Sal's POV
"I don't actually hate you or your friends." The blonde boy sobbed from the other side of the door almost choking on his words. "Sal do you ever feel like there's something- something inside of you buried so deep if it ever came out it may just swallow you whole?"
"Shame swallows me whole just writing these words." I quoted out loud from the piece of paper I'd found. "Travis was that your note?" I heard his sobs stop for a moment before starting up again heavier this time.
"What's it to you faggot! I asked you a fucking question." His words were angry, but he never stopped crying as he spoke slumping against the stall wall sliding to the floor.
"Well yeah, I get it what you mean I think everyone does." I tried to sympathize with the bully.
"It's different Sally face you wouldn't understand."
"Maybe I don't but still man I'm worried about you. You just seem so unhappy." His sobs softened but he didn't respond. "I know we're not friends or anything but if you ever need someone, I'm here y'know? A shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen. Even if I don't exactly understand it I'll be here." I heard shuffling inside the stall watching him stand up from the crack under the door. The lock twisted and Travis stepped out. His eyes were still red appearing puffy while tears fell down his face. I decided to do something bold and went in to hug him. It may get the shit beat out of me but he really seemed like he needed it.
"Sal-" He sounded alarmed before falling to the floor so I fell with him then he hugged back crying into my neck and shoulder while I held him tighter. We sat on the floor of the boy's bathroom for a long time him halfway in the stall me halfway out grabbing onto each other for dear life till he calmed down. I felt him ease against me so I slowly moved my hand to the back of his head slipping my fingers into his hair and holding his head to my chest. I don't know what came over me, but nothing was more important than protecting him at this moment. He felt so small when I held him all could think about how important his safety was to me.
"It's going to be okay Trav, I promise. I'm not going to let anyone hurt you." He grabbed onto my shirt nodding to my words going from a sob to a sniffle. I rubbed my thumb on the back of his head and waited till the sniffling stopped to pull away holding onto his hand instead to reassure him. "Are you going to be alright?" I asked wondering if I should stay or give him his space.
"Yeah, ill be fine uh-" He went to wipe his face with his free hand. "I'm sorry you had to see that Sal."
"It's alright here." I took my sleeve and wiped his eyes grabbing his face to look up at him.
"Why are you being so nice to me?" His tone getting a little defensive but overall, just confused. "I've been nothing but a dick to you and your friends I don't get it."
"Because I see something in you Travis, something good." His eyes widened when I finished my sentence almost looking like he was going to cry again. "Hey, hey don't cry- It's alright. I'm just worried about you man." I rubbed my thumb across his cheek waiting for him to speak.
"Sal I don't know how to say this." He looks down at the floor putting his hand on his cheek over mine holding it there. "I like you, like a lot. You're so sweet and caring, I've been so scared about what would happen if it ever got out. I mean it's a sin and I'm sure you're not even near interested in me. I just didn't know what else to d-" I cut off his panicked explanation by moving our faces closer and taking off my prosthetic to pressing his lips to mine. After a moment I backed up to let him process before saying something.
"I like you too Travis."
