V & V - Rageous Rageon Rise

Scrolling Above A Whisper

Dom POV:

I don't know what happened, but Veneer and the gang's show has improved significantly.

Mateo and I have seen two more shows over the past two weeks, and they've been ten times better than the pilot.

I find myself laughing a ton at their jokes, which is super fun to enjoy with Mateo.

His mobility has gotten so much better. He's on his cane full-time now. It's been great to see him walk on his own and be able to shower and take care of himself.

It's incredibly relieving to see him doing so well. I... am particularly relieved for one reason.

I've been seriously thinking about... our future. It's not a thing I think I'd have allowed myself to even imagine before our whole death incident.

But after I get to care for him and see how committed he is to better not only his life but also ours and our relationship... my heart is telling me what I want.

It's scary. It's new. It's a thrill I never imagined I'd have for myself. But yet, it's here. I know what I'm feeling; it goes deeper than true love.

I take a deep breath, crying quietly to myself in the bedroom.

It's an indescribable feeling. I remember when all I had was hate in my heart—no real emotions, nothing substantial.

Now, I experience what it means to love. I love Mateo... I love him so much, it hurts. I love that feeling.

I love feeling, crying, and worrying for him. I love that I'm capable of expressing that.

I wipe the rest of my tears away as Mateo walks in. He's smiling and looking at his phone as he walks in.

I admire his cane, which is beautifully decorated with arrays of colors, paint, and glitter, all on the base of a black wooden pole.

It's elegant and fun and completely suits his personality.

Mateo: "Dom! You have to watch this."

He walks over and sits with a sigh before showing me his phone.

I smile at the video, something else in my mind as I watch. It's a failed proposal, obviously a skit.

Mateo laughs happily, yet the video scares me.

If I proposed to him... would this happen? Would he reject me?"

I realize he's talking to me, and I'm just watching the video replay.

Mateo: "Dom?"

Dom: "Sorry. I got... caught up in the video. That's pretty funny."

Mateo: "Yes, it's so silly! How scared the man is! I would be."

He laughs before scrolling to the next video. He lies down, his head on my lap, as he scrolls.

I sigh quietly and rub his shoulder, trying to distract myself from the thoughts worrying me.

After a few videos, Mateo looks up at me, his eyes nervous.

Mateo: I... sense you feel something."

Dom: "What do you sense?"

Mateo: "You're... scared. Why?"

Dom: "Nothing. Just... been thinking a lot. You know how I get."

Mateo looks into my eyes, then nods.

Mateo: "You tell me if it's bad?"

I nod, watching as he goes back to his phone. I close my eyes, using the phone as background noise as I daydream.