Dark and Brutal

Proud

Vic sits by the window of the plane. She yawns and smiles as Rhea takes the seat next to her. They're on their way to their next stop for Raw. With Rhea finally being fully cleared again, Vic can't wait to see her back in the ring.

Only Rhea doesn't seem to be sharing the excitement. She seems distant and has a blank, unreadable look on her face. Vic looks down at her hands and twiddles her thumbs. Nerves rising up in the pit of her stomach. Rhea looks over, noticing the change.

"What's wrong?" She asks softly.

"Nothing it's just..you're really quiet. Did I do something wrong?" Vic replies with her own question.

Rhea shakes her head, "not at all. I'm just thinking."

"What are you thinking about?" Vic questions.

Rhea looks around, checking to make sure nobody can hear, and lowers her voice.

"Why won't you let Matt touch you?" She asks.

Vic stares at Rhea, her words suddenly leaving her body. Unsure of what to say, she opens and closes her mouth a few times. Rhea leans back in her seat.

"It's okay. You don't have to. I just want to make sure you're comfortable," Rhea adds after a couple minutes of silence.

"I am," Vic replies slowly, "I just haven't done this before. Been with more than one person. What if he decides he doesn't like me and doesn't think I'm good enough for you two?"

Rhea takes Vic's hand and intertwines their fingers. She rubs Vic's hand with her thumb and looks in her eyes.

"He would never do that. And even if he would? I would never leave you again," Rhea replies, "no matter what."

Vic nods slowly and looks out the window. She continues to hold Rhea's hand for the remainder of the flight. Taking comfort in her thumb tracing over the back of her hand.

Once they arrive at their next stop, Rhea doesn't let go of Vic's hand as they get off the plane. She continues to hold it through the airport on the way to baggage claim, making Vic smile.

When Vic finds her suitcase on the conveyer belt she goes to reach for it but Rhea pulls her back.

"Babe I need my hand," she laughs.

Rhea just smiles, pulls her close and kisses her before letting her hand go. Vic laughs and her cheeks heat as she turns to grab her suitcase. Rhea grabs her own and they make their way out of the airport and to the Uber.

Since they're running a bit late, Rhea asks the driver to take them to the arena. There's no time to drop their bags off at the hotel first.

As they ride in silence, Vic notices Rhea's leg bouncing and she's biting at her lip while looking out the window. Vic frowns slightly and puts her hand on Rhea's leg. It slows as Rhea continues to stare blankly out the window.

The driver pulls up to the arena and stops.

"Here we are ladies," she smiles in the rearview mirror.

"Thank you," Vic says as she hands her a tip.

The two get out of the car and grab their bags from the back. Vic looks over at Rhea as the woman drives away. She's staring at the venue with wide eyes. Her skin growing more and more pale by the minute.

"Hey are you okay?" Vic asks.

Rhea nods and rushes inside to their dressing room, with Vic trailing behind, barely able to keep up with her.

"Rhea!" She says.

As they reach the dressing room, Rhea practically runs inside and throws her bags to the floor. Her breath catching in her throat while her chest heaves. Tears streaming down her face while she paces the room.

Vic walks in and shuts the door behind her. Watching as Rhea quickly unfolds before her eyes. Crying and beginning to shake as she leans against the wall, sinking down to the floor and wrapping her arms around her knees. Vic kneels in front of her as she drops her head onto her knees.

"Rhea what's wrong? What is it?" She asks nervously.

With no answer, Rhea continues to break down. Her cries muffled by her knees and her knuckles going white from squeezing too hard. Vic reaches out and grabs Rhea's face, lifting her head to make her look up at her.

"Take a deep breath with me. In.." Vic says as she takes a deep breath in and holds it, waiting for Rhea to follow suit.

When she does, Vic continues.

"Out.." she says before blowing the air from her mouth.

Rhea blows it out, continuing to look in Vic's eyes as she does. Her breathing slows a little, but tears continue to flow down her cheeks.

"Tell me what's wrong," Vic whispers.

"What if I can't do it?" Rhea asks.

"Do what?"

"What if I go out there and make a fool of myself and let the Mosherz down?" Rhea elaborates quietly.

Vic shakes her head and wipes Rhea's tears.

"As long as you do your best, you could never let them down. I promise," she says.

Rhea sighs and looks down. She takes another deep breath before nodding.

"I'm such an idiot. Why do I get like this?" She asks.

Vic frowns.

"Don't talk about yourself like that or I'll tell Buddy," she smirks.

Rhea laughs softly and rolls her eyes.

"That's it I'm calling him," Vic says and grabs her phone.

"Don't you dare!" Rhea says and lunges at her, tackling her backwards.

Vic screams and laughs as Rhea tickles her.

"Don't mind us," Damian says from the doorway.

"Yes please continue," Dom smiles cheekily.

Rhea rolls her eyes and stands before punching Dom's shoulder. Vic laughs and texts Buddy about what happened. What he replies makes a smile cross her face.

I'm proud of you.