Riley and Val oneshots

Daddy issues

Pov Nobody

Val sat on the edge of her bed, nervously twisting her fingers. The room was dimly lit, casting long shadows on the walls. Riley, her girlfriend, had just walked in, and Val's anxiety was palpable. Riley could sense something was off and took a seat beside Val, reaching out to gently hold her hand.

"Hey, you've been distant lately," Riley said softly. "What's going on?"

Val took a deep breath, her eyes darting around the room as she tried to find the right words. "There's something I need to tell you. It's about my dad."

Riley squeezed her hand reassuringly. "Whatever it is, you can tell me."

Val's voice trembled as she began. "I don't talk about him much, but he's been a big part of why I am the way I am. My dad... he's a real piece of work. Always yelling, swearing, and just being a total douche."

Riley's expression turned concerned. "What do you mean?"

Val struggled to articulate her thoughts. "He's always been like this. Racial and ethnic stereotypes come out of his mouth like it's nothing. He thinks it's funny, but it's just... cruel. I grew up with that. It's like I was raised in this toxic environment, and I'm still dealing with the fallout."

Riley listened intently, her heart aching for Val. "That sounds really tough. How has that affected you?"

Val wiped away a tear. "I guess it's made me feel like I'm never enough. Like I have to prove myself all the time. And sometimes, I worry that I'm not good enough for you. I don't want to bring that toxicity into our relationship."

Riley pulled Val into a comforting embrace. "Val, you don't have to worry about that. I love you for who you are, not because of your past. Your father's behavior doesn't define you. We can work through this together."

Val clung to Riley, feeling a mix of relief and sadness. "Thank you. I'm scared, though. Sometimes I feel like I'm still living in his shadow, even when he's not around."

Riley kissed the top of Val's head. "We'll face it together. Your past doesn't dictate your future. You're strong, and you've come so far. Let's keep moving forward, and we'll make sure your shadows don't control us."

Val looked up at Riley, her eyes filled with gratitude. "I'm so lucky to have you."

Riley smiled softly. "And I'm lucky to have you. Let's keep talking and supporting each other. We'll get through this."

As they held each other close, the room seemed a bit brighter. Val felt a glimmer of hope, knowing she wasn't alone in facing her shadows. With Riley by her side, she began to believe that healing and happiness were possible, even amidst the lingering echoes of her father's hurtful words.