First Meeting - LivDom
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SummerSlam 2020
Dominik paced back and forth in an empty hallway. Tonight was his in-ring debut. He was going against Seth Rollins in a street fight match and he was nervous.
This was his first match ever and there wasn't even a live crowd because of the pandemic. It was just gonna be him and Seth, his dad at ringside, the commentators, the camera crew, and screens filled of fans watching from home.
Dominik can feel his heart pounding against his chest. He can hear his dad calling for him from afar but he was to in his head to care.
Was the hallway getting smaller, tighter? Why was everything spinning? Why was his sight blurry? When did it get so hard to breathe?
"Dominik?"
That voice? What was that voice?
"Dominik?"
There it was again. It was sweet and angelic with a little tinge of mischief behind it.
"Dominik can you hear me?" Something touched his shoulder. Dominik did his best to blink the blurriness away. He rubs his eyes a bit to feel the back of his hands a little wet. Was he crying?
Dominik wiped away most of his tears. He was able to see locks of straight platinum hair and the most beautiful blue eyes he's ever seen behind silver framed glasses.
The voice calling out to him started to sound familiar.
It was Liv Morgan. Former member of the Riott Squad.
"Dominik you're having a panic attack. Sit down for a moment." Liv was able to lead the younger Mysterio to sit on the floor and lean against the wall. "That's it's. Now can you take deep breaths for me?"
Dominik tries his best to follows Liv's instructions but his already uneven and shallow breathing was making it hard. He can feel his panic attack rising against.
He starts clawing at his throat. "No Dominik. Don't do that please. You'll hurt yourself."
Soft warm hands gently grabs his. "Feel my heartbeat Dominik. Follow my breaths. You can do it." Liv puts his hands on her chest, over her heart. Dominik takes a moment to feel Liv's even breathing and chest rises. He slowly does the same, slowly making his breathing become in sync with hers.
They do this for a moment more until Dominik can feel himself calm and able to breathe on his own again. "Thank...Thank you."
Liv smiles, removing her hands from his. Dominik's hands feel cold again from the lack of warmth but he doesn't have it in him to ask for her hands again.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Liv moves to sit next to him. Dominik sighs. "I just got into my head a little. It's nothing." Suddenly a little slap went to his head. He flinched. "Hey! What was-"
Liv gives him a 'don't lie to me look.' "Dominik having a panic attack and saying it's nothing is not nothing." Liv eyes go soft, making Dominik feel an uncertain feeling in his stomach. "You can tell me. I promise I won't say anything. Not even to your dad."
Dominik takes a moment to startle at her, seeing how if she has any ulterior motive. When not finding any he gives. "I...I guess I... I guess I just got nervous." Liv stays silent letting Dominik continue.
"This is my first match ever. But I've never imagined it to be like this. No arena. No fans. I'm going up against a former champion. My dad will be there but he said he won't interfere with the match, wanting me to do this on my own, and I'm grateful but...he's a legend and I'm just some boy. Everyone only remembers me from the custody match between him and Eddie when I was eight. I have a lot to live up to. I have to prove myself to everyone. If I lose what am I going to be remembered for? I'm only remembered as Rey Mysterio's son. His shadow. I don't know if I can do this-"
"Dominik stop!" Liv covers his mouth with her hand. "You're ranting and panting. Can't have you going into another panic attack." Liv moves her hand away from his mouth. Dominik sighs. "Sorry. I got carried away." Liv shakes her head. "Don't be. You have every right to feel the way to feel."
"But the excuse is ridiculous."
Dominik over her a look of offense. "What?" Liv giggles. Her giggle sounded like music to Dominik's ears. "What's this talk about having to prove yourself? You aren't in your dad's shadow Dominik. You're his partner."
"He taught you everything you need to know. All you need to do is take what he taught you and make it your own. That way if anyone says all you are is Rey Mysterio's kid you can at least argue you're wrestling royalty."
The comfort of Liv's words brings satisfaction to Dominik. "And so what if you lose? Seth may have experience but you have learned from your dad. All his tricks and tactics you can use to your advantage. Things Seth wouldn't see coming."
"You don't need to prove yourself anymore Dominik. You've proven yourself enough." Liv smiles.
Dominik smiles in appreciation. "Thanks Liv. That means a lot." Liv giggles. "Anything for a Mysterio. Kick a** out there yeah? I'll be cheering you on."
Her and Dominik stand up from their spots. "Thanks Liv. Really, for everything." Liv smiles and pats his shoulder. "Go get em Mysterio." Dominik grins and runs off to find his dad.
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*After The Match*
Dominik grunts and hisses as he limps towards his and his dad's shared locker room. After losing the match all he can think about was the fear and doubt about failing his father and not living up to the Mysterio name.
When his opens the door and walks in he freezes his steps. Sitting on a chair was a bowl of jolly ranchers and a note. He picks up the note and reads it.
Someone once told me "A loss is just a stepping stone to greater success." You did great out there. Think of this as a learning curve for something bigger coming your way. Take the time to process what greatness you did today and reflect on your skills tomorrow. Couldn't be more proud of you. -Liv
Dominik couldn't help but smile. He kept thinking about the quote and how much meaning it had. He didn't even realize his father walking.
"Hijo I got you an ice pack for your ribs." Rey paused his statement when seeing the bowl of candy, the letter, and his son's goofy smile. "Oh, who are those from hijo?"
Dominik looks from the letter to the bowl of jolly ranchers. His heart could help but flutter at the thought of Liv. All the new feelings he felt while thinking of her. Pounding heart, butterflies in stomach. He's never experience something like this before. But Liv...
Liv made him feel all of it.
He picks up a blue jolly rancher, unwraps it, and plops it in his mouth. He smiles. "A friend."