𝙰𝚕𝚕 𝙸 𝚂𝚎𝚎 𝙸𝚜 𝚈𝚘𝚞 | Dolores x Reader

Your Universe

A lump forms in your throat as you reach for the door, hand slightly shaking and sweating in nervousness.

You wondered what it was that was causing you to cower away, whether it were Dolores or what everyone would think of you. You were so used to blocking the voices of people who didn't matter, afraid they would hurt you, as if they knew they could get into your head.

But if you kept living like this, dependent on the very few people you let into your life, you would never learn to be by yourself. So even if the first step was next to someone else, what mattered was that you were taking a step at all.

"Deep breaths, I'm right by you." Isabela whispers as she takes your hand in hers. Flowers bloom in your hair as she moves, the smell reminding you of what it was like to be outside, to be surrounded by people in the festive streets.

You follow her instructions, take a deep breath, then open the door. A warm breeze brushes against your face, as if it were welcoming you. The noise of the townsfolk intimidate you slightly, being reminded of what it was like to let people inside the cafe that felt like ages since it was last opened.

"How about we spend the day just shopping for the ingredients you need for the cafe? At least you're familiar with the shopkeepers." She says as she lets you lead her, still holding hands. She would never let go first.

You nod, looking into her eyes before scanning the town. "Whenever I see you talk to people, I always admire your courage. I knew you were always genuine when you would smile at them so fondly."

"I truly love this place, now I want you to see it from my eyes. I want you to fall in love with the people as much as I have, to see their kindness and good intentions. Some can be a tad problematic, but we're all just trying to live." She says as she tightens her grip on your hand, making you smile slightly. "I want you to live just like us, not just breathe through each day."

You spend the day buying items from the shopkeepers, showing their concern for your disappearance, reminding you they cared. And on the way home, you pass by a park, children playing.

As Isabela passes by, she greets them with a bright smile despite being quite tired herself. Pulling them into a hug, they talk to her about their day, excitement in their tone.

That was something you never had. The excitement as a child, the enjoyment and fun memories. Most of them may have been with Dolores, but both of you were just trying to survive each day.

Neither of you could show that much innocence to an adult figure, as if you both had something to prove. For Dolores, that she could be distinguished, that she was an important member of the family. Meanwhile, you had taught yourself not to need them, that you could live all on your own.

You had grown up so young, forcing yourself not to rely on anyone until Dolores entered your life. You ended up being too dependent on a single person and lost self-sufficiency completely.

You had to unlearn your love for Dolores, and all that it brought into your life.

Suddenly, you snap out of your thoughts, reminding yourself that you were drowning the world out once more. And when you've come to, you find Isabela playing with the children.

You smile as you watch them. She truly had a way with people, and she didn't need anyone to shine. And yet, even she felt loneliness, the need to have someone by her side.

She taps the spot beside her, asking you to get seated. "This is a friend of mine, she's one of the nicest people here, so make sure to treat her well too, okay?"

The kids nod exuberantly, as they continue to play, Isabela slowly introducing you to a few games until you become comfortable.

As the sun slowly dips into the horizon and you bid your goodbyes, the children pull you into a hug with Isabela. Your hands are left motionless, unable to return it in surprise.

Isabela smiles at you, her cheeks slightly rosy under the orange sky. "You just need to deal with other people the same way. Let them in slowly, and when you're both comfortable, you'll get a glimpse into their world."

"I think what I saw the most today is your world." You state with a small smile as you walk back to your house. You stop by the entrance, with the two of you looking right into each other's eyes. "It's beautiful."

You look back into the sunset, the orange color once again reminding you of Dolores. "I always thought of my love as something repulsive, you know. Something to lock away and forget about. But when I look at the way you love, it makes me wonder what makes you think I'm special. If I could be at least half of what you think of me, maybe then I'd be able to do just about anything I'd ever wanted."

"You only feel that way about yourself because you were scared of acting on them. Because you were convinced it would be the sole reason Dolores would leave you." She takes your hand in hers once more and places it against her chest, the thump of her heart beating against it. "But that love is the very proof you're alive, and any kind of love will always be beautiful."

"You're right, that's why I went too far with what I said to her. I wish I could take it back, but the damage has already been done. I would confess to her in a way that wouldn't hurt her, I'd show her that my love would treat her well." You state, your words ringing in your ears, belittling her feelings.

"Then... can you show me right now?" The all too familiar voice resounds, and you wonder if you imagined it since it was faint like a whisper.

When you turn to the source, there she stood, looking tired and with no sleep. You were the reason for it. "I want to talk."

-

A/N: I dont know when I last updated this. Also, I don't know how much grammatical errors this has, so lemme know if you see any. Ive been busy playing stardew valley i forgot to update lmao.