*~Sally Face Oneshots~*

platonic salarry

THIS IS PLATONIC IT'S NOT ALABAMA AROUND HERE

~sal's pov~

Masks have existed since the dawn of man. They were tools used to scare or to deceive; tools to mask one's true identity. My lot in life was to wear a mask forever. One for my physical appearance and one for my emotional side. I wear a mask to conceal myself from an unforgiving world. I hide from myself, and never let anyone see.

The day that all changed began like every other. I had been getting to know Larry and he had been showing me a new world filled with heavy metal and friendship. I've had friends before, at times; but none who were authentic. I'd always felt as if I were a charity case and they were performing a service by hanging out with me. But not with Larry. There was a kindness lurking behind his rebellious exterior and for the first time in my life; I felt like someone had my back. We were misfits; rebels without a cause and I was happy to have a true friend. Together we would battle cults, hunt ghosts, and solve mysteries; but for now, we were just two friends rocking out.

Larry was bouncing around with his usual excitedness. Larry had a way of being excited about life and it was contagious. He was playing a song for me and headbanging with the energy of 1000 rock concerts and I was trying to keep up. I don't think I have ever laughed as hard as I did that day as I momentarily forgot about my masked lot in life. For a moment, I allowed myself to believe that Larry and I was the lead singer, flanked to my left by Larry playing a face-melting guitar solo. We were Gods.

Being caught up in the moment, I almost didn't notice the cool air on my face. The skin on my face, unencumbered by its plastic tomb felt amazing if only for a moment. Upon realizing it, the usual insecurities and crippling anxiety returned in a moment as I went scrambling for my missing mask. I frantically put it back on, frantically tried to regain my composure and not die of embarrassment. Halfway through the first verse of our rock show, my mask had flown off and hit Larry in the face. My worst fear was confirmed in a moment.

After I got back safely within the confines of my mask, I noticed Larry looking at me with an all-look of understanding as I barked out 1000 apologies, seeing the crimson waves of blood escaping from his nose. Seeing the terror in my eyes, he wiped it away and turned back to me. With gentle kindness, Larry listened intently and didn't make me feel like a loser. He saw the real me and didn't blink. For the first time in my life, I felt like I belonged. I knew then that I had a true friend and that I didn't have to be ashamed of myself around Larry. He is a good person and my best friend. I would do anything for him.