Church Boy-Amelioration

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-Long wait

I sat there for hours on end, contemplating returning home or waiting. Ironically, I ended up waiting because I couldn't decide. 

"Mr. Fisher? He can be seen now." A nurse called, poking half her body out of the door. I jumped up and ran over, nearly falling as I did. 

She guided me to the room with Travis. "Be careful; he's still a little out of it from the medication." she warned, exiting the room. 

My heart broke when I saw him. 

His eyes were red and glossy, and bumps and bruises covered him. "Hey, Trav..." I muttered. "Sal?" he whispered, grimacing as he spoke. "Don't talk; your lip is busted. It'll just hurt more." I said, sitting in a seat next to him and grabbing his hand. "What happened?" he asked, ignoring my advice. "Ms. Gibson and I broke in and...and we shot your dad because he cut me...then I found you and we carried you to the medics..." I informed. 

He nodded but gasped right after. "Stop, Trav. You're going to hurt yourself more. Just relax; I'm not going anywhere. Not until I can take you home with me..." I promised, reassuring the bruised boy beneath me. 

"I love you..." I whispered, letting tears fall from my eyes as Travis rubbed the base of my thumb with his own. I removed my hand so I could take my mask off. Once I did, I threw my hair into a ponytail with a pink scrunchie. 

Soon, I gave him my hand and he grasped it again. He drifted off to sleep after a while. I never let go of his hand. I held it the entire time.

*Time Skip*

I had fallen asleep. When I woke up, I looked at Travis. He was awake and staring at me with the softest smile. "Morning, handsome." he greeted, squeezing my hand. "Morning, sexy." I retorted, smiling back at him as he smirked in pride at my nickname. "Haha, very funny." he replied, jokingly rolling his eyes. "I wasn't joking. I think you're sexy." I protested. "I know; I just wanted to hear you say it." he admitted. 

"I love you." I said, watching as his smile shrunk a little. "What?" I asked, worried I said something wrong. "Why?" he asked, looking away. "Why do I love you? Is that what you're asking me?" I inquired. He nodded slightly and glanced back at me for a split second. "I love you because you love me unconditionally, you have the brightest smile and cute ass braces, your eyes are so deep and pretty, your skin is soft. You make me happy beyond belief and I couldn't imagine a world without you. Even thinking about one of us with someone other than each other makes my stomach churn. I love everything about you, Trav. From your family issues to your birthmarks and scars you try to hide." I admitted, my face heating up as I let out a breath, I didn't know I was holding. 

"Oh please, you're flattering me~" he joked, holding his hand to his face, pretending to be swooning. "Ha, that's most of it. There's more." I said, halfheartedly giggling. "You should see what I write about you..." Travis murmured, not expecting to be heard. "What do you write about me?" I asked, utterly intrigued. 

"I'll give them to you as your gift. If it wasn't for Christmas, you'd never even know about them." he informed, raising a finger and tapping my nose. "Fine. It's only two weeks away." 

"That's so long~" he whined, and I smiled a little at his boyish nature. "You know what else is long?" I asked, trying not to smile. "Wh-" he stopped once he figured out what I was talking about. "No, I don't. Guess you'll have to show me." he taunted. "Once you're healed." 

He pouted and rolled his eyes. "Fine..."

*Time Skip*

It was now two days before Christmas. Kenneth is in jail for child abuse, and I have to pick Travis up from the hospital. Today is the day he gets to come home. 

Every day for two weeks, I would go to the hospital after school. I couldn't stop going. I had to learn so I could tutor Travis when he gets back. 

I ran out of the school and down the street to wait for the bus. It took around ten minutes because of all the traffic with kids getting out of school. I used to ride with Larry but now I have to ride the public bus instead of the school bus. 

Once it arrived, I climbed on and paid my fee. Taking a seat in the back, I was shaking in my seat. The bus stopped at the hospital, and I climbed off with incredible speed. I ran to the doors and into the elevator, pressing the button for the fifth floor.

Travis' Floor.

I sprinted to his room, opening the door with haste and impatience. "Travis!" I yelled, walking over to him. "Sal!" he yelled back, walking over to me with a slight limp. "You ready to go?" I ask, glancing at the nurse. She smiled and allowed us to leave, informing us to sign out at the front desk. 

*Time Skip*

My father pulled up and we got in. I assisted Travis and then climbed in myself. "You boys ready? he asked, pulling out. "Yup. I finished the presents, and nearly used all the wrapping paper. Do you think Travis is going to like his gift?" I asked my father, teasing Travis with the mystery of his present. 

"I do, Sal, I do. He'll love it." my father said, smirking as he picked up on what I was doing. "Really?" Travis rhetorically asked. My father and I nodded as he chuckled. "You guys are jerks." Travis insulted, crossing his arms. 

"Listen, Trav," I said, resting a hand on his shoulder.  "There was a long wait to see you out of the hospital. It's two more days."

Originally posted April 1st 2023 on Wattpad

"Church Boy." - Long Wait - Wattpad

Slenderverse Icky hc's

FEAT: Eyeless Jack, Laughing Jack, Jeff t.K, 'Ticci' Toby, BEN Drowned, Helen Otis/Bloody Painter, Tim/Masky, Brian/Hoodie, and HABIT (emh).

CREEPYPASTA/MARBLE HORNETS

E.J-

He would definitely drool or have some problem speaking due to his multiple tongues. However, during his 'spring fever' as we'll call it, he grows, and his tongues fit normally into his mouth. During the rest of the year, though, they're more of an inconvenience than anything. He might have pockets in his mouth where they rest, but still somewhat have a mind of their own. Also, he has a harsh tongue if he really were to say what he thinks. If he really wanted to, he could be harsh; he could make you cry, even. He bottles up his anger and suppresses his rage until his ruts, then he lets them out however he chooses.

Laughing Jack-

He has bowls and drawers of poisonous candy. Like, do not take candy from him, no matter what charm he uses, or what charm he even has, should I say. He would offer it to you once you meet, sweet talking his way into your naive heart, and trying to poison you. Luckily, EJ has his way with making sure LJ's victims, of which there are lots of, don't die. Or, at least making them last as much they can. He often targets the younger members who work under Slender but isn't opposed to targeting some of the older ones, so long as they haven't heard of his tricks.

Jeff t.K-

He doesn't use deodorant or cologne, and only showers after extremely bloody missions; especially if he likes their house. Often, he'll steal things from his victim's homes and give them to people he likes (BEN, E.J, Toby). Most of the things he steals consist of clothes, drinks, hygiene products (such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, and perfume/cologne), and random trinkets. Often, he gives the clothes to Toby, and the hygiene products to E.J and BEN. The trinkets are distributed between BEN and Toby. He's smelly, okay? Stinky. Musty. Mentally ill eighteen-year-old homicidal maniac. And we love him, isn't that right?

'Ticci' Toby-

He drools, mainly due to bad muscle control and his gash. Gets super jittery around certain people, mainly woman. He gets nervous around females, considering that he has never really experienced love from a anyone, let alone a female. So, when he gets the chance to be a round Jane or Natalie or even Nina, he gets nervous and doesn't really know what to say or do. He cries a lot and often hyperventilates, especially when he thinks about Lyra, but that's only when he's alone. When he gets the chance, he visits her grave, leaving flowers and telling her about his life and what he's been up to. He's asked, countless times, if Slender could resurrect her, or bring her back in any way. Spirit form, even. Slender says he won't.

BEN Drowned-

His room is a pig sty. There are clothes everywhere and it has a kind of smell. The smell isn't necessarily bad, but it smells more like him than anything else. Kind of smells like weed and body odor, but not intolerable. He keeps Funko-Pops and has a mini fridge filled with energy drinks, G-fuel, and Powerade. That's all he drinks. He doesn't drink water. Why would he? It's not like he need to. Although, it's not like he needs food or drinks, either. Very sarcastic and not attentive.

Helen Otis/Bloody Painter-

He has multiple rooms that only he is allowed in. His art studio is the only one you or anyone else is allowed in, and even then, you still have to have permission to be there, along with him accompanying you. You aren't allowed to touch his art supplies nor his art. You are allowed with permission to his studio, but only when you are used as a muse, and solely for that reason. When you are his muse, you cannot speak, whine, or object. He claims you should be honored that he's chosen you, that you are his object of desire, and painting you is a treat to him. He says you are 'akin to an angel' and that perfection has made you its vessel. God complex.

Timothy Wright/Masky-

He smells like sweat constantly. He smells like sweat or cheap cologne and doesn't give two fucks. He smokes at least a pack and a half of cigarettes a day and Brian tries to get him to get down to one or half a pack. Of course, he's tried, but it never seems to stick. It's just a stress thing, he says. Once, he tried to go cold turkey, but ended up breaking two of Toby's fingers. He did not apologize. He has a rusty ass blue truck he shares with Brian, and it smells like cigarettes and beer. Scars are all over his body, and he hates them. Is very good at roller-skating (I hope you've seen the video of him skating; it's amazing). Used to roller-skate but stopped after he nearly rolled his ankles. Brian was recording and still has the video. Shows the video on his birthday.

Brian Thomas/Hoodie-

He is a master shit-talker. Gossiping is his first language; he can and will do it anyone with no shame and has no issue saying it to their face. If you need someone confronted, then he'll do it for you in case you don't want to. He isn't judgy unless he has a reason to dislike you. Knows another language, probably Russian or Romanian, and will speak that language when he's talking to himself, which he does often. He knows how to take care of almost any animal and will do so. Rants and talks about everyone with Tim. Tim is very tired. He literally is attached to Tim at the hip; he is always with him. Tim's getting food? Brian's coming. Tim's coming to the party? Better believe Brian is there. He side-eyes the hell out of people underneath his mask; without his mask, too, honestly. Has no shame. Will be loud and obnoxious wherever he pleases. Makes a mess when he cooks and doesn't clean it up. 'I do the cooking, you do the cleaning', he says.

everymanHYBRID-

Habit-

Absolutely drools. This motherfucker has the best and worst hygiene out there. Smells horrible but his teeth are perfect. He doesn't shower. Has a hoard of Reese's in his room at all times and doesn't see it fit for anyone to know about it other than him. Hits people with his little purple and orange claw thing. Like Brian, no shame. Loud, irritating, and condescending. The perfect way to describe him. (This isn't even a hc, it's just in the show), but he constantly asks how you're feeling, but just brushes it off and says it's because of some miniscule thing you did. Picks out all your flaws but won't make a move to help you. Your hair is messy? You're ugly, but he won't tell you what's wrong with it. Something in your tooth? He'll tell you to look in the mirror until you notice. His ego is way too inflated for him to help something so fragile and pathetic; so pathetic, even, that it doesn't know its tiniest of flaws like he does. God complex.

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-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-Gift

Today was Christmas. I woke up early, around 4, and sat everything up. Despite being Christian, Travis was never allowed to celebrate Christmas. His father said it was because he was bad and didn't deserve gifts. So, I wanted this to be something he never forgot.

I wrapped his presents in white wrapping paper with glittery silver wrapping paper. The tree was hauled out of the box and decorated by me and Travis. I had to wake him up. I let him go back to sleep after we were done. He was excited to finally be decorating a tree.

He fell onto the couch and started snoring as his hand fell to the floor. I crawled over and pecked him on his head, playing with strands of hair as he slept. 

*Time Skip*

I finished with the tree and presents. Now, it's time for food and cards. I wrote down each of my friends' names and checked them off as I made their cards. Once I finished the cards, I prepared some food. 

(I'll let you insert whatever, mainly because I can't be bothered to write it, but also because some people have preferences.)

"Done!" I said, taking off the apron and putting away the stuff I used. The time struck seven and I decided it was time for them to get up. 

I walked into my dad's room and shook him vigorously. "Up! Up!" I yelled, watching as he writhed in fear. "Ha, it's Christmas. Let's go." I said, dragging him to the living room. Now, I had to wake Travis up.

I got down on my knees and gently shook him. "Dear, it's Christmas. Time to get up." I whispered, rubbing his back. "You're so bipolar..." my dad remarked, watching in awe as I gently stroked his back and talked to him with a sweet voice. "No..." I objected, not wanting to startle Travis. 

He sat up and looked at the tree. Tears welled in his eyes as he looked at what my father and I had gotten him. "Why..." he muttered, falling into my arms. "Travis, we did this cause we love you. Open them..." I instructed, leading him over to the tree. 

I watched as he tore open the presents like a kid. My dad pulled out his phone and started recording like he did when I was younger. "You bought me clothes!" he exclaimed, wrapping his hands around me. "Well, yea? And some other stuff. The food is getting cold so hurry." I said, pecking his cheek. "Stop. No PDA." my dad joked, fake gagging. "Oh, whatever. You and Lisa should take that advice." I retorted. 

My father smiled and his face turned red. "Speaking of, I'll be right back." he said, excusing himself from the room. He returned after Travis had finished opening his gifts.

We had gotten him some clothes, books, jewelry, and the matching sets. I put mine on and latched his for him. He slid on the ring and looked at it. "I love you, Sal..." he said, not caring my dad was here. "I love you too, Travis." I replied, supping his face and rubbing his cheek with my thumb.

A knock at the door startled us all. My father answered it, Lisa and Larry walked in with gifts as well. "Here, Sal." Larry said, tossing me a gift bag. "Thanks, yours is the green one in the kitchen." I said, pointing to the table in the other room. 

He nodded and walked, the sound of wrapping paper following his entry. He walked back in a second later and sat down on the floor with the rest of us. Lisa handed me a blue-wrapped box and Travis a pink one. "Sorry, I didn't know what you liked so-" 

Lisa was cut off by Travis' excited gasps. "You got me a dog stuffed animal!?" he exclaimed, hugging it to his chest. "Never mind, then." she said, satisfied with her purchase. I opened mine and was just as happy. It was a set of guitar picks, hand decorated with rhinestones and little pictures that Larry had painted. "Hope you like em', man. I know you said you lost yours." Larry chimed in, beginning to tear the wrapping paper off of his own gift. 

His eyes went wide, and he smiled. "You didn't bro...." he whispered, nudging my arm. " I did, bro." I retorted, puffing my chest. "Dude! I've been wanting these for like a year! And new drumsticks? Holy-" he stopped talking at the perfect moment. "Holy crap..." he corrected. 

Lisa eyed him something vicious before smiling as my father wrapped his arm around her. "Travis, I think I remember you saying you'd let me see what you wrote on Christmas. Did you not?" I jeered, reminding him of the promise he'd made. "I did say that. Be right back..." he muttered nervously, walking to my room and grabbing a book. 

"I'll give this to you on one condition,"

"Okay."

"So, you agree?"

"Yup. I trust you."

"Alright..."

"..."

"You can only read it when..."

"When?"

"When we're engaged."

"Douche."

"Your douche, though."

"Yea, I know."

"Good."

Originally posted April 2nd 2023 on Wattpad

"Church Boy." - Gift - Wattpad