Steve Gabry - Tumblr Posts

sally face hc's!!!!

been putting off posting this for god knows what reason sally face fandom plz 🙏🙏🙏

sal:

•cuts his own hair with safety scissors

•his fav food is dino nuggets idc sue me

•runs his own lowkey piercing business. he even pierced larrys ears and ashleys nostril. he wants to make it a career in the future

•somehow so good at comforting everyone but himself

•always knows what to say when someone's having a hard time, probably cuz hes been through a lot and can easily put himself in others shoes

•always really reserved and shy until him and larry go to a concert together

•cares more about price than looks so most of his stuff doesnt match at all

•most, if not all of his clothes are from thrift stores

•most inconsistent sleep schedule ever. sometimes he goes to bed early and sleeps like a baby, other nights hes restlessly playing his gearboy until the sun comes up

•regular cigarette smoker, but will only smoke weed if larrys with him

•so fucking awkward but always has good intentions. bro just cannot communicate for shit

•when he meets new people he likes to freak them out with his glass eye when they least expect it

•definitely a big industrial fan (NIN, skinny puppy, KMFDM, etc) but his favorite band is korn

•also loves music from the late 70s-early 80s that he grew up hearing on the radio cuz it reminds him of the good memories he had with his mom

•his earth shattered when kurt cobain died

•started watching so much mtv after meeting larry cuz he wanted to be more educated on his kind of music

•his shoes are covered in doodles and signatures from the group

•theyre also hanging on by a thread cuz theyre old as shit and hes had them since grade 6 💀

•has a small collection of custom prosthetic eyes with different colors and cool shapes in them and stuff

•when he meets new people he likes to freak them out with his glass eye when they least expect it

•takes halloween VERY seriously

•writes songs for ppl he cares about and plays them on his guitar

•he wrote a song for ash once and she still asks him to play it for her every now and then

•typa fella to never cuff his pants so theyre all faded and torn and gross at the bottom

•collects random animal (or human) bones he finds around the woods of nockfell

•baggy clothes cuz body dysmorphia

•seems really calm and collected all the time but lets it all out behind closed doors

larry:

•sal’s tripsitter

•REEKS of axe body spray to cover the weed stank

•has literally witnessed murder but is DEATHLY afraid of most bugs

•pulls a lot of evil pranks and sal just goes along with it

•lisa taught him how to cook from a really early age

•whenever the gang is hanging out they force him to cook them food but he usually just goes the lazy route and microwaves some mac n cheese

•only really shows his emotions around sal because he knows he understands

•so attractive but carries himself like hes not

•uses humor to cope and often jokes about being fatherless

•has a guilty pleasure for pop music

•a grade above the rest of the group

•frequent guyliner wearer

•his paranoid ass carries a switchblade everywhere he goes for self defense

•actually carries so much random shit in his pockets

•has a framed photo on his nightstand of him and sal at a meet & greet with the members of sanity’s fall

•his band shirts are so ancient most of them have massive holes in them

•the group calls him “larr bear” to piss him off in a loving way

•the look on his face when lisa calls him that in front of people is priceless

ashley:

•hair is so damaged from constantly messing with it

•loves doing other ppls hair too, especially sals (they do matching hairstyles sometimes :3)

•brings her camera literally everywhere and has a scrapbook of a bunch of memories of the gang throughout highschool

•also just takes random pictures sometimes cuz shes really into photography

•carries bandaids everywhere she goes just in case

•has to decorate literally everything she owns and make it look cute

•does not hold back on adding stickers (sal lets her stick them all over his mask sometimes)

•usually dozes off before she takes her makeup off and then just fixes it up in the morning and rolls with it

•collects everyones baby teeth to make necklaces and jewelry with

•likes to practice nail art on everyone

•has the best sense of style out of the whole group. the amount of clothes and accessories in her closet is impressive and she always puts together the most fire fits

•has a huge shoe collection from adidas, to docs, to combat boots

•so sweet and friendly to literally everyone but will actually kill someone if they fuck with her

•has a really hectic home life so she basically trained herself to sleep like a rock through anything

•literally the mom of the group, shes always looking out for everyone especially cuz she has her own little brother she takes care of

•master of diy she can make something out of literally anything and make it look amazing

todd:

•when times get desperate he sells bud from his dad’s garden

•never even came out to his parents, he didnt feel a need to they just accepted it and never questioned him

•has so many plants around the house and has names for every single one

•he doesnt allow sal to bring gizmo to his apartment cuz he once tried to eat bob

•everyones always asking to touch his hair cuz he takes care of it so well its so soft and curly

•spends the most amount of time on the internet than the rest of the group

•probably why his eyesight is dogshit 😹😹😹

•his brain is like its own encyclopedia, he’ll just randomly drop the most insane fun facts on everyone for no reason but its always a good conversation starter

•his parents randomly tell him these crazy stories from when they were young hippies

•they almost named him some hippie shit like “star”

•talks to himself a lot, like actual conversations with himself. sometimes he just narrates what hes doing without even realizing it until his mom walks in and is like “who tf are u talking to”

•on the spectrum and is deadpan majority of the time so whenever hes being sarcastic its so hard to tell

•so full of wisdom literally everyone goes to him for advice, even his own parents sometimes

•thats a left handed mf if ive ever seen one

•not photogenic at all and always has to be suade into being in group pictures

other random things:

•when theres no mysteries to be investigated, the gang likes to have sleepovers at larrys place where they smoke and watch movies and play video games and stuff

•sal and larry take “whats mine is yours” to another level. theyre always together and they share pretty much everything, from clothes to literal toothbrushes (they are disgusting)

•sal brings gizmo to chug’s place sometimes so soda has someone to play with (she likes to style his fur and he steals her stickers)

•a lot of the songs from the ost were songs that sal, larry, and sometimes rob recorded together for fun

•rob also taught them both how to skate

•chug is a massive weeb

•ashley and todd are basically sal and larrys ubers cuz sal has horrible vision and larry got his license revoked

can i request sally face relationship headcanons maybe??

sally face fandom is sooo dead:(

sally face realtionship hc's!!!!

i dont write this kind of stuff usually but i actually had a lot of fun with this ^___^ i hope its everything u hoped for 🙏🙏

sal:

•his love language is quality time, he loves spending time with you even if youre just doing nothing together

•your presence is very comforting to him

•isnt physically affectionate unless he knows youre 100% okay with it

•once he gets comfortable around you he will not let go he loves cuddling

•your dates are more lowkey like playing video games or having movie nights

•writes little songs for you and plays them on his guitar

•the best listener, you can yap all day and you will have his full undivided attention

•you can feel the shift in his behavior when hes in public with you vs being alone with you. he can let his guard down when its just the 2 of you

•communicating is hard for him but he is very understanding

•has a lot of deep conversations with you

•at night especially is when he opens up most, and you find it really endearing

•he has insomnia so sometimes you stay up all night talking or doing other things

•he loves how good you are with gizmo, hes basically your child

•gets so flustered when you make eye contact with him so naturally because hes insecure and sensitive about his face

•your acceptance of him means a lot to him

•literally melts when you play with his hair or scratch his head

•has abandonment issues and often worries hes not doing enough but you do your best to reassure him

•he can also be really clingy but he knows when to give you your space

•gives you really meaningful obscure compliments constantly, he finds all your “imperfections” beautiful

larry:

•very loving but also likes to mess with you and is such a tease

•will randomly come up behind you and pick you up when you least expect it

•he loves playing with your hair, especially when youre in bed together he’ll run his fingers through it until you fall asleep

•takes you to all of his secret hangout spots around nockfell for smoke seshes and picnics

•although he can be intense sometimes, hes really gentle with you and knows how to calm you down when youre overwhelmed

•loves getting you little gifts when you least expect it

•he frequently invites you over for painting dates

•also treehouse dates!!!!

•falling asleep up there and getting to watch the sunrise together

•PLEASE steal his clothes he loves that shit

•especially when you give them back and they smell like you

•taking you to concerts and shows is like his favorite thing ever

•not afraid to show affection with you in public

•you're his and everyone needs to know

•when he gets comfortable you get to see a different side of him

•hes usually loud and silly and annoying but he has an emotional and vulnerable side that only you really get to see

•acts of service are his love language fs, he cooks and cleans for you all the time

•hes definitely the jealous type

•someone complimenting you is fine, but if he catches someone flirting with you hes throwing hands

•sharing music with you is his favorite past time

•picking up cd’s from the music store and blasting them on his stereo together

•or on public transport where each of you has an earbud in

•lisa LOVES you and is always so welcoming whenever you come to stay with larry

•makes special burned cd mixes for you and labels them with sharpie and doodles little things on them

ash:

•you are her entire world she cannot be away from you for more than 5 minutes

•thinks your eyes are really pretty and you catch her staring into them every so often

•makes really heartfelt handmade gifts for you (like one of her “little dudes”)

•tries to make you laugh when youre sad

•it works like 99% of the time

•takes you everywhere on her motorcycle

•“hop on loser, we’re going to mcdonald's”

•takes a lot of pictures of you together and hangs them up on her wall

•can always sense when something is wrong and always knows how to make you feel better

•writes you little love letters every so often so you never forget how she feels about you

•will beg and pleade to let her do your makeup

•its mostly just an excuse to get close to you and get to sit on your lap :3

•also loves styling you in different outfits even if you dont wear them out, youre like her own personal model

•has like 20 different nicknames for you

todd:

•he smells sooooo good

•like pine and cedar wood 🤤🤤🤤🤤

•and dont get me started on his hair

•its so fluffy and smells amazing he loves when you run your fingers through his curls

•loves taking you out and spoiling you because you deserve it

•so chill and easy to communicate with, your comfort and happiness is his number one priority

•very protective over you but he tries not to be overbearing

•talks about you to literally everyone when youre not around

•remembers all the little details about you that you would expect him to forget

•the biggest nerd ever and loves yapping at things he likes, but he loves hearing you talk about your interests even more

•if you get obsessed with something like a video game or tv show he will not rest until you get him into it too

•if you crash at his place, expect breakfast in bed

•if youve had a bad day hes there to pamper you and give you everything you need

•“i got you this cuz it made me think of you” as he holds out a rock in his hand

•seems really serious and intimidating but youd be surprised

•hes such a dork when you get to know him

•drives you around literally everywhere, he loves traveling with you with the windows down and the radio blaring

hello Sally Face fandom, again! 👋🏻

I decided to try drawing more (I'm taking forever on art pieces, too much detail to add). Here's my Sally Face OC/self-interest. I lowkey wish I had piercings, rip.

(I deadass ship Sal w/ my demon oc which is this bitch here. I'll have to do some explaining w/ her) 💙

*your caption(s) here* lol

[ old art btw. I never finished this wip and I want to so badly ]

seems while Sal was doing his investigation of addison apartments, Aki lost her last quarter in the vending machine - the only time the vending machine was stocked. Rest in peace, quarter.

a rough sketch wip I did a few days ago -✯

(I have so many sketches/doodles of Sal & Aki.. I- I just have a fat crush on Sal still..)

more progress of the wip I shared a few days ago, why does Aki look so small in Sal's arms?😭 like.. omg, she looks so TINY.

( I headcannon Aki & Sal's height difference. As teens in highschool, they're both the same height just Aki is an inch taller than Sal. As adults Sal is much taller than Aki. )

I live for these images of Sal <3

[ I preordered the book on Amazon!! I'm excited to get it in September - rahhh!! ]

TW/CW: GORE // MURDER

[ spoilers for Sally Face. ]

. . .

Yes, I made this edit. This is my first sally face edit. I wanted to draw this out for tiktok but.. decided against it.

Again, for those that haven't played the game and don't want spoilers, I advise not watching this then since it contains spoilers. Forgive me for make this btw 😭

some traditional doodles, hehe..

sal n' aki (highschool era) chillin' out. tried drawing sal a little differently too.

GUYS. . .

I have obtained the sal fisher, sally face pajama pants!! my ass is gonna be looking so hot, I don't know if I'll serve in these 😫😭💙

Church boy-The move

TW: SELF-HARM-PILLS-DEPRESSION-MEDICATION-MENTIONS OF ADDICTION-ANGST

My father and I approached the dingy apartments. Whoever thought that neon green would be a good color to paint the windows on a rusty red brick building should have their career ended. 

Terminated. 

Abolished, even.

I'd take it that far.

A warm hand on my shoulder yanked me out of my trance as it pulled me closer. "I think this is good for us, don't you? It'll be a nice change of pace." my father asked. "Yep, sure do." I muttered in agreement, not wanting to disturb what he thought was peace. "Good to hear!" he chuckled, squeezing my shoulder before letting go and letting his hand fall to his side. 

I held my hands open in front of him and he knowingly searched his pocket before an audible "Ah ha!" was heard and then the sound of keys being placed into my hand. "Thanks, Dad. See ya in a few." I called out, sprinting up to the brown door and pushing it open. 

The smell could only be described as a 'must'. It was forced into my nose as I walked into the lobby of the apartment. I walked past silver mailboxes all huddled together on the wall and a bulletin board with flyers and papers for things I didn't bother reading. 

I looked down the brown hallway and just sighed. I noticed the elevator and started making my way over. Pressing the up button, I waited for the metal door to slide open. Once they did, I stepped in and pressed for the fourth floor. I remember that we lived in 402 because my dad recited it to me the whole ride. 

The elevator's ding shook me out of my little zone as it stopped on my floor. I stepped out as the doors slid open just enough for me to slip past, I didn't want to wait for them to fully open. Stepping out, the same smell greeted me, and I subconsciously flinched at the wretched smell. 

"Yuck..." I muttered, walking down the hall and to my door. "401...402!" I thought, pulling out my keys and fiddling with them before finding the correct one. I unlocked the door and was immediately sent into a coughing fit. After swatting away what I could, I took in the interior of our new home. 

I could only see part of the living room, basically, just the parts of the room that the light from the hallway would allow me to. Anyways, I walked in and flicked on the light. It was bigger than I'd imagined. I shut the door behind me and locked it for extra measure. 

The couch was assembled and so was the coffee table. The box with the TV sat next to it. I entered the room nearest the door. It had my dad's desk and computer along with his bed next occupying the farthest wall. 

This was my dad's room. 

I exited and walked to the next bedroom, assuming that one had to be mine. I guessed correctly because my bedframe, TV, and table were already in there. At least my bed was assembled so I'd have somewhere to sleep. 

I threw myself onto the mattress, sighing as my back hit the soft material. "Nice..." I muttered, spotting the box full of my posters. 

*Time Skip*

Dad had come up to the apartment a half hour after me. I decorated the walls with my posters, put my clothes up and put my bedsheets on, also filling my bed with covers and pillows with a very important stuffed animal. One my mother had given me when I was younger.

Gizmo was laying on my made bed, all snuggled up and cute. "Fuckin' meatball..." I muttered, rolling my eyes at the obnoxiously loud but cute purring that emanated from the ball of fur. An agitated meow replied, and I smiled again. 

Setting my alarm clock, I unbuckled my mask and sat it on the windowsill. I slid my shirt off and accidentally looked in the mirror. My heart ached as a scarred face stared back. Those baby blue eyes that always seemed to be brighter than last time...

Always...

I put on an oversized shirt and some shorts. Flicking my lamp on and turning the overhead light off, I stared at my legs and feet. On my thighs, little white lines covered them down to my knees. Those were the scars of nights when I only had myself to get through them. I had nobody to help. 

No friends.

No mother.

No father.

Just me. 

I wanted to forget but the scars made that very difficult, damn near impossible. 

I popped my eye out and sat it next to my bed in the glass of water I had collected much earlier. With a 'plop!', the glass eye was now sitting at the bottom of my cup. It always made me giggle. "Septic eye." I thought, smirking to myself.

When I was younger, my dad would call me his little Cyclops because I always destroyed the little Lego cities he and I would build. The nickname stopped after the incident. Guess my dad never thought his son would actually be a Cyclops, did he?

Guess I'm just full of surprises! 

I sighed again and took down my bushy hair from its two pigtails, allowing it to fall to my shoulders. Only for a moment, though. I quickly collected it again and threw it into a tight, messy ponytail. 

After hours of tossing and turning, my alarm beeped loudly, and I sat up. The bed was comfortable, but I didn't have time to dawdle. The school was waiting and so was my dad. I knew he'd be awake to make sure I got up before my first day. He always did on the first day. Always had to make sure.

"I can't keep doing this..." I scolded myself for another sleepless night. Grabbing my eye from the solution, I popped it into place and moved it, so it looked like a normal one. I brushed out my shoulder-length blue hair and threw it into two twin pigtails. 

I looked in my mirror and jokingly did two little finger guns, knowing I truly hated how I looked, Humor sometimes helped. 

I grabbed a black, turtlenecked sweater and some rusty-red ripped jeans, and the deep blue Converse I wore everywhere. I grabbed my prosthetic and slid it over my face. Buckling it, I made sure it wasn't lopsided and then I moved my hair, so it wasn't all mushy and gross like under the mask was. 

"Alrighty, I don't stink so..." I said, smirking. "Guess no shower since I'm already dressed!" I finished. I left my room after giving Gizmo a few loving pats and scratches. As I had said earlier, my father would be waiting for me. 

And he was.

At the table, reading his newspaper and drinking coffee that he got at the gas station. "Hey, Dad." I greeted, making my way to the fridge to grab water. "Morin' Sal!" my dad way too enthusiastically responded. "What? What's up with you?" I asked. "Nothing, just excited for your first day again. Feels like yesterday that we put you in kindergarten." he responded, smiling sweetly. 

"Dad, stop. You do this every year." I said, rolling my eyes. "I know, I know. It's just hard, seeing my young man grow up so fast." my father said, jokingly wiping underneath his eyes. "Whatever, I get it. I'm growing!" I continued. "If I'm getting so old then why am I still 5'2?" I rhetorically ask, knowing my dad is still going to answer. 

"Just genes, accept it, Sal."

"Oh god, I'm leaving. I need to get going anyways."

"See ya! And be careful!" 

"I will! Love you."

"Love you, too."

(originally posted May 13th 2023 on Wattpad)

"Church Boy." - The move - Wattpad

Church Boy-Long ride

I walked down to the bus stop. I quickly realized it was way too cold for October. Freezing my dick off outside, I heard some footsteps behind me and immediately spun around. 

A greasy-headed brunette approached at a weary pace, examining me. He eventually got to the stop and tried to peer down at me without being obnoxiously obvious. "Hey..." he muttered, not even looking down. Guess he was trying to give off the 'badass teen who doesn't care.' look. You know, he pulled it off. 

"Hey..." I replied, just as monotonously as him. "So, you new?" he asked, stealing a swift glance. "Yep. Just moved into 402." I informed, shrugging my shoulders. "Nice, you believe in ghosts?" he asked simply as if it were a normal conversation. "Woah! That was quick!" I exclaimed. "I know. Just thought I'd bring it up. Kinda surprised you haven't seen anything yet." he admitted. 

"What do you mean? Are the apartments haunted?" I ask, now very intrigued. "I mean, yea? I guess so. I've seen some shit. Especially with what happened to poor Mrs. Sanderson..." he let out a long sigh, obviously waiting for me to say something. "What? Who's Mrs. Sanderson and what the hell are you on?" I asked. "Did you meet Charley yet? Once you do, you'll understand. Anyways, Mrs. Sanderson used to live in 403, before she got murdered, that is."

"Murdered?"

"Shh, keep it down! And yea, murder. Charley did it. I was in there fixin' her toilet and he burst in screamin' like a psycho. "I know what you did, bitch! Herman told me everything!" she tried to calm him down, but he was already slitting her throat. Then he left." the brunette admitted. 

"What the fuck... are you high?"

"I wish...This is some heavy shit, man."

"No shit..."

"Anyways, change of subject!" 

"Alright? I'm Sal, I just moved here from Jersey."

"Nice, name's Larry. My mom's the janitor here. She gets a room in the basement rent-free with the maintenance gig. You should come down sometime, we could hang out. "

"Sounds good. Would today work?"

"Yeah, sure."

"Nice."

"..."

"..."

"Bus is here!"

"No shit."

"Don't be an ass, sit with me." Larry offered. "Fine, dork." I agreed, sitting down after him. He looked out the window and sighed, leaving a foggy mark on the cold glass. He then proceeded to draw a penis. A light chuckle could be heard from the giant of a man, then he turned to me and smirked. 

More like a shit-eating grin if you ask me.

"Really?" I asked, giving a sarcastic eye roll. "Yep." he answered, shamelessly. "Dumbass." I retorted. Larry theatrically wiped his eyes. Through fake sobs, he muttered something. "That's...the nicest thing anyone's ever said to me!" he sobbed, burying his face in his hands and continuing to fake sob.

"Shut up." I exclaimed, punching his arm. "Ow, damnit." he retorted, grabbing where I punched him. "Pussy." I mocked. He smirked down at me, and we started rambling about stupid shit. Bands, school, favorite teachers, hardest subjects, crushes, video games, and more.

The bus stopped again, and Larry's demeanor immediately changed. "Fuck..." he whispered. "What?" I ask. "Travis." he answered, pointing at a blonde with tanned skin. He walked to where we were and sat directly parallel. "Larry, I didn't know you had a boyfriend!" the boy exclaimed. "Fuck off, Phelps." Larry responded, grabbing at his jeans and balling his fists. 

"Or what, faggot?" Travis asked, smirking wildly. "Or I'll break your fucking jaw..." Larry answered. When I tell you a shiver went down my spine, I meant it. "You said that last week." Travis retorted, shrugging his shoulders as if not even concerned with Larry's threat. "And you call me and my friends a slur every day, get some new material, church boy." Larry responded, anger stifling. "Well, it's true. You and your friends are a bunch of homos!" Travis exclaimed, clenching his fists. 

"Not all of us..." Larry muttered, giving me a glance considering he thought I was a twink. Which I am.

"All of you? So, some of you are fags? Gross." Travis jeered, stifling a laugh as he scoffed. "No, they aren't fags, Travis. They're people with names and lives. Now, shut the hell up you pussy." Larry threatened. "Fine, fine. Sorry that I offended you. I'll leave you be so you and your freaky ass boyfriend can eye-fuck some more." Travis retorted, attempting to sound serious. "First off, not my boyfriend, I'm straight. Second, didn't you kiss a boy? I think I remember-" 

Larry was quickly cut off by Travis' words. "No! I didn't!" Travis exclaimed, drawing more attention from the other kids on the bus. "Just, shut up, Phelps." Larry exasperatedly said. "Whatever, queer..." Travis muttered, turning back to the window and looking out. 

Larry had been looking out the window when I tugged on his sleeve so I could grab his attention. "What the fuck was that about?" I asked. "Nothing. He just likes to pick fights n' shit. I put him in his place when he tries me." Larry answered. "Badass." I mocked. "Hey," Larry murmured. "Yea?" I answered. "Let me know if he fucks with you. You're an ass but I won't let you get bullied." He said, a small chuckle coming after

"Says the one who draws dicks." I teased, punching his arm. "Yeah, whatever. You're just lame!" he mocked. I rolled the eye I could and laid my head on the back of the seat. I felt Larry stand up and so I did too. "We're here!" Larry sung. "Yeah, Hell." I finished. "It's not all bad, except Travis, he's a little piss baby." Larry mocked, making sure Travis could hear. "I am not a piss baby!" Travis yelled. "Whatever..." Larry said, "Piss baby..."

I chuckled but my mask muffled it. "Alright, I'll show you to the office and classes and all that." 

"What are you? My dad?"

"Nah, but I am used to being called Daddy."

"Gross, dude."

"Whatever, dork."

"I hate you."

"You know you don't!"

"Is it too late to back out of this friendship?"

"Yes."

"Damn..."

He walked me to the front office, and I grabbed my schedule from the woman sitting at her desk. "Thanks, Mrs!" I called out. 

(Originally posted May 13th 2023 on Wattpad)

"Church Boy." - Long Ride - Wattpad

Church Boy-Warm Welcome

Larry walked me to homeroom, luckily, we had it together. "Lucky, you got Gibson for fourth. He's so fuckin' cool. Guy doesn't get angry either, I've tried." Larry envied. "Ha, loser." I mocked. Larry pushed me through the doors of homeroom and to the back of the dull grey area. 

 "Mr. Fisher!" The teacher exclaimed, pulling me into a hug. "Hello...?" I dizzily asked. "Why don't you introduce yourself to your peers? I'm sure they're dying to know about you!" he said, letting me go and allowing me to steady myself on my feet. 

"Alright..." I whispered. "I'm Sal, most people call me Sally Face. I just moved here from Jersey with my dad. I like guitar and um...I love metal." I said, trying to hold my limbs as close as I could, hoping that my body would eventually just pop into nothingness, so I didn't have to stand there awkwardly anymore. 

"Great! You may sit where you please, Mr. Fisher. I trust you'll make a good decision." the teacher called out, giving a sweet smile and thumbs up. 

Once the teacher turned his attention back to putting on the documentary, Larry started talking to me. "You seem happy, what? It cause Travis ain't here?" Larry asked, glancing over to make sure that the teacher wasn't looking. "Yeah, I guess. It's nice not being bullied." I truthfully answered. 

Larry chucked and began once again. "Tell me about it! I have damn near every class with that bastard." He signed out, rolling his eyes in annoyance. "Ha, sucks for you!" I mocked. "Whatever, get bent." Larry retorted, flipping me off.

I returned the favor and stuck up my middle finger with a smile nobody could see.

*Time skip*

After class, Larry walked me to math. He informed me that the math teacher was real sweet but sometimes oddly strict. I graciously accepted the valuable information and walked straight in.

Larry said that he was friends with this girl named Ash. He said she was sweet, pretty, smart, and good at art. Kinda sounded like he had a crush on her if you ask me.

Anyways, I walked in and immediately knew who Ash was. She had long brown hair and vibrant green eyes.  She was peach and had a difference in skin color on her neck and face. It was cool.

I could see why he liked her. She was beautiful but not really my type. Mostly because I preferred guys...

"Are you Ash?" I asked, tapping her shoulder. "I am, yea! How'd you know?" She asked, a sweet smile never leaving her face. "Larry." I informed. She smirked and rolled her eyes jokingly. "Of course." She snickered. "Sorry, what's your name?" Ash asked. "Sal but most people call me Sally Face..." I answered. "Sally Face?"

"Yea, cause of the...prosthetic..." I finished. Her expression changed from sweet and welcoming to pitying and sad. "Sorry, didn't mean to make it depressing." I apologized. "It's fine, really, it is." She reassured.

She gave me a quick hug and then the teacher walked in so I sat near the back of the class, already knowing I would have to introduce myself.

"Kids! We have a new student today. Sal, please stand and introduce yourself." She asked. This time, it had been a demand. Not something I could choose and say yes or no to. I had to.

I adios from my seat in the back and began the speech I was going to have to review in every class. "Hey, I'm Sal. My friends call me Sally Face. I moved here from Jersey with my dad.  I like guitar and metal." I said, sitting back down after the approving smile from my teacher.

"Alright, well, let's get started." Ms. Packerton announced. She began to hand out an assignment, and we were allowed to start once she was done. The assignment was easy for the most part. It was just calculating the value of x.

I finished quickly and turned it into her. As I said, I didn't get any sleep last night, so I was agitated and exhausted. I laid my head down and accidentally drifted off to sleep.

After a few minutes, I heard my name being called. "Mr. Fisher, that doesn't look like math to me." Mrs. Packerton joked. "Sorry, I must have dozed off. And I already finished the assignment." I informed, grabbing my pencil and doodling on a page in my notebook.

"Yes, you aced it as well. But please, had up for the rest of class."

"Sure."

I hadn't noticed, but Travis had turned around to face me. "Mr. Phelps, eyes on your paper, please." Mrs. Packerton called out. He rolled his eyes and made a mocking face before turning back around and continuing to do his paper.

After class, I met up with Larry and Ash before lunch. Fortunately for me, Travis was out there too.

"Het, freak! Nobody likes a goody two shoes, Saaaally face!" He taunted. "Nobody likes a cliche bully, Traaavis." I retorted, rolling my eye.

"Whatever, faggot..."

"Wow, Trav. You kiss your daddy with that tongue?"

And that's when I felt it.

That's when I felt what Travis did. 

"Shut up!" Travis screamed. The crowd we had drawn began to ooh and aww, but I paid no attention. I focused on my pain, the feeling of the blood dripping out of my nose, and the sound of my prosthetic cracking.  Through the crowd, I saw Larry. His tall stature makes him very visible.

"What the hell happened, Sal?!" Larry yelled, shoving past the horde of teens that were recording and trying to encourage me to throw a punch. "Travis..." I answered, watching as Travis walked away through the crowd. "Travis happened..." I finished. "Are you fucking kidding? Your first day!? That fucking prick..." Larry said, practically seeing red. "It's fine. He might not have a good home life, you never know." I suggested, holding my mask so it wouldn't fall. 

"What a warm welcome."

(Originally posted May 14th 2023 on Wattpad)

"Church Boy." - Warm Welcome - Wattpad

Church Boy-Offer

Travis' POV:

I punched him...

Holy shit...

After that, I just walked away. I couldn't let anyone see my fucking sinning face. I went to the bathroom and locked myself in a stall. I tried to hold them back, but I ended up crying like the failure I am...

I stayed quiet, now and then a small sob would escape. After a few minutes, I heard footsteps and wiped my eyes. "Someone in here?" a sweet voice asked. 

I recognized it.

Sal...

"No shit, get out."

"Are you okay?"

"What do you think!?"

"...Why do you hate me so much...?"

"Because you and your friends are a bunch of fags! God will never love you, why should I?"

"Y'know, we're not all gay. Except for me and Todd, were super gay."

"...I don't really hate you...or your friends..."

"I didn't think so..."

"..."

"Hey, if you ever want to, y'know, hang out or get away from your dad, you could hang out with me."

"..."

"Just, think about it and let me know. If you ever need anybody to talk to, I'm always here for you. I will never turn you down, my door is always open."

"Thanks..."

"No problem!"

"But, why are you being so nice to me?"

"I don't think you're a bad guy, Travis. Under all that anger, I think there's a good dude who's afraid to be himself."

"You're wrong..."

"What?"

"You're wrong. I am of nothing good. I am a sinner. I am a failure..."

"Travis, don't say that. You aren't any of those things. If I thought so, I wouldn't be here."

"Really?"

"Really."

"Thanks, Sally face..."

"Of course, Travis."

"Hey, um."

"Yeah?"

"It's just...Mrs. Packerton said I needed some tutoring. Do you...know anyone who could...?"

"I could!"

"You?"

"Yeah, if that's okay with you. We don't have to be friends, but I wouldn't mind helping."

"Are you sure? I mean, after what just happened, I didn't think you'd even consider me human."

"Travis, we can be friends...we don't have to be enemies..."

"..."

"Are you free after school? We could start today."

"Yea...I'll have to...sneak out..."

'Oh, no. You don't have to. I could go over to your house! Or we could meet at the park or something. I don't want to get you in trouble."

"Why the hell are you so fucking nice?"

"I...I don't know..."

"..."

"Well, I live in Addison Apartments. Stop by if you want..."

"..."

I felt my eyes tear up again. They wouldn't stop and I didn't put in an effort to make them. Footsteps erupted from in front of the stall and then the bathroom door slammed shut and I heard the bell ring. It was time for class.

I opened the stall and snatched my backpack from the floor. "Shit..." I muttered, running as fast as I could to my next class. 

Once I arrived, I sat in the back and pulled out my book. It was about space. I stole it off my dad's shelf, I wanted to read something other than the Bible. He would've killed me if he found out, whatever. Not like he reads these anyways. Just for display.

Just like our family...

Display...

*Time Skip*

I went to my 4th class. This one I had with Sally...That fucking freak. Weird ass blue hair, I never even saw any brown spots at his roots. Was it natural? Weird... And he always wore his hair super feminine. Whether it was in pigtails, ponytails, or space buns, it was feminine. His eyes always shone through his mask. They were the same color as his hair, too. 

Baby blue...

They could practically see through me. That's what it felt like, at least, when he looked at me. They were kind of pretty. Actually, I think one of them is fake. When he rolls his eyes at me, only one rolls. The other one stays in place, maybe shift a little. His piercings were kinda cool, too.

He had his cartilage pierced. I think he did all his piercings at home because he had a safety pin through it with a little dried blood. He wasn't a pussy, I could give him that.

"Mr. Phelps, please read the next paragraph for us." The teacher called out, snapping me out of my trance. 

I hadn't noticed, but I was staring at Sal. "Uh, yea." I said, finding where we were and continue the article. After I finished, the class grew silent, and I looked around. I noticed Sal staring at me and I quickly looked away. "Mr. Fisher, staring isn't polite. Please turn around." the teacher rhetorically asked. "Yes, sir..." Sal answered, turning back around and looking down at his textbook. 

"Alright, for the homework tonight, you are all required to read the rest of the section and write a summary with at least 4 paragraphs and 5 sentences in each. Thank you and see you all tomorrow." he said, allowing us to leave. "Mr. Phelps and Mr. Fisher, do you mind staying back?" he called, standing by the door. 

Sal and I shared a look of confusion before waiting with the teacher until everyone else left. After everyone was gone, he started to talk to us. "I have the understanding that one of you is exceptionally gifted in mat but not so much in literature. The other one is the opposite. I recommend that you two tutor and help each other for your own sake. Finals are coming up and I want you all to pass. Please consider this. I don't want to hold either of you back..." the teacher offered, suggesting that we take his advice. 

"Now, I'll write you two some passes, and you can get going." he informed, clapping his hands to signify the end of the conversation. Sal nodded and I stayed still, tapping my foot. He finished the passes and sent us on our way. 

After getting to my next class, I sat in an empty seat and started reading. "Mr. Phelps, could you please tell the class what has piqued your interest so?" My teacher said, crossing her arms and scowling. "Um...just this book..." I answered, closing the book and putting it on my desk. 

"Hmm..." she irritably said, turning back around and finishing her examples. After that class, I finished my next with no interruptions.

I walked out of the class and to my locker. After grabbing my things, I closed it and started to walk away before someone grabbed me by the back of my shirt. I was yanked to the ground and looked up to see Larry Johnson standing above me. "The fuck do you want?!" I yelled, squirming a little. "You wanna pick fights? Huh? You wanna pick fights with Sal, do you? See It doesn't feel good when someone bigger than you pick on you, does it?" he jeered, smiling wildly.

"Larry! What the hell?!" A voice yelled.

Sal...

"What the fuck are you doing to him?" Sal asked, grabbing Larry by the back of his shirt and yanking him off me. When they fell on the floor, Larry fell on top of Sal. Larry was pinning Sal down. 

I'm not sure why, but that pushed me over the edge. I got up and threw my biggest textbook at Larry's face. "Fuck you, asshole!" I screamed, watching as blood trickled out of his nose and onto his shirt.

"What the hell, man?!" he yelled back, holding back tears.

I walked away after that...

(Originally posted on May 15th 2023 on Wattpad)

"Church Boy." - Offer - Wattpad

Church Boy-Truthful

TW

I stood up from the floor. "Larry, do you have some paper and something to write with?" I ask. "Yea, right here." He said, pointing to a shoebox next to him. "Thank you." I said, opening it to reveal a few notebooks and some writing utensils. 

"No problem, Travis." he said, continuing with his art. I walked back to the spot I was at and sat down once again. I sat the paper on the top of the lid to a container nowhere in sight that was resting on the floor.

"𝐼 𝓀𝓃𝑜𝓌 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝒾𝓈 𝓌𝓇𝑜𝓃𝑔. 𝐼 𝓀𝓃𝑜𝓌. 𝒢𝑜𝒹, 𝓅𝓁𝑒𝒶𝓈𝑒 𝒻𝑜𝓇𝑔𝒾𝓋𝑒 𝓂𝑒. 𝐼 𝓌𝒶𝓃𝓉 𝓉𝑜 𝒷𝑒 𝒷𝑒𝓉𝓉𝑒𝓇, 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝐼 𝒹𝑜𝓃'𝓉 𝓌𝒶𝓃𝓉 𝓉𝑜 𝒷𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝓌𝒶𝓎. 𝐼 𝓌𝒾𝓈𝒽 𝐼 𝒸𝑜𝓊𝓁𝒹 𝒿𝓊𝓈𝓉 𝒸𝒽𝒶𝓃𝑔𝑒 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒷𝑒 𝒷𝑒𝓉𝓉𝑒𝓇. 𝑀𝒶𝓎𝒷𝑒, 𝒾𝒻 𝐼 𝑒𝓃𝒹 𝒾𝓉, 𝒾𝓉 𝓌𝒾𝓁𝓁 𝒷𝑒 𝒷𝑒𝓉𝓉𝑒𝓇. 𝐼 𝒿𝓊𝓈𝓉 𝓌𝒾𝓈𝒽 𝐼 𝒸𝑜𝓊𝓁𝒹 𝒸𝒽𝒶𝓃𝑔𝑒 𝓂𝓎𝓈𝑒𝓁𝒻. 𝐼 𝓌𝒾𝓈𝒽 𝐼 𝓌𝒶𝓈𝓃'𝓉 𝒶 𝓈𝒾𝓃𝓃𝑒𝓇. 𝐼 𝓌𝒾𝓈𝒽 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓌𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝒶 𝑔𝒾𝓇𝓁. 𝐼 𝓁𝑜𝓋𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝑒𝓎𝑒𝓈 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝓁𝒶𝓊𝑔𝒽 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓋𝑜𝒾𝒸𝑒. 𝒴𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝓈𝓉𝓎𝓁𝑒 𝒾𝓈 𝑔𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓉, 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝐼 𝓌𝒾𝓈𝒽 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒻𝑒𝓁𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓈𝒶𝓂𝑒. 𝐼 𝓌𝒾𝓈𝒽 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓌𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝒶 𝑔𝒾𝓇𝓁..."

I wrote, tears coming to my eyes. 

Sal's POV: 

I was in my room, lying on my bed and holding the stuffed cat my mother had gotten me when I was younger. It looked like Gizmo. My dad got Gizmo because he looked like an animal, we got him after the accident. He was my favorite little boy. My lil' meatball boy.

I smiled a little, happy I still could after what just went down. I tossed and turned around. Soon after I got comfy, my walkie-talkie beeped, and Larry started talking to me. "Hey, Sal?" he softly called out. "Yea?" I exasperatedly ask. "Travis is being, like, super fucking weird. He's being all quiet and polite. Can you come over?" he asked, a genuine sense of worry in his voice. "Sure, I'll be right up." I assure him, slipping on my shirt.

*Time Skip*

I was in the elevator now when my walkie-talkie went off again. "Dude, he just left." Larry said, panic settling in his voice. "Where'd he go?" I ask, just as concerned. "Outback. Asked me for some paper and something to write with. After he wrote something down, he put it in his pocket and left. What if it's, like, a suicide note or something?" Larry suggested, causing my heart to race and my brow to sweat. "Let's hope not..."

I ran out of the elevator as it opened, the door still sliding slightly. I ran to his room, not bothering to knock or tell anyone why I was there. "Hey, Sal." My dad greeted me from the couch. "Hi, dad!" I yelled back, faking happiness as I panicked harder. I busted into Larry's room to find him already dressed and ready to go. "C'mon!" I yelled, grabbing his wrist and dragging him to the door. 

As we exited the building, the sight of bright blonde hair at the top caught me off guard. "Travis, what the fuck are you doing?" I yelled, body beginning to shake but most likely not from the cold. "I'm fucking done." he yelled back, taking a small step forward. 

My heart sped up and my intrusive thoughts got the better of me.

Travis' POV:

I was standing at the edge. His bright blue hair caught my attention. "Travis, what the fuck are you doing?!" he yelled. "I'm done." I replied, taking a small step as I recalled every fucking time my father punished me. 

Every time I watched my mother bleeding on the floor.

Every time I cut my body up. 

Every time I feared coming home. 

Every time I begged for my father's approval and love. 

Every time I thought of Sal. 

Every damn time.

"Leave. I know you don't care. I know it. Stop pretending you do so everyone will look at you like you're a saint. You are the epitome of evil. You are a sinner. A freak!" I yelled, clenching my fists. Sal took a step back and looked at Larry. He said something, I could tell because his mask shifted. 

After he turned away from Larry, he faced the treehouse and started bolting towards it. He climbed the steps at an inhuman pace, something I never thought would be possible for a guy his size. 

Once he reached me, he tackled me to the ground and pulled me into a hug. "Travis, what the fuck were you thinking?!" he screamed, hugging me tighter. 

Sal's POV:

I looked up at the boy, fear in his eyes and anger in his stance. I turned towards Larry and started talking. "I'm going to save his life, even if it costs me mine. I promise." I said, Larry turned to me with fear and guilt in his eyes. "I love you, bro. So much. Be fuckin' careful and don't do anything stupid." he said, looking back toward Travis. He looked down at me with hate. "Leave. I know you don't care. I know it. Stop pretending you do so everyone will look at you like you're a saint. You are the epitome of evil. You are a sinner. A freak!" he yelled.

I took a deep breath and ran as fast as my legs would take me to the treehouse. I climbed up the steps, ravaging my fingers and hands as I did. Once I reached the top, I tackled him to the ground, hugging him and wishing I could hold on forever. "Travis, what the fuck were you thinking?!" I screamed, tightening my grasp. 

He looked at me with pure fear. "I don't know..." he said, falling into my arms and letting the tears drip from his deep amber eyes. "Don't you ever fucking scare me like that again..." I whispered, taking in everything I could. 

He smelled like vanilla and new book; his eyes were amber, and he had dark bags under them. Small freckles could be seen if you looked hard enough. He looked exhausted. "I was so scared..." he admitted. "Travis, I was too..." I assured. "What...?" he asked, confused and sad. "I tried too. My dad found me and cut the rope. I'm so fucking grateful..." I said, letting out a breath I didn't know I was holding. 

Travis stayed silent for a moment, accepting my hug and letting me rub his back as I talked to him. "Trav, why do you hate me?" I asked, trying not to dampen the already cold mood. He said nothing, instead, he sighed and buried his face into my neck. "I don't know..." he truthfully answered. "It's okay..." I assured, using my fingers to massage his spine. 

"Travis, we don't have to be enemies, you know that, right?" I ask, cupping his cheek as he stared at me. "I know..." he said, dropping his head onto my shoulder. "Friends?" I ask. 

"Friends..."

(Originally Posted March 19th 2023 on Wattpad)

"Church Boy." - Truthful - 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

Church Boy-Costume

A few days had passed since the night with me and Travis. Today was October 26th. Ash, Larry, Chug, Maple, Todd, Neil, Lisa, Travis, and I had all decided to go shopping for costumes. I was surprised that Lisa wanted a costume, she said it was because she was going to be handing out candy to the kids at the entrance. She didn't have to; she didn't even get paid for it. She just enjoyed it.

What a sweetheart!

"You guys ready?" Ash asked. "Yup!" Larry answered, putting on the last bit of his eyeliner. "=

*Time Skip*

Once we were all gathered, everybody figured out how they were going to get around. Larry drove with Lisa, Chug, Maple, and Todd. Neil rode on the back of Ash's bike and I drove with Travis. 

We decided to all meet up at the closet Halloween store. "Frank's Halloween Supplies!" It read the tacky flashing lights were always dimmed and flickering. "Trav, come on!" I called, unlocking the car door so he could jump in. "You're driving? Do you have a license?" he asked, buckling his seatbelt. "Yes, I am. And yes, I do have a license. Not a real one!" I said, pulling out a fake license I had Larry make for me.

"I'll see you soon, God." Travis remarked, putting his hand into a praying formation and he looked up and closed his eyes. "Oh, shut up." I retorted, pulling out of the driveway. 

*Time Skip*

We were halfway there until I looked over at Travis. He had the window down and his hair was blowing everywhere. He had his head nearly out the window and was all smiles. "You having fun?" I yell, trying to carry my voice over the Sanity's Fall song and the sound of air whooshing around. He nodded gleefully and smiled even wider, something I didn't think to be possible. 

Once we pulled up, I saw Ash and Neil talking outside the building. Travis and I got out and ran up to them, me beating Travis by a foot. "Ha! Loser!" I mocked, holding up an L sign. "Whatever, midget." he retorted, flipping me off.

The four of us talked until the rest of the group arrived. Once they did, we all filed in and went our ways. I went to the aisle with the makeup. I was planning on decorating my mask to look like Jason Vorhees. I grabbed another mask and started walking out of the aisle. 

I was walking when I ran into someone and fell to the ground. "Sal? I'm so sorry!" a male voice yelled. I looked up to see Travis standing there, falling to his knees and looking to make sure I was okay. Blood started flowing from his nose and I took off my jacket and placed it under his nose, not caring about it staining. 

He held it there until the bleeding stopped. Once it had, he and I walked around with each other. I picked up the mask and watched as Travis picked out a cute little skeleton onesie that he was going to wear. 

I searched for the rest of our group. After everyone was accounted for, we paid and left. Nobody told anyone what they got; we're gonna try them all on and do a little fashion show.

*Time Skip*

We got back to the apartments and decided it'd be best to use Larry's place because he had enough room for all of us. We entered and saw the decorations that had been hung by Lisa and my dad. There were spider webs, spiders, goop, and fake blood. It looked really cool. Even Travis thought so.

We drew straws and Lisa went first. She grabbed her bag and went into the bathroom of her apartment to change. She returned a second later in a long white dress. "You got that at Frank's?" Larry asked. "Nope! I have something to tell you all! Henry and I are getting married!" she announced, pride surging through her voice. "Really?!" Larry and I said in unison. "Really!" she assured. 

After us talking about the wedding, it was someone else's turn. Drawing straws again, it was Maple's turn. She left and returned in a mummy outfit. "Plot twist: I stole all your toilet paper!" she joked, sitting down. Now, it was Larry's go. He left and returned in a sheet with holes for his eyes and arms. "Dude, are you serious?" I choked out, stifling a cackle. "Yup." he assured, plopping down on the floor. "That's so fucking gay." Maple remarked. "Shut up! You crushed on Ash all of the 6th grade!" Larry exposed, earning a redness to emerge from Maple's cheeks. "Shut up..." she muttered, brooding away from the rest of us. 

Then it was Todd, Neil, Travis, and me. Todd was an angel and Neil was a devil. Once it was Travis' turn, he snatched up his bag and ran as fast as I'd ever seen him. 

Travis' POV:

I practically flew out of the room and into the hall. I ran into the bathroom and threw off my clothes. Grabbing my bag, I rummaged through it and found the first piece. I put it on and quickly finished the look. 

Seeing as though this is the first Halloween, I've been able to celebrate, I wanted everyone to remember what I've done. Once I was done, I ran back into the room and a burst of laughter followed right after my entry. 

I looked around. Larry was rolling around, Maple was wiping under her eyes, Chug wasn't paying attention, too busy gawking at Maple, Neil and Todd shared a look of worry and Lisa looked confused. In my opinion, the funniest reaction that I got was Sal's. He was confused and red as he could get. "Travis..." he muttered. "Yea, Sal?" I asked, stifling a laugh of my own. "Follow me..." he requested. "Yes, sir." I joked, following behind like a dog as Sal walked to the elevator.

Sal's POV:

Travis walked back in, and laughter erupted from nearly everyone in the room. I felt my face and ears get hot. There he was, standing in my doorway in a maid suit and fucking fishnets...

I couldn't resist. 

"Travis..." I muttered. "Yea, Sal?" he asked, stifling a laugh. "Follow me." I demanded. "Yes, sir." he retorted. My face heated up even more at his teasing antics. I'm not sure he was even aware of what he was doing to me. 

I dragged him up to my apartment and slammed open the door, knowing my dad was in the kitchen. "Run." I whispered to him. He nodded and bolted to my room, opening the door and entering. After he entered, my father turned around. "Hey, Dad." I greeted. "Hey, bud. Lisa tell you anything cool lately?" he asked, smiling to himself. "Yea, she told me." I answered. "We have to talk later; I have stuff I need to do." I said, walking into my room and locking the door behind me. 

Travis was already there, confused and sitting on my bed. "What? Is something up?" he asked. I nodded, technically telling the truth. "Well, what's up?" Travis asks, smiling nervously. 

"Me."

Originally posted March 23rd 2023 on Wattpad

"Church Boy." - Costume - Wattpad

Church Boy-Treat

Today was Halloween. We all met at Larry's and got dressed. 

*Time Skip*

It was 7 when we walked to the neighborhood. Travis was by my side and everyone was with their boyfriend or girlfriend. It was cool because Larry and Ash had finally gotten together. He'd asked her out a few days prior.

"You ready, Trav?" I ask, nudging his arm. "Guess so, what do I do?" he asked, shrugging. "Go and knock then say 'Trick or Treat'" I explained, pushing him forward towards the first house. he knocked and looked back at me nervously. The door opened and an old woman stepped out with a bowl of candy. I saw Travis say something and open his bag. She dug into her bowl and dropped a few pieces. 

Once she went back in, he ran over to me with the biggest smile I'd ever seen him have. "Fun?" I ask as he aggressively nods his head. We walked to the next house with the group always one or two houses behind us. 

After around 30 minutes, Travis stopped and pulled a random candy from his bag. He pulled out a Battle Head (Warhead) and popped it into his mouth. His eyes went wide and he spits it out almost immediately. "The fuck?!" he yelled, looking at the wrapper. I was trying so hard not o laugh my cheeks were hurting. 

"Gross..." he spat, continuing to walk the neighborhood. 

*Time Skip* (I'm not gonna do a lot for actual Trick or Treating since it's just walking around and knocking on doors.)

We got back to the apartments. Everyone was spent and tired. "You guys wanna trade?" Ash asked, dumping her bag onto the floor. Travis nodded and quickly sat down across from her. "You can have my Battle Heads for...those Sour Patch Children." he offered. "Deal!" Ash shouted, shoving her candies towards him as he gave his to her. 

I sat down next to Travis and gave him most of my dark chocolates for kisses. It was a fair trade, to me. He gave me some milk chocolate in return, just to compensate for the lack of material. Larry and the rest of the group eventually sat down and started trading. 

Maple and Chug traded for chocolate and sour. Travis and I traded for sweet, sour, and the different types of chocolates we had. Todd and Neil didn't trade, instead, they just shared, and Lisa gave us the remaining candy she couldn't give out. 

*Time Skip*

After everybody had traded, we decided to play a few games and watch a movie. We voted and the first game was Twister. Larry would call out the moves and Travis, Ash, and I had to move. Nobody else wanted to play; they were too busy gawking over their partners.

"Travis, right foot, red!" Larry yelled. Travis moved his foot to the nearest red dot. "Sal, left hand, blue!" he yelled. I moved my hand to the nearest blue dot. "Ash, right leg, green." she moved to the nearest green dot. 

Eventually, it was getting hard to move. Travis was on all fours, doing something similar to a bridge. I was practically doing the splits and Ash was sitting like a weird bearskin rug. Larry was choking in the corner, trying to catch his breath through boyish giggles and hiccups.

"You done?" I ask, walking over to Larry because Travis had fallen, and the game was over. "I- yea. I'm done-" he answered, wiping under his eyes. "Good, what next?" Travis asked, walking over and rubbing his back. "We could play Uno?" I suggested, pulling out a shoebox with a few card games. "Sure." Larry agreed, shrugging. 

"Yea, why not!"

"Whatever."

We all gathered in a circle and waited for Ash to shuffle the deck. Once she did, she dealt the cards and told Larry to go first. (This boutta be an actual Uno game, by the way.)

L: Blue 3

A: Blue 2

T: Red 2

S: Red 6

L: Green 6

A: Yellow 6

T: Yellow 4

S: Yellow 1

L: Blue 1

A: Skip card, blue 6

T: Can't play

S: red 6

L: Red 5

A: Plus four-Green-Uno

T: Draws

S: Green 7

L: Green 2

A: Green 1-Uno out.

"Uno out! I win!" Ash exclaimed, recollecting the cards and putting them away. "Of course, you always win." Larry remarked, jokingly rolling his eyes. "It's fine, you love me." Ash joked, poking fun at Larry's very loving and sweet and kind nature, which he most definitely has...

"Movie time?" Maple called out, interlocking her fingers with Chug's. "Sure, you guys all staying?" Larry asked, getting down some blankets from under his bed. "Dude, what the fuck?! How much shit is under your damn bed?!" Travis asked, watching in awe and Larry pulled out around 5 fluffy blankets. "Uhm...Oh! I have a body, a few pillows, my old stuffed animals, a shoebox with human fingers, art stuff, etcetera, etcetera." he joked, counting on his fingers. "That's your best friend..." Travis mocked, giving me a disapproving look. "Yup!" I owned up.

"You poor homosexual boy...I'll pray for you." Travis joked, getting into a praying position. "Y'know, I think I like when you're on your knees. Save that for later." I joked, saying it loud so the group could hear. 

Travis' face got red, but he smiled through the embarrassment. "Shut up..." he muttered, sitting back and crossing his legs loosely. "Horror, comedy, thriller, romance, chick flick, or Romcom?" Larry asked, laying down a bunch of movies in front of us. "Romcom!" Ash and I yelled. 

Travis looked at me with pure shock. "You're so fucking gay." he teased. "Says you!" I retorted, chucking a pillow at his head. "You dickhead!" he shouted, grabbing the pillow I threw at him and launching it towards me. "Oh?! You wanna go, Christian boy?!" I yelled, standing up. "Yea! You wanna go, midget?!" he responded, mimicking my action and standing up as well. 

We stared angrily at each other for a moment before bursting into laughter and falling to the floor. "You looked so dumb!" I joked, wheezing and trying to catch my breath. "Shut up, I have to look down for eye contact!" he insulted, letting out his hyena laugh that I loved. 

I caught my breath and crawled over to the still-giggling boy. "I love you." I whispered. "I love you too." he replied, not bothering to whisper. "Aww~" Larry lovingly called out. "Stop, I hate it~" he finished, executing the transition from swooned to annoyed. "Jealous." I mocked. "I have a girlfriend, ass-fuck." Larry retorted. "Speaking of ass-fuck, how are you, Todd?" he asked, looking at the annoyed couple.

"Fuck you." Todd remarked, raising his middle finger. "What? Not my fault you're an obvious bottom!" Larry defended. "No, I'm not!" Todd objected, earning a giggle from his boyfriend. Neil looked over at Larry and nodded, making sure Todd didn't see. Larry saw and giggled to himself.

"I'm going back to my apartment. Trav, you coming?" I asked, standing up. "Yea, see you guys!" Travis called, waving goodbye as I grabbed his hand and walked with him.

"Tonight was fun." he commented, still walking with me. "Yea, every year we get to do it again."

"Every year?"

"Yup."

"Fun."

Originally posted March 25th 2023 on Wattpad

"Church Boy." - Treat - Wattpad

Church Boy-Enough

TW

We arrived home and my father began to smile. I knew what was going to happen, so I ran up to my room and locked the door behind me. My father was now right outside, banging so the door rattled. 

"Open this fucking door!" he screamed, jiggling the handle and banging some more. "Please! Don't!" I cried, hugging my knees to my chest. The banging and yelling stopped. "Travis, please open this door." he kindly requested, stifled anger surging through his voice. "No! I'm not falling for that! Leave! Kick me out, even! I don't care!" I screamed, voice wavering and shaky. "Then leave."

A few minutes later, a loud cracking sound could be heard from right next to me. The door had been split through the center, a large ax through the cheap wood. "You-" I muttered, seeing my father standing there, body shaking. 

"Please..." I whispered, watching as my father charge toward me and knocked me to the ground. He took his hand and balled it into a fist, striking my face as I did my best to cover it. He grabbed my chin and forced me to face him. 

His green eyes shot through me as he slapped me across the face. He then used his other hand to slam my head into the ground. I screamed but he covered my mouth. "You make another sound," he whispered, lowering himself to say it into my ear. "I'll break your jaw..."

A shiver went through my body, and I felt blood gushing from my nose. His hand was on my forehead, forcing my head down, and the other one was by his side and clenched. He raised his fist and struck my eye; a deep bruise would be there soon...

I could barely see now, only out of one eye. He smeared the blood from my nose all over my face, slapping me as he did. "I wish you were never fucking born!" he screamed, spit flying out of his mouth as he yelled. " So do I!" I boldly retorted, letting the pained tears fall from my face. 

He sat up and removed his belt, quickly smacking my torso with it multiple times. He stood up after even more hits, beginning to kick my body as I curled up to protect what I could. "You pussy." he hissed, kicking me so I rolled onto my side. Stomping a foot into my guts, he spat onto my face before leaving. 

I gasped for air as I lie there, shaky and bloody...

It's time to leave...

I tried to sit up but before I could, he was back in my room with a knife. He got on his knees and flipped me effortlessly onto my back. cutting the back of my shirt and exposing my scarred skin. Slowly but violently, he traced the blade down my back, breaking the skin and causing crimson blood to spill out. 

I writhed but to no avail. "The more you squirm, the more I'll hurt you." he threatened, not once removing the cold blade. I knew he was drawing something; I just couldn't figure out what. 

Eventually, he lifted the blade and got off the floor. I felt blood seeping off the sides of my body, contrasting with the cold of the wooden floor, the warm liquid pooled around me. 

I felt dizzy as my father laughed and left, closing the door behind him. "Fuck..." I muttered, putting my hand on my back to evaluate the damage. 

Before I closed my eyes, I could hear screams and gunshots emanating from the rooms beyond mine. "I found him!" a boy shouted, though I couldn't figure out who. "Where?" a woman's voice frantically asked. "Oh my..." she muttered, gasping. "Hurry! He's alive!" he yelled. 

Soon, I felt someone lifting me and putting me on another flat surface. Drifting in and out of consciousness, I heard more people talking and crying.

Sal's POV: 

Ms. Gibson and I broke it, she had brought her gun and wasn't afraid to use it. 

We heard screaming from outside, and even worse, we heard silence right after. We busted in, running into the blonde man who had been at my home. He had blood dripping from his clothes and off of the knife he was holding.

He swung at me, hitting a spot in my arm. Ms. Gibson pulled out her gun and shot him in the arm, causing him to drop the knife. He screamed and I ran up the steps to see if I could find Travis. "I found him!" I yelled, taking a step as I looked at the bloody boy in front of me.

The back of his shirt had been sliced open and his olive skin was exposed. He was bleeding and had the word "Sinner" carved into his back along with a pentagram. "Where?!" Ms. Gibson yelled, following suit. "Oh my..." she muttered, gasping for air.

I picked him up and he nodded in and out of consciousness. We called the ambulance and they arrived quickly. Once they were here, Ms. Gibson and I carried him down and placed him on the stretcher. 

He muttered something that I couldn't have made out if I tried. The paramedics sat with him while one of them cleaned my wounds separately. Once they were finished with me, they went and tended to Travis. 

*Time Skip*

We arrived at the hospital, and they wheeled him out. Once we were inside, they brought him to a room and allowed us to see him after a few hours. I didn't leave the waiting room, not once. 

Ms. Gibson went home as I sat there by myself, sobbing and wishing I could've been there sooner. Wishing I could've said something to save him. 

Wishing I would've never loved him.  

Wishing I could've had some control and stayed away.  

Wishing I never became his friend.

 Wishing I could take back everything I'd ever done.

 Wishing...

 Wishing is never enough...

Hoping he would be okay...

Hoping he'd forgive me...

Hoping he didn't love me...

Hoping that he'd recover... 

Hoping is never enough...

Originally posted March 30th 2023

"Church Boy." - Enough - Wattpad