V & V - Rageous Rageon Rise

I'll Never Stop... For A Different Reason

Dom POV:

I point Mateo in the direction of my apartment. I feel very nervous as we turn onto my road. We park in front of "The Jungle," the tall building looming overhead.

Dom: "Well, this is it."

Mateo nods and gets out before helping me down. I lead us into the lobby, feeling incredibly nervous as we walk to the elevator. I let him in, my heart dropping as we ascend.

Mateo: "You seem scared. Something is wrong?"

Dom: "No... there... shouldn't be anything wrong."

My heart slams in my chest as I look at the elevator doors. I lead us down the hallway, the air growing colder as we approach my door. I look at the door handle and open the door slowly, terrified that my doppelganger or hallucinations are here.

I don't see anything, so I let Mateo in. He looks around, his eyes wide as he admires my plants and foliage.

Mateo: "Wow! I love the plants! So green!"

Dom: "I'm glad you like them. Would... you care for a drink?"

He nods and follows me to my kitchen area. I pull a bottle of wine out and pour him a glass. Once I have one for myself filled, I lead him to the couch.

I sit down and feel a little more relaxed yet weirded out. This feels similar to what I did with Veneer when he was over.

I sip my wine, very nervous to have Mateo over. As Mateo sips his wine, his attention seems focused upstairs towards the pool room.

I'm sure he can hear the water... but that's not what I'm terrified of. I'm deathly afraid he's hearing something that is calling to him.

Mateo: "Where is the sound from? the water?"

Dom: "That... is... from somewhere else in the apartment."

Mateo turns his head, his sparkly eyes meeting mine sadly.

Mateo: "You hold scared for it. Why?"

I sip my wine, not sure how I can explain to him why the pool room scares me.

Mateo: "Will you show me? I want to see what scares you so I can fix it."

Dom: "I... don't think it's a matter of fixing it."

Mateo: "Will you show me anyway?"

I look at him for a long time before nodding. I chug the rest of my wine, then stand. I slowly walk up the stairs and stop at my door to the pool room. I stare at the handle, terrified to open the door.

What if I see either of us lying face down in the water? What if we're called to drown? What if-

I feel a gentle hand on mine and look up to see Mateo's reassuring face.

Mateo: "We don't go if you don't want to."

Dom: "We... can take a peek."

He nods and moves so I can open the door. I crack it open and peek my head in. I look at the water and see no dead bodies or apparitions.

I open the door and let us in. Mateo gasps at the sheer size of the pool and looks around in awe.

I take his hand and quickly lead us to the bedroom. I shut us in, my heart racing as the door closed. Mateo stares at my bedroom and then walks to my bathroom. He returns with wide eyes and a serious look on his face.

Mateo: "This place... it... It feels so dark. You... live here?"

I nod, feeling ashamed.

Dom: "I like living here quite a lot. But... it does hold bad memories. I... have had very dark events take place here. It's... why I was so hesitant to show you around."