For The Sake of Science

Chapter 15: Lip Gloss And Other Deadly Sins

Saturday had finally rolled around, and it brought it's own set of issues. But it hadn't started off that way.

It was late afternoon, most everyone tired from swimming or playing a game of pick up basketball in the gym. Emily and Zeke had been wonderfully insufferable, both naturally competitive. Whoever allowed them to be team captains needed to be vetoed.

Emily had zeroed in on Salem during defense, practically glued to him.

He didn't mind.

In fact, he'd spent hours caught in her orbit. Her lively blue eyes sparkling when she scored, the warmth of her skin brushing his. Her squeals of triumph, her heckling Zeke without mercy, the swing of her blonde ponytail with a flash of blue streaks.

Salem couldn't care less that his team lost. Not when she finally looked alive again.

They'd all showered and ended up back Lola and Emily's room. She sat cross-legged on her bed, braiding Zeke's hair with mismatched bands, her eyes sparkling, cheeks still rosy from laughing.

"See? Easy." She SimCommed, then handed him a sparkly, heart-shaped mirror from her nightstand.

He admired his reflection, glancing at Nitro, who gave an approving nod.

"I'm impressed," Zeke chuckled.

Mara, Piper, and Lola were curled up together, flipping through an outdated teen magazine and quizzing Nitro on which boyband member he'd marry.

Zeke hopped off the bed to show off his new braids, earning a round of laughter from the girls.

Emily smiled, taking in his runway strut. She snuck past him, quickly stepping around him to reach her dresser. pulling open the top drawer. She slipped something small and plastic from inside her pink makeup bag.

"You look fabulous," Piper giggled. "Salem, it isn't too late if you're jealous."

Salem snorted, leaning against the wall. "I'm good."

She turned slightly, checking her reflection in the small wall mirror. A quick swipe of pink glitter across her lips.

Emily shut the drawer and leaned back against it, her fingers brushing Salem's.

His gaze flicked down. He didn't move, scared that breathing might break whatever this was. She hadn't pulled away or muttered an apology.

Her lips parted, almost daring him to acknowledge it.

Then his hand closed over hers. Warm and steady, leaving her breathless.

They met eyes, his thumb brushing against the tube she was holding.

His breath hitched, his jaw tightening.

"Where did you get that?"

Before she could answer, he tugged it gently from her hand, examining it.

"Salem, what are you—?" Her signs slow and uncertain, interrupted mid thought.

He pulled her out into the hall of her quad, taking her off guard. Using his shirt, he gently swiped away the sticky pink substance. The evidence of Darius's little mind games lingered on her lips, shimmering as a cruel reminder of her slipping away in front of Salem, despite his best efforts.

Her lashes fluttered, confusion flickering in her eyes.

"Emmie, do you remember picking this up?"

She nodded. The movement was slow, deliberate.

"Yes." Her hands were steady. "It's just lip gloss. It's not a big deal."

She reached out, almost as if she were trying to steady him.

There was no haze, or repetitive trance like words. This was something so small and unordinary. Something that could have completely gone unnoticed by anyone.

Salem's features darkened. Was this the first time this had happened? Or had he already missed pieces of her that Darius had overwritten and reprogrammed?

If he let it slide, it would be the first of many somethings that would be stolen and replaced in her likeness.

He pulled away, "I want you to look at me. Tell me who gave this to you."

"No one." She responded without thought, shaking her head.

"It's very important that you try and describe to me where this came from. Even if it feels far away, just reach for it so I can help."

She was closing herself off, embarrassed by his questions.

"It's just you and me," His throat bobbed, desperate now. "We can do this together."

Her breathing stuttered, chest rising and falling unevenly. Her hand ghosted her lips, dabbing at the glitter clinging stubbornly. It felt wrong on her skin. A wave of wrongness crashed over her.

She blinked, finally allowing the truth to resurface.

"Darius said it looked good on me." She signed slowly, like she was there and not standing in front of Salem. "Told me to keep it..."

Dread washed over her, breath hitching as she reclaimed a piece of herself.

"I don't like lip gloss." She signed it like she was answering herself.

"No, you don't," he echoed.

Her hands shook. She pressed them to his chest for balance, her knees threatening to buckle.

"Just... stay with me," He begged.

Her hands trembled. "I don't feel good."

Salem pulled her into him. His arms steadily wrapped around her, holding her tighter than he'd ever dared. His fingers ran through her freshly showered hair.

"You're okay," His voice was steady. "See? You're way tougher than he thinks you are."