Chapter Text
*March 14th, 2022*
"Liv come on we gotta go!"
Those were the first words Liv heard as she set foot outside the coffee shop she had stopped by, carrying two orders in a bag as her best friend and designated driver for the day was waiting in the rental car for her
Liv: Gosh give me a minute Rhea! - she jokingly protested as she quickly strutted her way towards the vehicle, quickly jumping in
Rhea: Thank F! Thought I would have to leave you here - she joked, Liv well aware her friend was just being dramatic but with no real intent behind it, a grin forming in the smaller blonde's facs
Liv: Here you go, black Coffee for you, double cream sugary latte for me and look, it even has our names on it - she added while passing Rhea her much needed infusion
Rhea: Huh, didn't know they did that in places other than Starbucks - she looked curiously at the handwriting on her cup
Liv: Oh no they don't, at least here. I just asked if they had a sharpie and well, here we are - she giggled a little, putting an endeared grin in Rhea's face as she took a zip of her drink
Rhea: I still don't know how you manage to drink that - she scoffed, shaking her head in mock disapproval
Liv: Too sugary for you? - the silent nod from Rhea being all the confirmation she needed - guess you thought the same of me - she stuck her hand under her chin, the tip of her tongue poking out through her teeth in what was an undeniably cute pose
Rhea: Turns out super sweet isn't the worst thing in the world sometimes - she responded in a playful tone with a sincere grin on her face. She and Liv weren't a pairing anyone expected to work out, the smaller girl being almost too outgoing and in love with life itself compared to her more reserved nature and at first even Rhea herself had her doubts about the pairing but all it took was one talk with the ever sunny Liv, who coincidentally was wearing one of Rhea's merch shirts, to realize this was a good idea.
They balanced each other in a perfect way, their energies a perfect match and to their surprise sharing similar senses of humor tastes in a plethora of topics, just not how they liked their coffee, that was a whole other issue
Liv: Everyone can use some sugar in their lives, come on try it. I swear it's so good - she pretty much shoved her to go cup in her friend's face, leaving her little choice but to accept it and take a zip which confirmed her suspicions: that coffee was way too sweet for Rhea's taste
Rhea: Yep, that's definitely an order for you and you only - she fought back the near gag face the sudden influx of sweet brought on to her, making Liv laugh with her antics
Liv: *giggles* Alright sorry but hey, at least you tried it! - she said in a cheerful tone well characteristic of herself as she reached again in the bag, pulling out a muffin
Rhea: Really? - she raised an eyebrow, giving her friend a playfully judging look
Liv: I got snacky! - she exclaimed in defense of herself. I saw all the sweet pastries in display and I swear I was drooling, I couldn't pick one!
Rhea: So that's what took you so long? - she asked in amusement, not missing a chance to be amused by Liv's seemingly childlike joy in the simplest things
Liv: *sighs* Not really - the sudden change in her tone alerting Rhea, who could sense something was up - just the guy taking my order was trying to flirt with me - she explained in an annoyed tone
Rhea: Did he say anything out of line? Do I have to kick someone's ass? - she showed eagerness in her voice, even if it was only to make Liv laugh and forget what clearly bugged her
Liv: *giggles* Chill no, it wasn't that bad thankfully. It's just a little annoying how this keeps happening. Like he was sweet and all but I just wanted my coffee, again - she buffed while folding her arms
Rhea: Well, that's kind of on you for being so good looking and not having a ring on your finger - she teased, Livs jaw dropping with her comment
Liv: If I didn't know any better I would say you Ms Ripley want my cookie - she teased back and made the Aussie laugh in the process. Flirty jokes were not uncommon amidst them and often used to catch the other off guard, frequently testing how much they could get away both on and off TV but at the end of the day they were just that, jokes. They had clearly established boundaries and were aware neither was looking for a relationship with another girl, both being respectful of this choice and leaving any advances as nothing more than jokes
Rhea: *chuckles* I'm good there - she jokingly blew off the advance - but it's not like you are short on candidates, anyone who caught your eye? - she wondered with honesty in her voice and got a perplexed look from Liv but no worded answer, prompting the Aussie to investigate on that question further
Rhea: Someone from work maybe? - she questioned again and Liv could feel how her cheeks immediately got heated with that question, her eyes widening as she sensed her face turning a bright red and kicking herself for it. Rhea was not going to let her hear the end of it now
Rhea: Okay so it is someone from work - she grinned, enjoying this romance cat and mouse game they had involuntarily been playing - does he or she have a name?
Liv: I don't like anyone from work like that - she tried her hardest for her tone to sound firm, but the heat on her body and the overwhelming sensation of feeling caught made it come across as her quickly blurting it out, drawing a light chuckle from Rhea
Rhea: Sure Jan - she scoffed in a teasing manner - but just so you know, I'm gonna get to the end of this - she warned jokingly as her fellow blonde sunk on her seat
Liv: Leave me alone - she pouted before taking out her phone and starting to scroll through Instagram. She went to the search bar and thanked her lucky stars Rhea had her eyes on the road, as she should of while driving, because otherwise she might have noticed Liv was in fact checking someone's profile in particular, or at least she thought her friend wouldn't notice
Rhea: Checking up someone huh? - the tone of her voice full of smugness, catching Liv by surprise that she was even aware of what she was doing
Liv: Aren't you supposed to keep your eyes on the road? - she tried to divert the conversation with the accusatory question
Rhea: Peripheral vision baby - she quickly responded, ending Liv's hopes to actually get the subject changed - now you plan on telling who you have your eyes on? - she raised an eyebrow glaring at her tag team partner, who in turn blushed a brighter red
Liv: I'm not, my gosh! - she lied, and Rhea knew that was a blatant lie but decided to not push it further. For the time being all she could observe with the corner of her eye was this guy Liv was looking at had dark hair, a lean build accompanied in most pictures by either colorful wrestling gears that covered his whole body except for his tattoed arms or in a sleeveless hoodie and what Rhea could swear, although she wasn't completely sure, were vestiges of a mullet in the back of his head
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"Dom! What are you looking at? Let's go"
Dominik was not usually a guy who got easily start struck, being used to hanging around the wrestling business from a very young age thanks to being the son of none other than Rey Mysterio so all the glitz around the shows didn't phase him most of the time. Seeing himself and his dad among the wrestlers in the giant poster at the arena entrance however was not like most times, so when his dad called his name it was like being woken up from a dream. And like in most cases when one wakes up he took a hot second to fully process things, leading his dad to call for him again
Rey: Dom? Is everything alright? - he asked, confused as to what had caught his son's attention so hard
Dom: Yeah yeah, just that it's my first time seeing myself in one of these - he couldn't help but smile as he took another glance at the poster. All the big stars such as Cody, Bianca, Becky, Seth, Edge or his own dad were there but that was the norm, they were the usual big names people came to see at shows so it was to be expected they were in the front
Less expected however was to find himself amidst the several stars in it. He wasn't exactly front and center, more closer to the right side of it. Oddly enough he wasn't right next to his dad as he'd have expected but rather in between a blonde girl with the biggest blue eyes he had seen and the other man tagging along with him and Rey for car ride to the arena, the latter being the first to realize what Dom was truly looking at and quickly acting on it
Finn: Oi, like what you see Dom? - he asked in a lighthearted way that was meant to be teasing but the Latino didn't give much mind. Finn was always his fun "uncle" ever since he started training to become a wrestler, having travelled all over the world and taking Dominik under his wing quickly when he hit the main roster, often giving him advice in whatever he could help with but at the same time not missing an opportunity to mess with Rey's son who even then appreciated having the Irishman around. It was nice having someone he could confide in and trust other than his dad and relieving in a way, knowing Finn would judge him far less than a parent would
Dom: Yeah, it's pretty cool - he smiled, Finn's joke going over his head which was better for his sake - I mean there's my dad and there's us and.... - he cut his speech all of a sudden, snapping his fingers as he observed how the blonde's face was practically smushed next to his which gave him an ever passing thought that he blew off as quick as it came. Sure it'd be nice but the odds of it happening were so slim it wasn't worth entertaining
Finn: You mean Liv? - he asked as he talked Dom out of his brief trance, the grin in the young Mysterio's face being all the information he needed to know that was who he meant
Dom: Yeah, Liv - his grin became more defined pronouncing her name and taking a moment to watch the model they used for her in the poster. If they had to pick out of anyone in the company to put in a welcome sign that render of hers was as good a choice as any. Her smile in the picture was radiating and her demeanor looked loose and friendly, like she'd be happy to make conversation with anyone who went her way, all things Dom kept noting in his brain that helped him keep staring up, almost as if he was trying to decipher more
Finn: She's gonna freak out when she sees this - he grinned too, himself well acquainted to the Jersey blonde as well, having met by means of being in the same brand in the main roster for plenty of time and in doing so growing fond of Liv and her upbeat approach to life in some sort of protective way, often acting like her surrogate older brother and in doing so learning plenty about her. Which meant he was well aware how much pride she took in being featured in these sorts of things and could already sense her reaction, which is why he took a picture of the poster and sent it to her
Dom: You mean like good freak out right? - his voice showed a level of concern that surprised even himself, not fully sure what drove him to ask that question
Finn: *chuckles* Oh yeah, she's going to love this. Why you ask? - he tilted his head dramatically, seriousness never being his strong suit. It wasn't meant to be an actual accusatory question but Dom took it as such, his face turning a bright red with it
Dom: I.....ummm.....forget it man, let's just go inside, my dad must be waiting for us - he quickly darted out of the scene, leaving Finn to chuckle a little as he could only theorize about Dom's behavior but even then, putting two plus two together wasn't exactly hard there
The Latino father and son and the Irishman walked into the backstage area and quickly dropped their bags with their gears for the night in the men's locker room, after which Dom's appetite kicked in, marching towards catering with Finn and Rey who both agreed it'd be a good idea to get something in their stomachs before the show. However they never made it there, because as they exited the dressing room they heard the sound of a gag coming from nearby them
Dom: What was that? Should we go check? - he looked at the other two more experienced men, hoping they would know what to do
Rey: Yeah, it's probably nothing but just to be sure - he guided his son and Finn towards the near room where the sounds were coming from and the sight was not what they expected at all. A girl was dry heaving into a trash can while her friend held her blonde hair back and rubbed her back trying to comfort her
Rhea: It's okay, let it all out - she said as she noticed they were no longer alone, tapping her friend's shoulder as to alert her someone else was in the room
Rhea: Looks like we got company - she added in a lighthearted tone as she let go of her friend's hair, the blonde looking up and blushing a bright red as she saw Finn, Rey and Dominik, the latter's mind going to the picture of her he had seen earlier and how stark the contrast was to her current state
Liv: Oh my gosh this is so embarrassing I'm gonna go hide - she tried to dart out of the scene but was stopped by an Australian hand sitting her down by a tug on her shirt
Liv: *chuckles* Ow - she couldn't help but mustard a small laugh even in the awkward moment, finding how she easily she went back down at least a bit funny
Finn: Everything okay ladies? - he broke the silence amongst the guys with concern in his tone, worried to see his surrogate younger sister like this
Rhea: Yeah, we just found out the match we had tonight got scrapped and instead it's this girl against Zelina Vega one on one, but you got this Livvy - she again rubbed the smaller blonde's back, a shy smile appearing in Liv's face. It was hard to put into words but the combination of her, even when in a nervous state, pretty smile and the nickname her friend had called her made Dom's heart flutter a little when Liv's eyes made contact with his for a brief moment, her smile becoming bigger when they did
Liv: I'm just a bit nervous that's all - she explained politely, hoping this would be enough to get the attention away from herself
Rey: Forgive me if this sounds rude but by the state we found you in it looks more than just a little - he said in a joking tone, meaning no harm towards the girl
Dom: Dad! - he lightly elbowed his father, flustered that he'd make a comment like that and could swear Liv smiled at him, maybe thankful that he interjected in her defense
Finn: We believe you sis, I've seen what truly nervous you looks like - he joked and shared a complicit look with the Jersey girl, one of those sibling like glares where no words are needed but both know exactly what the point trying to be made is
Rey: Well, I apologize then Liv - he shook his head and grinned, a bit mortified by his previous words
Liv: It's okay - she reassured in a soft yet friendly tone. Maybe that vibe she gave in her render picture wasn't just for show and she really was like that, such idea feeling nice in Dom's head as he had to battle away a dumb grin from appearing in his face and risk making himself look silly
Rhea: Her pressure dropped a little, that's all - she held her tag team partner's hand, Liv lightly squeezing it
Liv: Rhea i appreciate how much you worry but I swear I'm fine - she responded, trying to show her good spirits but the weakness in her tone ratting her out
Finn: Sis you are pale as a ghost, you need anything? - he placed his hand on Liv's shoulder, the blonde initially shaking her head but being overruled by Rhea
Rhea: She needs sugar, can anyone go find something from catering? - she directed the question towards the three men, herself busy massaging Liv's back as a way to make her feel better
Dom: I will! - he exclaimed immediately, the quiet Mysterio breaking his silence coming as a surprise to everyone else and even himself. Why was he so quick to volunteer to do it? He wasn't sure either bit now he couldn't back off from it, so he followed it up the best he could
Dom: I...I'll be right back, just hold on - he stumbled a little in his speech as he turned around and left towards catering but he probably wished he didn't, because had he not done that he'd have probably noticed Liv's thankful smile amd how she muttered something under her breath that sounded awfully close to "cute".
He came back as quickly as he left, carrying a brownie in hand that found its way to the waiting Liv, Dom handing it to the blonde
Dom: Eat this, it'll do you a world of good - he said firmly, the tingling sense he felt since he and Liv locked eyes for a moment before gone for a moment
Liv: Thank you - she said softly, her voice barely higher than a whisper in a way Dom couldn't explain but it was so attractive even when she wasn't trying to, and her hand grazing his when she grabbed the pastry, their fingers interlocked for a split moment which was enough to make Dominik blush a bright red
Finn: Dom, mate you alright? - he asked in a borderline teasing tone, having not seen what caused the young man to blush so suddenly but getting a grip of what might have been the source, taking a glance at Liv who was now happily munching her snack
Dom: What? Yeah all good, it's just a little hot in here, I should get changed - he excused himself, turning around to leave when he heard a voice calling for him
Liv: Bye Dom! Good luck tonight! - she beamed, her tone already much more akin to her usual high energy, waving her hand at thr guy with a pearly smile in her face that, had it not been for the Latino having turned his back already, she'd have known it was reciprocated
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Turns out a little extra sugar was exactly what Liv needed. Her match against Zelins went swimmingly, managing to pick up the win after Rhea dealt with a potential Carmella interference before Liv could finish off her opponent, putting them on track for their Wrestlemania match for the tag team titles in a matter of weeks. The overjoyed tag team walked back across the curtain, better said: Rhea carried the ecstatic Liv all the way across the ramp, dropping her as they made it back to gorilla, Liv still sporting a radiant smile in her face as they made it to the backstage area proper
Liv: Oh my gooooosh!!! - she beamed, bouncing in joy as her enthusiasm made her unable to stand still and the adrenaline still rode high
Rhea: See? I told you you had this, high five! - she raised her arm, Liv using whatever energy she had to go up and high five her friend before landing back down with giggles of elation
Rhea: And? How are you feeling? - she asked with a smile in her face, the Jersey girl's energy being infectious and rubbing off on her
Liv: Like I could have another match but one of those Ironman ones and then run a marathon and then climb a mountain but like a really really high one and.... - she meant to keep on rambling but the feel of being pulled into a hug brought that to a halt
Rhea: *chuckles* I get it you're excited. How about we go to medical to get you checked up before the adrenaline wears off and I have to carry you around again? - she asked playfully, endeared by her best friend's pure unadulterated joy
Liv: That sounds like a good idea yeah - she took a deep breath trying to compose herself but even then she couldn't fight off the same expression from coming into her face
Liv: I swear i can't stop smiling gosh! - she exclaimed with a taint of mock protest to it and bracing for the buff Australian to tease her about it when they heard steps coming their way, more specifically two sets of steps, two sets of related steps at that
Rey: Way to go Liv! - he congratulated the young blonde - that was one hell of an effort out there, bet you must feel good
Liv: I doooo! - she exclaimed in a singy song voice - it felt so good you have no idea, but I have to give credit, I couldn't have done it if it wasn't for the best tag team partner ever - she placed her arm on Rhea's shoulder, giving her friend a playful look
Rhea: Oh stop that, that was all your doing - she scoffed as she lightly shoved Liv's arm off her - Although you might have a point on the best tag partner part - she added in an equally lighthearted tone
Rey: A great team is made off two people who think each other is the best so at the very least you guys have that going on for you. Although in my humble opinion I do have to fight on that second part - he glanced at Dom, who immediately shook his head as he was implied the best tag partner by his dad
Dom: Pay it no mind - he sheepishly blew it off, avoiding eye contact with either Rhea or Liv in hopes of not blushing again due to the embarrassment - we heard screaming before, is everything okay?
Liv: That was me. Sorry I was a bit too excited, still am I guess - she grinned sheepishly, again making Dom's heart flutter when he looked at what very well could be the prettiest smile he had seen directed at him. Not that she was trying to make it be but there was something so pure about it, so playful and at the same time a bit mischievous it got him so badly, putting a grin in his own face
Rey: And you got every right to be, you should feel very proud of yourself
Dom: Yeah, you killed it Liv - he said politely and Liv had to hold back an excited shriek, her heart swelling because as Rey Mysterio himself said she had every right to feel proud of herself and kudos from a living legend were always a huge honor, but hearing Dom congratulate her brought our a whole other feeling in her, one that she couldn't exactly word but it definitely made her feel like her heart started beating faster and her stomach was filled with butterflies
Liv: Thanks - she responded, her makeup hiding the flush on her cheeks Dom's approving words produced on the blonde
Rhea: I told you you were going to be great Liv - she shook her friend's shoulders, easing the tension on the smaller frames girl's body before turning her attention to the father and son duo - what about you guys, you're up to anything in the show?
Dom: Yeah, we got a quick interview with Kayla then we're headed to the ring. We're gonna teach Miz and Logan a thing or two about messing with the Mysterio family - he explained in a more intense, more confident tone, far from the sheepish demeanor he had walked in with. That newfound confidence putting Liv in a dreamy trance for a moment, finding how he spoke when he got worked up oddly attractive. But that trance was cut short as her tag partner brought her back to reality
Rhea: Looks like you got a busy night ahead of yourselves. We don't want to be a nuisance so I think it's best we head to medical, right Liv? - she didn't get an answer from the aforementioned girl who in fairness couldn't even begin to mustard a response before another question hit her
Dom: Medical? You're not hurt are you? - his voice denoted worry in it, the idea of Liv potentially being banged up weighing in on him more than he could rationally explain
Liv: Nope! Or at least I don't think so, it's just to make sure nothing funny popped up during the match - she calmly told Dom, whose expression became much more relieved with her explanation
Liv: But yeah we should get onto that and we really don't want to bother you guys any longer we already have, good luck tonight! - she beamed with a bright smile in her face
Dom: Thanks - he smiled back, this time Liv getting to see him do so as he left. What he, nor his dad or Rhea for that matter, didn't see was how she blew them a kiss, well not exactly them. That kiss did have a singular intended recipient
Just like they had agreed to, the girls left the backstage general area and headed towards the doctor's office, but in their way there Rhea noticed Liv suddenly trailed off, her usual skipping steps not accompanying hers and instead attentively staring at a TV where, oh surprise, Dom and Rey were bring interviewed
Rhea: What ya looking at? - she looked at her friend with a weirded out expression until she got next to her and it all made sense, specially the way Liv looked at the TV once the focus of the camera switched to just Dominik
Liv: Nothing - she tried her best to not show it but her head was completely captivated by it. The way he carried himself, the way he talked in a polite yet confident manner towards the camera and the way his Mexican accent added a distinctive touch to his speech all scratched an itch in her brain and put a dreamy grin on her face
Rhea: Like what you see huh? - she dared to lightly tease, knowing very well what kind of feelings Liv was experiencing at that moment
Liv: Shut up - she scoffed playfully. She'd have liked to offer a better rebuttal but after the day she had she was dusted and that was all that could come out of her mouth. And besides, as much Rhea liked to make fun of her for being caught staring it's not like she felt too remorseful about it because, being honest, Dominik Mysterio wasn't exactly unpleasant to look at
Rhea: If it makes you feel any better - she shrugged, a smug smirk painted in her lips knowing herself right. She could easily keep pushing it but there was no need for it. It was very obvious where Liv's heart was and what it felt, but that was for another moment
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That turned out to be quite the successful night for Dominik Mysterio. The brief interview backstage went without a hitch and they got to beat up those annoying loudmouths Logan Paul and The Miz and the cherry on top of that was getting the news that the following week he would face The Miz one on one. In order to celebrate their victory Rey took out his son for dinner, arriving to their hotel rather late at night and his dad going upstairs quickly. Dom however took a moment longer as he went to get a drink from the vending machine, then actually getting into the elevator and pressing his floor button, but just as the door was starting to close he heard a high pitched voice yelling in his direction
Liv: Hang on! - she exclaimed as she sprinted towards the elevator, Dom putting his arm out on the door so it wouldn't close which ended up being really convenient as Liv tumbled on her way in and was caught by the young Mysterio
Dom: Woah! You're okay? - he asked as he helped the blonde regain her balance
Liv: Yeah, I think so - she responded as she felt the embrace of his arms. Why did they feel so warm? And what was that fragrance he had? He smelled so good she wanted to remain there for more than just a second, but didn't want to make the poor guy uncomfortable
Liv: Sorry I barged in like that, we just got here and I saw the elevator closing and I was dreading having to wait again. I need my bed so badly I'm so stuffed - she jokingly whined, drawing a chuckle out of Dom
Dom: Ate too much?
Liv: You have no idea, we had a victory dinner with Rhea, boy that did a number in my stomach - she patted her belly, feeling the bloating effects of the food
Dom: Victory dinner? - he asked with curiosity in his tone, the genuineness of it being sweet to the Jersey girl
Liv: Its a thing I used to do when I was in the Riott Squad with Ruby Riott and Sarah Logan - she smiled as she called her friends' names - after whenever we won we'd pick a place and treat ourselves to a nice dinner of whatever we wanted with no worries so now I'm teaming with Rhea I wanted to keep that tradition alive as a way of.....I guess honoring them? Even if it sounds a bit silly - she laughed a little, trying to fight back the sudden tears that had started threatening to come out her eyes when she thought too much of her former group mates, but before she could give that much thought she found and a hand placed on her shoulders
Dom: It's not silly at all, in fact I think it's really sweet of you - he showed a friendly grin, making her smile in the process - how did you honor them? - his voice a more playful one now, trying to distract Liv from the sensible part of the subject
Liv: Buffalo chicken tenders. I know they sound silly but they're my comfort food, that and donuts, they make me feel so so so good - she explained without even stopping to repair she was sharing these things with a guy she had barely even spoken to before that day but she didn't mind. There was something so charmingly easy about talking to Dominik, she felt she could do it for hours without fear of being judged
Dom: Hold up let me write that down- he joked, pretending to scribble using his hand as a notepad, making Liv laugh with his goofiness and at the same time helping her realize something
Liv: Oh my gosh! I didn't thank you for the brownie earlier, you literally saved me there thank you so much - she quickly hugged Dom and even if it was a matter of a couple of seconds that was still enough to make his red go a beeting red
Liv: I probably owe you that win - she joked as she let go, only then realizing his face was comparable to a tomato - everything okay?
Dom: Yeah...umm....I'm just a bit....uhhh a little tired that's all - he tried to brush it off, but the adrenaline of the situation drove him to the worst possible outcome: he got tongue tied and for what, for a hug? He felt so childish for it, but at least Liv didn't seem to mind
Liv: Awww! I get it, it's been a long day for us all - they then felt how the elevator came to a stop, the door opening in the fifth floor of the hotel
Liv: This is my stop - she smiled sheepishly, a little bummed she had to leave Dom's side, but to her surprise she wasn't the only one exciting the elevator when she did
Dom: Turns out so is mine
Liv: No way! - she beamed with a bright smile in her face, her energy contagious as ever - I got room 503, what about you?
Dom: 508, we are I think literally right in front of each other - he grinned, finding the coincidence almost too good to be true
Liv: Yaay roomies! Well almost roomies but you get the point - she exclaimed in joy, laughing a little as he nodded along
Liv: Its been a very very long day, I think I'm going to bed now, but thanks for walking me to my door - she said playfully, aware he wasn't really trying to do that and it was just a mere coincidence, or at least it was as far as she knew
Dom: *chuckles* Sounds like a good idea, night Liv - he said politely before turning to open the door with his key card. But right before he could enter his room he felt a polite tap on his shoulder and as soon he turned around Liv was waiting for him, getting on her tippy toes and stamping a kiss on her cheek
Liv: Night Dominik - she said in a sweet tone, leaving the young man stunned, reaching whth his hand to the spot her lips made contact as he watched her go into her room, his head reeling at what had just happened but one thing very clear: falling asleep wasn't going to be easy that night