should have made him happy—it should have been a chance for something real, something new—but instead, all he felt was the weight of his own doubts pressing down on him, keeping him from reaching out to her.
So, he stayed quiet, his hands clenching into fists at his sides, wishing he could find the courage to tell her everything he was feeling. But instead, he watched as her hope crumbled before him, and the silence between them grew colder, more painful. And as much as it tore at him, he couldn’t bring himself to break it.
Liv swallowed the lump in her throat, forcing a smile onto her lips. It was a fragile, broken thing—more a mask than a true expression. Her lips trembled as she held it in place, but it didn’t reach her eyes, which were red and glassy with the tears she refused to let fall in front of him. She slowly stood up from the couch, feeling unsteady on her feet, like the ground beneath her was shifting.
Her back was to him now, and she was grateful for that. She didn’t want him to see the tears that threatened to spill, didn’t want him to see how badly she was crumbling. She took a shaky breath, her chest tightening with every beat of her aching heart, and she forced herself to look over her shoulder, sparing him one last glance. She knew she should just leave without saying another word, but the truth—her truth—had already been spoken, and there was no taking it back now.
“I love you,” she said softly, the words breaking in the air between them like a delicate thing shattering on impact. She didn’t let herself linger on the way his expression changed—how his eyes widened, how a flash of pain crossed his face. Instead, she quickly added, “I’m sorry.” Her voice cracked, and she turned away again, before she could lose what little composure she had left.
She walked out of the locker room, her steps hurried and uneven, and as soon as she was out of sight, the tears began to flow freely, hot and unchecked down her cheeks. Her vision blurred, and she bit down on her lip to keep from sobbing, trying to quiet the noise of her heartbreak that seemed to echo in every step she took. It felt like her chest was being squeezed tight, like there wasn’t enough air in the world to fill her lungs. All she could do was keep walking, even though each step felt like she was dragging a weight behind her.
Back in the room, Dominik watched her go, her words hanging in the air like a ghost he couldn’t escape. He felt his heart twist painfully in his chest, a sharp pang of guilt cutting through him. He wanted to get up, wanted to run after her, to grab her arm and tell her not to go. He wanted to take back his silence, to tell her that maybe—just maybe—he could feel the same way if he could only let himself believe it.
But he stayed rooted in place, his hands clenched into fists, his nails digging into his palms. The guilt felt like a heavy chain wrapped around his limbs, keeping him from moving. He had already hurt her enough, and he was terrified that if he chased after her, he’d only end up breaking her heart even more. He watched the door she had left through, his throat tight and his heart aching like a wound that wouldn’t heal.
Who knew that one confession could leave two hearts broken? The words she had spoken played over and over in his mind—I love you, I’m sorry—and he could hear the pain in them, the same pain he felt deep inside. It should have been a moment of clarity, a chance to bridge the gap between them, but instead, it had left them both more shattered than before.
Dominik sat there in the silence, feeling the weight of his own regret settle around him like a cold fog, knowing that he had let something precious slip through his fingers. And even though he could feel his heart begging him to make it right, he couldn’t bring himself to move. He just sat there, letting the silence stretch on, while the ache of what he hadn’t said tore at him from the inside.
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