Nice Gestures

Nice gestures

FEAT: Masky, 'Ticci' Toby, Hoodie, Jeff t.K, Bloody Painter, Homicidal Liu, BEN.

Masky-

He holds doors open for everyone except Toby. He is not a fan of Toby. Will wait for you, even if you're kind of far away, so that you have to speed up and do a little jog, so you don't keep them waiting, and he does it because he knows it makes you feel awkward and feeds off discomfort.

'Ticci' Toby-

He compliments you if he notices that you've done something different. Say, you got your hair cut; he would compliment you and say it looks good, even if it doesn't. In other words, he'll feed your delusion. He always notices if you look different. However, chances are that he snuck in and noticed before he saw you later that day. He would notice your new hair cut before you willingly showed him, and he'll surely have a compliment laid out for when you do!

Hoodie-

Holds doors open, remembers things a little too well, and reminds you of things. Same thing with Masky, except he won't make it awkward. If you're far, he'll just walk in instead of holding it open for you, considering that it's an inconvenience to you both. He remembers your birthday, favorite food, least favorite person in the mansion, favorite person (him, obviously), and whatever else. You said you liked Family Guy? Family Guy pants. And if you're forgetting something (keys, a birthday, wallet) he'll remind you to check, even though he pays close attention and already knows you didn't grab it.

Jeff. t.K-

He is very protective I'm not really sure if it's a good thing or not. Depends on the situation, I guess. You better believe he's there and tracking then you better believe he's there and tracking them. Will absolutely bribe Hoodie to track their socials in case he couldn't follow them home right that minute. Then, once he finds out who they are, he's following them and driving them insane with his image, engraving his face into their brain. He's just sweet like that!

Bloody Painter-

Will not let you go out if there's something wrong with you. Like, if there's something wrong with your hair or something in your teeth. If there's something misplaced on your outfit, or you've accidentally tucked your skirt in (iykyk) or your shirt was too wrinkly. Won't et you go out 'looking foolish', as he says.

Homicidal Liu-

Holds doors open, helps pick outfits, watched your drinks if you're not paying attention, and picks things up for you, especially if you're wearing a dress or skirt. He won't make it awkward, if you're close with each other, he'll jokingly tell you to hurry up. If you can't decide, then he'll pick your outfit or give suggestions. If you're with the other creeps, maybe ones that he doesn't particularly trust or like, he'll watch your drink around them, making sure nobody drugs you. If you drop something or just need to grab it from anywhere, he'll do it without you asking. Sweet guy overall.

BEN-

He teaches you about his games and technology. If your screen is freezing and lagging, he'll sort it out. If he's not around to fix it, he'll teach you how to do it on your own, that way you don't need him to always do it. If you want a game on your device, he can get it for you. Automatically installs updates into your devices and helps you level up without you knowing.

Church Boy-Failure

TW

I walked home instead of riding the bus. I couldn't face that fucking freak and his stoner buddy.

When I got home, my father was sitting in the living room. He always loved that chair, potentially more than he loved me.

"Travis."

"Father."

"I have a question."

"Yes, sir?" I ask, heart racing. "Do you think I'm a monster?" he asked, calm as ever. "No! Of course not, father!" I protested, dropping my school bag. "Oh?" he stated, giving me a subtle look of surprise. "Really? Then tell me why... tell me why you are so scared of me." 

"What...?"

"You heard me, son."

"..."

"Go on...Tell me...If you aren't scared."

"Well...because you are my father and I know you love me. The punishments hurt but I am deserving of them! You are teaching me." 

"Good. To your room. Now."

"Yes, sir."

I grabbed my bag and then walked up to my bedroom, sitting on my mattress that was resting on the floor. After an hour or so, I fell asleep. My dream was weird.

-DREAM-

I walked into the school's bathroom. Sobs and cries emanated from a stall. "Hello? Are you okay?" I called out. 

The voice was not mine.

So familiar, yet I couldn't pinpoint it.

"I'm fine! Go away, fucking freak..." the hidden voice replied, voice cracking. "I just want to help..." I muttered, embarrassment hinting in my tone. "I don't need your pity!" the voice yelled, slightly distorted. "I'm sorry..." I apologized, walking away and back through the doors. 

"Faggot!" the voice yelled as I walked through the doors. I didn't pay it any mind. But now, I was in my bedroom. Not my actual bedroom, one that was supposed to be mine. I lay in blue covers, blue sheets, blue hair, blue eyes, and blue pills...

My vision was funky and weird. 

I grabbed for something on the side of my bed. With a small 'pop!' I could see better. "Sal!" a voice called from the next room. Involuntarily, I got up and fell into a deep abyss upon stepping off my bed.  

That's when I woke up. I sat up in my bed, sweating and shaking. A moment later, my father walked in. "Travis, I suggest you begin to prep the table. That is, unless, of course, you aren't eating." he said, then closed the door and exited. 

I sighed softly and left my room. My father was in the living room, he was reading a book. "Prick..." I thought. 

*Time Skip*

I finished setting the table and alerted my father. "Father, the table is set." I informed, tending to my seat across from where my father will sit. "Good." he answered. When he arrived at the table, he sat and we began to pray.

(Sorry, I'm not religious and I don't want to include an actual prayer. I don't know what to put and it doesn't exactly matter anyways. I hope you all understand!)

"Amen." we finished. 

Dinner went by silently, it used to be comfortable and talkative when mother was here. I miss her...so much...

After dinner, I went back up to my room and lay down. Not to sleep, but to think and relax. Two hours passed and my father burst into my room. "Travis. Your teacher has informed me that you need math tutoring and that you could also tutor someone yourself, get up." he demanded. "Yes, father." 

I obediently got up and walked to the door, waiting for further instructions. "Come." he commanded. I followed my father down to the front door and waited by his side. A few muffled voices were heard on the other side, and my heart beat up. 

My father sighed in exasperation and looked over at me. He scowled and smacked the back of my head. "Act proper. You fucking failure..." he demanded, muttering the last part. "Yes, sir." I replied, fixing my posture and smiling. My father opened the door and there he fucking was...

Larry Johnson...

He was wearing a white button-up and some beige dress pants with loafers. His hair was brushed and pulled into a ponytail. 

Oh my fucking...

My fists clenched but I forced a smile. "Hello, Larry." I greeted, smiling until my face hurt. "Hey, Travis!" he responded, shaking my hand. "Hello, Mr. Phelps." Larry said, shaking my father's hand as well. 

"Good evening, Mr. Johnson. It's so nice to see you. I know you'll be a great influence on Travis. If there's any trouble, don't hesitate to bring him home immediately..." 

Little did Larry know, that was a threat. "Of course, Mr. Phelps! Can he come now? I don't want to be out too late!" Larry asked, faking it all. "Yes. He can go. I suggest bringing him home tomorrow morning." My father said, eying me. 

"Yes, sir! Will do!" Larry agreed, smiling harder. "Great." my father said, smiling again.

*Time Skip*

After my father and Larry stopped talking, he allowed me to follow him back to his apartments. He lived in Addison, they were right by the church, so I knew exactly where they were located. 

*Time Skip*

We got to the apartments and walked in. Larry grabbed a keycard from his pocket, and we started to descend. "Oh my fucking god!" Larry exclaimed, ripping off his button-up to reveal a brown shirt with the letters "SF" printed in the middle. 

"What are you going to do to me?" I exasperatedly asked. "Nothing, that's a question better fit for Sal." Larry answered. As soon as he said that the elevator stopped, and the doors slid open. "Come on, my room this way." Larry nonchalantly said. "Okay?" I responded, following right behind.

We walked into a nice-looking apartment, it was cozy and smelled like a home-cooked meal. I followed Larry into a room with a 'Do not Enter' sign on it. The room smelt of weed and smoke. There was a noticeable blue at the far end of the room.

Sal...

"Hey, Sal! I'm back with your boyfriend!" Larry yelled. "Shut up, Larry." Sal replied. I looked down and when I looked back up, Sal was right in front of me. He had no shirt on, and some baggy jeans that were barely on his hips. "Hey, Travis." Sal greeted. 

I was in a trance.

I could see his waist, it looked so fragile and small. His hips were defined and curved. The way I could see the little lines leading into his pants and a small part of his blue happy trail. I could even see a part of his boxers. "Travis?" Sal asked again, snapping his fingers in front of my face. 

"Yea?" I ask, finally paying attention. "Are you okay?"

"Yep."

"Alright, do you wanna help me with English or do you wanna study math?"

"Um..."

"..."

"Let's do the literature. I can get all my frustration out with that first."

"Ha, okay. I can get the textbook, just give me a second."

"Alright."

Sal walked over to Larry's bed and flipped over the covers. After searching for a second, he found it and lifted a large textbook. "Found 'em!" he shouted, scurrying back over to me. He grabbed my hand and dragged me over to the bed. Pushing me down onto the covers, he plopped next to me. 

"Ok, so, I didn't understand this metaphor, could you explain it to me? Like, I understand it's a metaphor for how sad the poet is, but what exactly does it mean?" Sal asked, pointing to a line near the center of the page. "Oh, it's about how they feel unappreciated." I answered, explaining why.

"I get it! Oh my god, thank you!" Sal yelled, throwing his arms around me and pulling me into a tight hug. "Mhm, no problem." I said, coldly. "Wish the teachers had explained it like that!" Sal joked, breaking away. "Yep..." I replied, grabbing my hands and putting them in between my thighs. 

"Alright, time for math!" Sal said, getting up and grabbing a different textbook. "Okay..." I muttered, waiting for him to come back. Once he did, we flipped open to the correct page and started doing the problems one by one.

"Hey, Sal! You want a hit?" Larry called from across the room, holding up a blunt. "Yeah, gimme a sec." Sal replied, helping me finish the problem and then going over to Larry. He loosened his mask and lifted it a little. I saw a part of his face.

He had a deep gash in his cheek and a large hole missing on his other one. His lips were pink and scarred with little white lines. He had perfect white teeth that contrasted with his pale skin. I felt my face heat up, but I didn't know why. 

He put the blunt to his lips and pulled it away after a second. 

Sal noticed my staring and put his mask back down. He breathed out and smoke escaped from his eye and mouth slits. "Sorry, didn't mean to stare." I murmured, looking back down. "You gay or something? You're all red and shit." Larry asked. "No! I'm not a faggot!" I yelled, standing up. "Chill out, it was a joke." Larry retorted, rolling his eyes. "Whatever..." I said, sitting back down.

I was just sitting there, waiting for Sal to finish his smoke. "Hey, Larry?" I called out, grabbing the greasy teens' attention. "Yea?" He asked. "Do you have a cigarette?" I nervously asked, hoping he would say yes. "Oh shit. Thought you were some goody-two-shoes little Christian boy. Never mind, Mr. Badass." Larry joked, grabbing in his jean pocket and pulling out a green box.

"Thanks, I'll be right back." I said, walking out through the door in the back of his room. 

I stepped outside and it was freezing. I pulled a lighter from my pocket and lit the cigarette. I looked out into the field; a tall treehouse was sitting upon a large oak tree. I was curious, I'd just ask when I went back inside. I took one last hit of the cigarette before throwing it on the ground and putting it out with my shoe. 

Sal's POV:

We finished the last problem, and I went over to Larry to smoke. Larry gave Travis a cigarette and he went out back. Wonder if he'll see the treehouse. I bet he will. After he left, I lifted my mask and smoked some more. I heard the door creak open again and a very cold Travis enter. He was shaking and his nose and cheeks were red. 

"Hey, Travis." Larry kindly greeted, piquing my interest. "Hey?" Travis responded, also confused at his sudden kindness. "Looks like you're a little cold." Larry commented, still kind. "Yea? Thanks for pointing out the obvious." Travis replied, sitting on the floor. "Yep."

"So? What the fuck was that?"

"Nothing. Just wanted to see if he was cold. I know how to fix that."

"Larry, what are you getting at?"

"Well, maybe Sal could warm you up a little."

"I'm not gay!"

"Sal is."

"He is?"

"Yep."

"Oh..."

I was still sitting on the ground next to Larry. I noticed that Travis turned to look at me. We locked eyes for a second before I looked back at the ground, ears heating up. 

Travis' POV:

I looked over at Sal. We just looked at each other for a second before he looked away. His ears and neck got all red and I stifled a laugh. "So, you guys wanna play a game?" Larry asked. "Sure!" Sal quickly agreed, likely hoping to forget the fact he just got outted. 

"Travis, you in?" Sal asked, ears and neck still cooling off. I shrugged my shoulders and crawled over to them. "So, what are we playing?" I ask. "I dunno, truth or dare?" Sal suggested. "Sure." Larry agreed.

They both turned their attention towards me, and I shrugged my shoulders, in a way, agreeing to the game. "Alright, Sal, truth or dare?" Larry asked. "Dare!" Sal answered. "Okay, okay. I dare you to...uhm...oh! I dare you to throw it back." Larry said a shit-eating grin plastered boldly on his face, the gap in his teeth barely visible. 

Sal's eyes scrunched up, signaling he was smiling. He nodded silently and walked to the center of the room. He crouched and arched his back, hands on knees. He began to aggressively move around, looking similar to a seizure. After he was done, it was Sal's turn to ask.

Larry's face had gone red from stifling a laugh. He couldn't hold it any longer and burst into a fit of boyish giggles and hiccups. After he caught his breath, we continued the game. "Alright, Travis, truth or dare?" Sal asked. "Truth." I answered, not really trying to participate in this game. "Aww, whatever. Is it true that...you're straight?" Sal asked, eyes staring right into me. 

Once again, my face got hot. "I'm not fucking gay! Holy shit! Why can't either of you understand that?!" I yelled, standing up and clenching my fists, and chewing on the inside of my cheek. "Sorry, dude." Sal apologized. "Whatever!" I yelled, walking out of the room and to the bathroom. 

In there, I absorbed my surroundings.

Toilet.

Sink.

Faucet.

Bath.

Soap.

Tooth brush.

Tooth paste.

Razors.

Razors...

(originally posted May 17th 2023 on Wattpad)

"Church Boy." - Failure - Wattpad

Church Boy-Life of the party

TW

As we entered the house, the smell of drugs, booze, and sweat filled my nose. "Ew..." I muttered, scrunching my eyes at the stench. "Hey, guys!" Neil yelled, walking up to us with a red solo cup. "Hey, Neil. Hey, Todd." Larry said, pulling both of them into a hug. 

"You brought Travis?" Neil asked, his once friendly and welcoming demeanor changing into concern and slight shock. "No, I did." I chimed in, grabbing Travis' shoulders and pulling him into a hug. "Oh, alright. No slurs and shit." Neil said, shrugging his shoulders and walking off with Todd trailing behind. 

"You guys want something to drink?" Larry asked. "I don't drink." I said, waving my hands to signify I was fine. "Uhm...sure! Why not!?" Travis said, smiling wildly. "Gotcha!" Larry said, sprinting off into the crowd. 

Travis and I talked for a minute before Larry returned with two solo cups. "Here ya go!" Larry exclaimed, handing one of the cups to Travis. "Thanks." Travis muttered, smelling the drink that was just barely filling half the cup. 

While Larry downed his with ease, Travis took large sips but often recoiled after. Once Travis finished his drink, he tried to take a step toward me but stumbled and fell into my arms. "Calm down, Trav." I joked, holding him so he could steady himself. "I wanna-" he started but was immediately cut off by his own giggles and hiccups.

"You need to sit down." I said, looking around for Larry, Neil, or Todd. Once I spotted Neil, I called him over and asked where the nearest bedroom was. 

"Neil! Neil! Over here!"

"Yea, Sal?"

"Where's the nearest bedroom? Travis is drunk and can't exactly function."

"Ha, that's hilarious. Never thought I'd see the day."

"Me neither."

"Anyways, the nearest one is just up there. No sex!" he joked, pointing to a room at the top of the stairs. I felt my face get warmer as I thought about his words. "Promise..." I said. Guiding Travis slowly up the steps one by one, hoping he wouldn't fall. We got to the room and he fell into the bed. 

I closed the door behind me and walked to where he was. "Sally, I want another drink!" he whined through hiccups. "Are you sure? You're fucking drunk already." I asked. "Yup!" he said, a hiccup following after. "Alright, I'll be right back." I said. 

I walked to the door and left. Running to the kitchen and grabbing a solo cup. I poured some vodka into the cup, nearly filling it. I swiftly walked back to the room with Travis and tried to open the door. It was locked. I knew that Travis hadn't done it himself because he couldn't even walk by himself.

"Trav! Open the door!" I yelled, knocking profusely. "Get-" he yelled. "Help!" a boy's voice yelled. "Sal!" Travis yelled. I sat the cup down, fearing that what I thought was going on in the room was really going on. I stepped back and rammed into the door, shifting it.

I saw fucking red as I heard Travis sobbing on the other side and another boy's voice yelling at him to shut up. I rammed into the door again, this time it busted open, and I saw the sad scene in front of me.

Travis was pinned down on the bed underneath a much larger boy with darker blue hair than I. He was wearing a red-striped shirt and black sweats. I said nothing, instead, I ran at him with full force. He looked like a deer in headlights as I barreled toward him. He fell to the floor with my straddling his waist.

I let my anger get the better of me as I blew punch after punch to his fucking face. He was bleeding and my knuckles were sore. The pain from ramming into the door was settling in but I couldn't stop. I watched as his nose bled and he cried out for me to stop and that it was not what it seems. "Shut up you fucking pervert!" I screamed, taking my fists and slamming them into his chest. He clawed at my arms and neck.

Eventually, he latched his grubby little fucking hands onto my mask and ripped it off over my head. My mask was thrown across the room, close to Travis who had his back against the wall, shaking and crying. 

I only stopped once somebody pulled me off of him. "Sal, what the fuck?!" Larry screamed, throwing me onto the bed effortlessly. "He fucking assaulted Travis!"  I screamed, tears pouring out from my eyes. I felt eyes all over me. It hadn't struck me before, but I no longer had my mask on, and it had been strewn somewhere in the room. 

"He did...?" Ash asked, stepping forward. "Obviously he fucking did! Look at him," I yelled, pointing to Travis. "he's shaking and fucking sobbing! Somebody get him out of here before I lose my shit on all of you!" I screamed, sounding oddly similar to a Banshee. "He...he did this to me too...I fought him off, but some people can't..." Ash admitted. 

Gasps and whispers emanated from the crowd formed outside the door. "Travis...come here..." Ash said, arms open and a genuine smile spread across her face. Travis crawled off the bed and stumbled over to Ashley. She pulled him into a hug, and he returned the favor. 

Larry was staring down at the blue-haired adolescent, rage, and contempt surging through his body. He bent down and grabbed the collar of the smaller teen's shirt, lifting him without struggle. "I ought to break your jaw right now...you know that? Do you want that? Or do you want me to just fucking kill you?" Larry asked, voice quiet and laced with poison. 

The teen shook his head, fear filling his eyes as Larry stared at him. "Then I'll give you a fucking minute to be out of this damn house..." he muttered, dropping the boy to the floor. He groaned in pain and Larry smirked sadistically. 

Then, he started counting down. "60...59...58..." he said, watching as the boy writhed around, scrambling to get to his feet and out the bedroom door. He practically flew down the steps and out of the house, jumping into his car and trying to drive away. 

As he attempted to get the car to start, Maple walked into the room with the biggest grin on her face. "Yea, he's not going anywhere." she said, trying to stifle a laugh. "What'd you do?" Ash asked, already knowing it was some crazy ass shit. She snorted out a laugh and pulled a knife out of her pocket. "Slashed his tires." she answered, putting the knife back in her pocket. 

"Crazy ass." Larry said, jokingly rolling his eyes. Chug walked into the room, dizzily smiling. "Someone's in love..." Larry joked, bending down to my level. "No duh, we should set them up." I suggested, nudging his side. "Great idea, Sal." Larry complimented, smirking as we agreed on being cupid. "We'll worry about that later. Right now, Travis needs me."

I walked over to the shaking boy, huddled to himself by the wall. "Hey, Travis." I said, taking a seat next to him. "Hey..." he muttered, not even meeting my gaze. "You wanna go home?" I ask, slinging my arm around his shoulder and pulling him closer. He lay his head on my shoulder and sighed deeply. "Sal..." he whispered. 

"I wish you wouldn't have saved me..."

(originally posted March 19th 2023 on Wattpad)

"Church Boy." - Life of the Party - Wattpad

Church Boy-Amelioration

They always say, "New Year, new me." but never really change. I did.

This year had been amazingly wild. I got bullied, met my best friends, nearly killed a man, got a boyfriend, saved a life, (twice) and so much more. I even met some ghosts! 

That morning was December 31st. I and my friends had decided to throw a party. New Year's was tonight, and we wanted to remember this year forever. It had been the best one any of us had ever experienced in so long.

I called everybody to meet at Larry's. Once they had all arrived, I assigned each of the something to bring. "Larry, you bring beer. Todd, you bring games. Ash, you bring snacks. Travis, you bring yourself. Chug, you bring the drinks. Neil, fireworks. Maple, art shit. I'll bring some food and drinks, maybe some games." I informed, checking everybody's name off the list as I called them out.

They all agreed and left except for Travis. "Why don't I have to bring anything?" he asked, sitting next to me on the floor. "Your dad, duh." I answered, rolling my eye. "Oh, yea." he muttered, smirking to himself, likely remembering what happened a week prior. 

Travis' POV:

I stood there after everyone left, waiting for a second to talk with Sal. "Why don't I have to bring anything?" I ask, plopping down on the floor right next to him. "Your dad, duh." he retorted, rolling his eye. "Oh, yea..." I murmured, smirking. 

He's so considerate. Like, he thinks about what I can and can't do when it comes to things and what I'm comfortable with. He's the reason Larry and all of them don't hate me. He's the reason I'm passing my classes, and the reason I feel loved. 

The reason I'm still alive...

Sal's POV:

"What? Did I say something funny? Is something on my mask?" I ask, feeling around my mask and attempting to figure out why he was smiling. "No, it's nothing." he answered, completely brushing it off. "I mean, there has to be something. You never just smile like that. I know you too well." I objected, knowing that something was the cause of his sudden bashfulness. 

"It's just..." he started. "I love you so much..." he finished, looking up at me but just for a split second. "Like, you are so considerate and loving. You help me no matter what it is and I really don't know what I'd do without you. You are literally the reason I'm here..." he admitted, sighing as he did. 

I felt my face heat up and a burning sensation come to my nose and eyes as tears welled up. "I love you too, Trav..." I responded, wrapping my arms around his neck and lifting my mask. I peppered his face and neck with kisses as he laughed. 

"Sal!" he cried out, trying to push me away as I tickled him. "P-lease!" he yelped, gasping for air between laughs. "Ha!" I laughed, avoiding his hands and continuing. I only stopped when he started coughing. "You okay?" I asked, watching as he gasped. "Yeah, I'm good." he answered, wiping underneath his amber eyes. 

"You're so mean." he taunted, acting as angry as he could while stifling his boyish giggles. "Whatever, jerk." I retorted, standing up and leaning my hand out for him to grab onto. He latched on and pulled himself up off the wooden floors that had been decorated with stains and rugs. 

We talked for a while before most of the others got back. They had all gotten what they needed and gathered it all in Larry's room. "Okay, put the drinks in Larry's normal fridge, beer in his minifridge so Lisa won't see. Snacks on the kitchen table. Games on the coffee table in the living room. Fireworks next to Larry's bed and art shit go on Larry's bed." I informed, watching as the teens scattered around the room with the packages they had been assigned to get.

A tug on my shirt grabbed my attention as I looked over to see a red Travis standing there. "Sal, can I at least help set it all up? I feel, I don't know, guilty? About not being able to bring anything." he asked, fumbling with his fingers. 

"Trav, don't feel bad, it's not your fault. And yea, you can help me set it all up." I answered, pulling him into a quick hug before parting right after. "What's first?" Travis asked, smiling brightly. "Okay, we need to make sure everything's here. That's all for now, tonight is when we need to be ready." I said, shrugging my shoulders.

*Time Skip*

It was now 11:30. All of us gathered some blankets and pillows and carried them out to Larry's treehouse. Eventually, we had everything up there, and so, everyone climbed up as well. Larry and Ash shared a blanket, Chug and Maple shared, Todd and Neil, shared, and me and Travis shared too. It was super funny because we kept getting weird looks from the others. 

Nobody knew about us. That was because we hadn't had a chance to tell them after the stuff with his dad. He didn't want to bring it up and remember all that...stuff. I didn't blame him. He was just scared. I know what it's like to be too scared for your own good.

A little too well...

I lay my head on his shoulder, holding his hands underneath the cover. "I love you, Trav." I muttered, rubbing my thumb over his thumbs base. "I love you too, dear." he muttered back, swooping a loose hair of mine behind my ear. 

Travis and I talked until it was 11:58. We all got up and grabbed a drink or something from the fridge. Everyone but Todd and I were drinking. Travis was already drunk, considering the fact that he had already had nearly four shots of whatever the hell Larry got. 

We blocked off the exit of the treehouse, so nobody fell through...

Travis stumbled over to me, cupping my chin. "Trav, I thought you didn't want anyone to know." I whispered. "Well, Ash said she would if nobody was gonna kiss you." he informed. "And besides, everyone else is together with who they love, why can't we be?"

"Trav, are you sure? You don't have to..."

"I want to." he assured, leaning down a little. Ash was with Larry and Todd with Neil, Maple with Chug.

"5...4...3...2...1!" we counted down. "Happy new year!" we all yelled, going for kisses and hugs. As everybody else kissed each other, I watched as Travis leaned down and kissed me too. In that moment, I felt a spark inside my chest. Something that had never been felt before was finally being acknowledged and loved. 

After a moment, gasps and whispers emanated from the couples behind us. Travis pulled away, smiling softly. "Dude! What the fuck!?" Larry yelled, running over and looking at Travis with pure shock. "You're gay?!" Ash yelled, following Larry. "Knew it. Pay up." Maple said, holding her hand out in front of Chug. He rolled his eyes and slapped a bill into her hands, 

"Knew it." Todd yelled, poking Neil's cheek as he jokingly rolled his eyes. "Fine, you win." Neil said, swooping Todd into a hug. "I know." Todd retorted, returning the affectionate action. 

(I know this isn't about Neil and Todd, but they're so damn cute. I couldn't help myself!)

I grabbed Travis' collar and pulled him into another kiss. "He's also a bottom." I informed, pulling away. He got red and stood to his full height. "No, the fuck I am not! You are-" he protested, nearly falling over in the process. 

"We don't need to get into that..." I yelled, grabbing his wrist and pulling him to the floor with me. "Sally, I love you." he muttered, burying himself in my chest as we lay on the floor. "So, we all sleeping out here?" Larry asked. "We are, I think Sal and Travis are too." Chug said, pointing at us and wrapping an arm around the much-taller girl. 

"We are too." Larry said, side-hugging Ash as she nodded. "Do you want to, Trav?" I ask, rubbing the blonde's head. I hadn't noticed but he had fallen asleep on me. "Sal? You guys staying?" Ash asked. I didn't want to wake Travis up, so I simply raised my hand and gave a thumbs-up. 

*Time Skip*

I woke up in the middle of the night to find that Travis was no longer laying with me and now I was much colder than before. "Travis...?" I quietly called out, rubbing my eyes and yawning. I looked around to see him leaning out of one of the windows. 

He was humming something, it sounded sweet. 

"Trav, you okay?" I asked, throwing the covers off me and standing up. "Yea, I'm fine, Sal." he assured, not even looking to face me. His voice was muffled and tired. "You've been crying." I pointed out. "A little." he admitted, shrugging his shoulders. I walked over to him and placed a hand on his waist, pulling him closer. 

"Why? What's wrong?" I ask, looking out of the window. 

The air was cold and crisp, freezing my body as I got closer. The moon was bright and full, shining like a dinner plate that had been freshly cleaned. No stars or clouds were visible in the sky. 

"Just...stuff." he answered, almost as cold as the air. "What stuff?" I ask, grabbing his chin so he'd face me. "Nothing. Stuff about us." he said, removing my hand but still holding it. We locked our fingers and put our hands in the middle of us. "Like?" I inquired. "Like, I hope that we can be together forever, and I never have to bear the burden of hurting you. I don't plan on leaving and I hope that's mutual. You are my world and galaxy, my air and water. You're what I need." he stated, voice wavering and shaky. 

"I just love you so much and I never want you to leave me." he said, sighing. "I love you, Trav. I don't ever plan on leaving you or hurting you. I want to be with you forever and I couldn't see myself with anyone else. You are my love and my life. The epitome of happiness. To me, at least." I admitted. "I love you, I just...really do..."

"Trav, what's going on? I....is there something you need to tell me?" I ask, confused at his affectionate nature. "Just, that I love you and never plan on leaving."

"You sure?"

"I'm sure."

"..."

"Come here." he said, pulling me into his chest by my waist. He bent down and leaned into a kiss. I opened my mouth and allowed him entry. He moved his hand down to my ass and gently squeezed it, leaving his hands there.

I let out a little moan in response, not parting from his lips. Eventually, we parted, and he looked down at me. With a dizzy smile and content eyes, he pecked me on the head and sat down with his back to the wall. 

I sat down next to him and leaned my head on his shoulder. "I love you, dear." he whispered, playing with my hair. "I love you too." I replied, intertwining his fingers with my own. He began to hum that song again, slightly vibrating my head. 

"What's that you're humming?" I ask, running my thumb over the base of his. "Just a song my mother would sing." he answered, twirling a piece of my hair. "What's it called? Can you sing it?" I ask, hoping he would oblige.

(This song is called Rises The Moon by Liana Flores)

"Day seems sometimes as if they'll never end...sun digs its heels, to taunt you but after sunlit days, one thing stays the same. Rises the moon~" he sang. His voice was natural and flowed smoothly as water. 

*Time Skip*

He finished singing and looked over at me. "You happy?" he asked, smiling sweetly. "Yes, I am." I replied, pecking his forehead. "Sal," he muttered. "Travis." I replied. "I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you." he admitted. "Well," I whispered.

"Then why wait?"

Originally posted April 4th 2023 on Wattpad

"Church Boy." - Amelioration - Wattpad

Church Boy-Cruel

"Travis, I don't mean this in... that way, but I love you." I admitted. "You do?" he asked. "I mean, yea." I choked out. "I... love you too, Sally Face..." he retorted, letting tears fall from his face. I sent everyone else out of the room and grabbed my mask and buckled it. "Sal, can you not wear that around me?" he asked, tired. "Travis..." I muttered. "Sure..." I obliged. 

Unbuckling my mask and holding it in my hand, I stared down at Travis. His hair was messy and disheveled. His olive skin was soft and bruised, band-aids covering what he considered imperfections. His amber eyes were scarred with remnants of guilt, sadness, and disappointment. 

"You ready to go?" I ask. "Yea..." he answered, faking a smile to reassure me. "C'mon." I said, reaching my hand down for him to grab. 

Travis' POV:

I grabbed onto his hand and pulled myself up. I needed a shower; I feel disgusting and dirty. "Thanks, Sally." I muttered, letting go of his hand. "Of course, Trav." he said, smiling sweetly. 

*Time Skip*

We got back to the apartment; Sal drove because he was the only sober one. Once we arrived, I walked into Sal's room with incredible speed. We quietly snuck back into his room and he let me change into some of his clothes so he could wash mine and I could wear them home. 

Sal's POV:

I grabbed him some clothes that were big on me. He changed and I went down to the basement with our clothes. I dug out David's because he won't, and put mine and Travis' in. I started it and looked through the Lost and Found for a second. 

I found this pretty necklace. It was a cross. "Megan..." I muttered, knowing that I needed to visit her soon. I grabbed it up and put it around my neck. It's safer on my neck than my pocket, if it was in there, I'd probably lose it. 

So, I went back to my room. Travis was in the bathroom and had locked the door. "You okay in there?" I called. "Yea! I'm fine!" he answered, happiness lacing his voice. "You sure?" I asked again, just wanting to make sure. "I'm fine, Sal." he reassured. "Just gonna get a shower, I feel... dirty..." he said, disgust hinting in his voice. 

"Alright, be quick." I suggested, walking to my bed and plopping down. The shower turned on and the metal hooks that hold up our shower curtain rattled. I held Gizmo for a while, petting his soft fur as his purrs vibrated my chest.

Travis' POV:

I told Sal I was going to get a shower. I turned on the water and let it get to the right temperature before stepping in. He told me to be quick, so I planned to just...wash up.

I stepped in and felt amazing as the hot water hit my sore body. Today had been a nightmare. Except now, I couldn't escape by waking up or reminding myself that it was a dream and all in my head. No, this was real and what had happened today could never be taken back. 

Never. 

I looked down at my body. I looked at the little pieces of fat that everyone swore wasn't there, the way my legs looked, and how I looked as a whole. I grabbed a washrag and started viciously scrubbing my body, especially where he touched. I washed my hair with a shampoo that smelled like Sal does.

It reminded me of him.

I took in the scent, scrubbing my scalp as my hair stuck to my forehead. 

*Time Skip*

I stepped out of the shower and wrapped a towel around my waist. Looking around the bathroom, I noticed that I hadn't brought my clothes. I walked out of the bathroom and into Sal's. "Hey, Sal. Forgot my clothes." I informed him, grabbing the clothes off his bed and readjusting my towel because it felt a little loose. 

"Oh! Hey, Trav!" Sal said, quickly sitting up and grabbing his bedsheets. "Are you okay?" I ask, watching as his ears and neck turned bright pink. "Mhm!" he assured, giving me a thumbs up as his eyes darted all over my body. "Okay..." I said, walking back to the bathroom. 

Sal's POV:

I was about to lie down when my door creaked open, and I heard Travis' voice. "Hey, Sal. Forgot my clothes." he informed, grabbing the clothes off my bed. He readjusted his towel and I lost my shit. His hair was sticking to his face and dripping water all down his chest. "Oh! Hey, Trav!" I responded, trying not to make my nervousness too obvious. "Are you okay?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. "Mhm!" I reassured, taking in every part of him I could. 

"Okay..." he said, smirking and walking out. 

The scene replayed in my head, and I mentally scolded myself for being so weird. His blonde hair was shiny, and his stomach was skinny. I could see his defined collarbone and a minimal amount of his ribs. His arms were scrawny yet muscular. I could see where his body dipped into the spots only meant for that special someone and it drove me crazy knowing that the only thing separating me and it was a thin piece of cloth. 

My heart may have skipped a few beats when he walked in.

He went back to the bathroom and returned a few minutes later in his clothes. He was wearing a tight white T-shirt and some basketball shorts that I hadn't grown into yet; I gave him a pair of pink fuzzy socks I always wore when it was cold. "You ready for bed yet?" I ask, crawling into the covers and burying my face into the pillow. "Yea, see you in the morning." he said, walking out of my room. 

"Where are you going?" I ask, sitting up quickly. "The couch?" he answered, his words coming out as more of a question than a statement. "Just sleep in here. I'll sleep on the couch." I offered. "No, it's fine." he assured. "Or..." I started, wanting to just shrug off the idea altogether. "Or what?" he asked, intrigued. "Or we could just sleep together..." I suggested. 

"I guess." he obliged, walking to the bed and climbing in next to me. Before I lay down, I made sure that I had set my alarm. Once I was sure I had, I lay down and pulled the covers over myself. Travis was facing me, but he had his eyes closed and his lips slightly parted. 

"Sal, are you still awake?" Travis whispered, slightly opening his eyes. "I am, yea." I whispered back. "Can I talk to you?" he muttered, averting his eyes. "Of course, Trav. You don't have to ask." I assured, smiling sweetly at him. "Why..." he started. 

"Why is cupid so cruel?"

(Originally posted March 20th 2023 on Wattpad)

"Church Boy." - Cruel - Wattpad

Church Boy-Ataraxia

"I don't know, Trav..." I truthfully answered, smiling and giving a lighthearted giggle to lighten the mood. "Oh..." he muttered. He sighed deeply and looked down at the bed as if it were going to morph into an answer if he looked long enough. "Do you need to tell me anything?" I asked, cupping his face. "I do...I don't feel good enough, I feel like a sinner, and I have this urge in my chest that I can't get rid of. I feel controlled and trapped and just...like I'm not my own person..." he admitted, letting a few tears fall from his amber eyes.

"Trav, you are enough. Why would you be a sinner? You're a saint." I assured, smiling to support my statement. "Sometimes, we have urges that we can't fulfill. It's normal. You are your own person. I'm so grateful to know you and be here right now. You are my favorite person and I love being around you." I said, letting out a breath I didn't know I was holding. 

"Why...why don't you hate me...?" he murmured, not meaning for me to hear him. "I don't hate you because you don't deserve my hate..." I answered, twirling some of his hair between my fingers. "But..." he muttered, sniffling slightly. "No buts. I don't care what you think, to me, you deserve the world..." 

"I don't deserve you, Sal."

"You don't deserve me, you're right..."

"I know..."

"You deserve better..."

"Sal, you're the best they get."

"I'm really not, you have other friends who love you so much more!"

"No."

"What?" "No, I don't. I have nobody else."

"You have your parents."

"Parent."

"Oh..."

"I would, but he would just call me a sinner and punish me... I can't do anything. Like I said, no free will."

"Trav, you need to start doing what you want to do. Not what everyone else wants."

"Whatever I want?"

"Yea, go for it. You only live once, y'know?"

"Yeah, guess so..."

"So, go ahead! Right now, is there anything you've been dying to do? I could help!"

"There is, actually..."

"Do it!"

"Are you sure?"

"Of course!"

"Do me a favor and promise me you won't be mad..." he whispered, sitting up and motioning for me to do the same. So, I did, I sat up onto my knees and looked up at him. Worry and apprehension was plastered on his face as he waited for me to respond. 

"I promise you; I won't be mad."

"Here goes..." he whispered, reaching a hand up and grabbing my chin. I was in shock as his lips met mine. He pulled away after a second. "Travis, did you really just...kiss me?!" I whispered, my eyes wide and my lips parted. "I did...I'm sorry, that was uncalled for...I-" 

He stopped talking as I went back in for more. His lips were soft, and I craved how they felt. "Travis, don't be sorry..." I murmured. "M'kay..." he whispered, struggling as he didn't want to pull away. Travis grabbed my chin and parted his lips from mine. 

I threw my arms around his neck and crawled into his lap as he put his own on my skinny waist. Our lips met again, this time, he gently poked at my lower lip, requesting entry. I opened my mouth, allowing him to move his tongue around, exploring as he pleased. I moved closer, fiending for every part of him I could have. 

He let out a small whimper as I grabbed the front of his shirt to pull him closer. 

Travis' POV:

We were talking and he said I should just do what I wanted to. I sat up as he promised me that he wouldn't be mad. Once he answered, I pondered what I should do. 

Should I do it?

What if he's straight?

What if he tells?

"You only live once..." Sal had said. His words reverberated in my mind as I grabbed his chin and just fucking went for it. His lips met mine and I felt as though I could live forever. He was warm and soft and tasted like coffee. 

I pulled away as the realization set in. "Travis, did you really just...kiss me?!" he whispered, eyes wide and lips parted. "I did...I'm sorry, that was uncalled for...I-" my apology was quickly cut off by Sal kissing me again. Between kisses, he whispered something along the lines of "Travis, don't be sorry..." and I just agreed and allowed our session to continue.

I parted from him, grasping as much air as possible without wasting any time. When I was away, he threw his arms around me and crawled into my lap, straddling my legs. I gently poked at his bottom lip, he opened his mouth and a whole area that had yet to be explored was now mine. He grabbed my collar and pulled me closer to him, I let out a small whimper, that I hope he didn't hear, in response. 

He smiled; I know because I felt his lips shift. I guess he heard. "You're such a fucking bottom..." he whispered into my ear, rubbing his hand down my torso. "I love you..." he whispered, cupping my face and looking me in the eyes. "I love you too..." I muttered, smiling like the idiot I am.

I'm so grateful he couldn't see.

Sal's POV:

The whimper sent me...

I told him I loved him. He said it back...

He.

Said.

It.

Back.

The realization of his words settled in, and I pulled away. I felt tears rising to my eyes as I stared at the dazed boy in front of me. I started to sob and hiccup, burying my face in my hands. "Sal? What's wrong? Did I do something wrong?" he frantically asked, pulling my hands away from my face. 

I quickly shook my head as my hands were once again around his neck. "What the fuck is going on!?" my father yelled, busting through the door. "What the fuck did you do? Why is my son crying, you fucking bastard, answer me!" he screamed, stepping closer to us. "I don't know! I don't know what happened! He just started crying!" Travis defended, raising his arms. 

"He...he...didn't look away!" I whispered, looking at my father with the widest smile he'd ever seen me put on. "What?" my father asked, relaxing his stance. "Trav, can I tell him?" I ask, quietly. "I don't know. Not yet..." he answered. 

I nodded and Travis lifted his fingers to wipe underneath my eyes. My dad was still standing in the doorway, hair disheveled and messy, eyes wide and fearful. "Nothing happened, dad. I need a second with Travis. Can you...?" I ask, gesturing for him to leave. He nodded and stepped out, closing the door behind him. 

"Travis, I just gotta ask...was that your first kiss?"

"Uhm...yea...it was. What about you?"

"Mhm, it was mine too."

"So, are we like...dating? Or?"

"If that's what you want."

"It is...is that...what you want too?"

"Yea..."

"..."

"..."

"You're so beautiful."

"Where's this coming from?"

"Dunno, the heart? I guess."

"Shut up, that's so cheesy."

"Fine. I can stop being nice to you."

"I was kidding!"

"I know, I know."

"Should I tell my dad?"

"Sure, tell him not to tell mine. He's a homophobe."

"Damn, so that's where you get it?" 

"Fuck you."

"You would."

"No comment..."

"Ha!"

"Shut it, Sally."

"Make me."

"I made you a few minutes ago, remember?"

"I do. How could I forget? Such a wondrous experience~"

"You're so fucking gay."

"..."

"..."

"Well, whose fault is that?"

"I take full responsibility."

"Okay, I'm letting him in."

"M'kay."

I opened the door and let my father in. He was leaning up against the wall. Once he entered, he glanced over to the red and nervous Travis before switching his attention toward me. "So, what?" he asked. "Dad..." I muttered, excited beyond belief. He cocked an eyebrow, waiting for me to continue. "Travis and I are dating!" I said, throwing my arms around my father's waist. "I figured you were gay, Sal. Never thought Travis would be, though." he commented, resting a hand on my upper back. 

"Ouch, okay." I said, letting go and barreling into Travis, knocking him over. "Help me." he mouthed. My father smiled sincerely and gave Travis a sweet wink before leaving. He closed the door but popped his head in a second later for another comment. "So, what size condoms?" he asked, dodging as I threw a pillow at his face. 

I could hear him chortling outside the room. "I hate him..." I joked, looking over at Travis who had gone red. "Did he just ask that?" Travis pondered, turning to look at me with genuine fear and shock on his face. 

"Yup! And guess what? I have to live with him!" I retorted, smiling hard. "Rest in peace." he said. I cocked an eyebrow at his remark. "Your loss of fucking braincells." he finished. I punched his arm. "Hey! I'm not that stupid!" I defended. "You're in love with me." Travis retorted. "So?"

"So, you're stupid."

Originally posted March 21st 2023 on Wattpad)

"Church Boy." - Ataraxia - Wattpad