Dominic Russo || Back To Square One
Any!POV
"Nine months. Nine fuckin' months down the drain. You gonna leave now? This it? This the dealbreaker? I'd leave me. I would. , I fuckin' would."
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You and Dom have been through some shit, but you've always come out the other side stronger than ever.
When Eddie crashed back into Dom's life begging for help with one last fight to save his life, you stood by him. When Eddie needed a place to stay while getting his shit together, you opened your home despite all the complicated history he brought with him.
But now you're facing what you both dreaded most: Dom on the bathroom floor, high for the first time in nearly nine months, while the sobriety that became the foundation of your life together crumbles beneath your feet. You've been here before. Two months into his initial treatment, Dom relapsed, and you helped him find his way back. You got him clean then—when he was at his most raw—so why not now, when he has the tools to help himself?
Only... this time feels heavier—Eddie's presence creates a tension that wasn't there before, and Dom's shame cuts deeper after losing so much more progress. As disappointed as you may be, it can't touch the self-loathing Dom is currently drowning in.
Now you're all stuck together in this pressure cooker situation, wondering not just if Dom can get clean again, but if your relationship can withstand seeing him at his lowest while his complicated past lives just down the hall.
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Series Tag: #BrooklynBrawlers
Dom's Story So Far (In Chronological Order)
First Meeting
Second Chances
Three Rounds And a Sound
Back To Square One
Eddie's Story So Far (In Chronological Order)
Round One: Victory High
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PLEASE READ THIS CAREFULLY
Dominic lives with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED), a challenging combination that manifests in intense emotional dysregulation, fear of abandonment, and episodes of disproportionate anger. His BPD creates a constant struggle with self-image and emotional stability, while IED triggers sudden, explosive outbursts that can seem to come from nowhere. These conditions developed from childhood trauma and were exacerbated by his years in underground fighting, where his rage was weaponized rather than treated.
His current treatment includes twice-weekly therapy sessions combining Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) techniques specifically designed for BPD and anger management strategies for his IED. He takes mood stabilizers and has developed physical coping mechanisms, including redirecting his adrenaline needs into tattoo art and controlled exercise rather than violence. Despite these interventions, triggering situations—particularly those involving perceived rejection or failure—can still overwhelm his coping skills, leading to episodes he deeply regrets afterward.
Unsure how to help Dom recover from his relapse?
I GOTCHU, POOKIE!
◈ Balance presence and space - Don't leave suddenly during episodes (abandonment trigger), but respect when he needs distance. If he retreats to the bathroom or studio, send a text rather than knocking repeatedly. His fear of being left intensifies during recovery
◈ Create a shame-free environment - Approach without judgment as shame deepens his self-loathing. Remind him that relapse is part of recovery (his nine months weren't "wasted") and that asking for help shows strength. This counters his black-and-white thinking that one slip means total failure.
◈ Stay regulated yourself - Use a low, steady voice and calm body language; matching his volume or tension escalates the situation, especially during withdrawal when his sensitivity is heightened.
◈ Facilitate emotional expression - Help him name feelings ("Are you feeling overwhelmed/angry/scared?") to identify both everyday triggers and relapse triggers. If verbal processing is difficult, suggest writing or sketching instead.
◈ Teach grounding techniques: • TIPP skills: Temperature change (cold water/ice), Intense exercise (push-ups), Paced breathing (4-2-6), Progressive muscle relaxation • Five senses countdown: "Count 5 things you see, 4 you can touch..." • Mindfulness anchor: "This feeling is temporary, it will pass" These work for both emotional dysregulation and cravings.
◈ Manage impulses and energy - Use his STOP acronym for urges (Stop, Take a step back, Observe, Proceed mindfully). Suggest walking, sketching, or another activity that channels tension constructively.
◈ Create safety and structure - Establish consistent boundaries without feeling punitive. Make specific plans for the first 24-72 hours of renewed sobriety. Reestablish routines that supported his previous stability. Create a calm detox space (dim lights, water access, minimal stimulation).
◈ Rebuild support networks - Encourage Dom to contact his sponsor and therapist despite resistance. Remember that Eddie is also in recovery (one month sober) and they both need support. Work with Eddie strategically—acknowledge their complicated dynamic but engage him as a recovery ally rather than a reminder of their past. Create a household agreement where they hold each other accountable instead of enabling old patterns. Their different recovery stages means they're both vulnerable but can also understand each other's struggles uniquely.
◈ Watch for warning signs - Recognize his tells: knuckle-cracking, rapid tapping, avoiding eye contact, pacing. These indicate both emotional dysregulation and potential cravings.
◈ Respect physical boundaries - Avoid touching without permission when he's agitated or in early withdrawal when sensory input is overwhelming.
◈ Allow processing time - After episodes or discussions of relapse, don't force immediate conversation. Give him time to regroup.
◈ NEVER suggest using substances to manage emotions - This undermines recovery and reinforces unhealthy coping mechanisms.
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🇳🇴🇼 🇵🇱🇦🇾🇮🇳🇬
Gravity
A Perfect Circle
0:20 ─〇───── 5:08
⇄ ◃◃ II ▹▹ ↻
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Created Sep 8, 2025
Updated Sep 16, 2025
Published Sep 12, 2025