"Alright! Everyone know what they're bringing tonight?", Larry loudly asked the group as they sat within his room. "Oh, Maple and Chug said they'd bring some sparklers, something small and easy to manage for those of us who aren't familiar with illegal fireworks.", Todd remarked with a chuckle. "That's perfect! Me and Sal aren't risking lighting any huge fireworks, so we'll stick with the sparklers.", you remarked while sitting besides your boyfriend who had his arm around you in the yellow beanbag chair, a slightly cramped fit but cozy nonetheless.
"Alright, they're brining the sparklers, Ash and I are picking the fireworks up later, Todd and Neil are bringing food, Sal and Y/N are bringing the drinks...", Larry continued to ramble on about who was in charge of what for the New Years celebration that was planned later that day, but you couldn't help but be distracted once you noticed Sallyface was being particularly quiet.
Reaching over to give his hand a gentle squeeze, you whispered, "Hey, you okay?". Turning to look at you, his eyes did seem to have a hint of worry within them, "O-oh, yeah! I'm okay. Don't worry about me, Y/N.", however you knew he wasn't being completely honest. Since two of you had begun dating, Sal had told you more about what exactly had happened to him that resulted with him wearing a prosthetic mask.
That horrendous incident that left a permanent scar upon both his physical and mental state, after he had told you this personal secret of his you were determined to always make sure your boyfriend was as comfortable as possible in any situation that could possibly trigger a negative reaction. In this situation, you knew that the loud bangs and bursts of the fireworks would make him anxious.
Giving him a reassuring smile, you once again whispered to him as to not embarrass him in front of the rest of the group, "Don't worry too much, Sally. I know you aren't the most comfortable with loud noises like fireworks, but I've got my Walkman and earbuds ready just in case you need to tune them out! Remember, I'm here for you, Sal.", you finished while leaning over to plant a kiss on his prosthetic.
Smiling from underneath his mask, he lifted the lower half of his mask to return the sentiment, a loving kiss being planted upon your forehead; one of your favorite feelings ever. Cozying up to one another, Ash couldn't help but smile at how cute you guys always looked, and how happy you had been ever since making it official. Todd also enjoyed seeing his two friends in a healthy loving relationship just like the one he was in, wondering to himself of the possibility of a double date some time in the future.
Larry also found himself smiling at the two of you, he really couldn't be any happier at the fact that his best pal had finally found himself someone who'd make him happy while also making him feel safe. He was also glad that you, someone who he saw almost as a younger sister figure despite the one year age gap, had found love in a guy who he was 100% sure would never intentionally hurt you in any way.
"Alright lovebirds! You remember the convenience store I told you guys to go to for the drinks right? It's the only place in town that doesn't card or ask questions, the guy who works there doesn't get paid enough to care.", Larry remarked with a laugh as he began to write down directions on a small slip of paper. Standing up from off the beanbag, you walked over to Larry and gave his hair a playful ruffle, "Yeah yeah, the one by the old rusty park, right? I think I remember, but some directions would be nice.".
Nodding, he handed you the slip of paper with sloppily written directions on it, "Yep! Just be safe, alright Y/N? I know you're still pretty new behind the wheel.", he protectively warned. You tucked the slip of paper into your pocket as Sal walked up behind you, "Don't worry dude, I'll be in the car with her making sure she doesn't run down any mailboxes.", he playfully teased, making the group laugh as you rolled your eyes, "Hey! That was one time.", you replied with a grin.
After a bit more discussion about the preparations for tonight's celebration, the group parted ways to do their assigned tasks and relax a little before the big night ahead of them. You and Sal walked back to his apartment and plopped onto his couch, Sal sitting up while you laid across the couch with your head in his lap, looking up at him. His fingers gently stroked your [H/C] hair as he softly hummed, the faint scent of your coconut shampoo present as he did so.
"It feels kinda weird without your dad being here. No keyboard clacking or coffee pouring.", you remarked, "But I'm enjoying the alone time together, I hope your dad's having a nice vacation. When does he get back?". He thought for a second before replying, "Oh, I think day after tomorrow? I'm not too sure, Im just glad he's finally blowing off some steam after working for so long.", he paused, "I noticed he's been drinking a lot less lately, too. That's a good sign.".
Looking up at him, your hand extended to caress his mask, knowing this was a sensitive subject, "Hey, just to let you know, Sally, we don't have to drink any of the beer we buy for the rest of the gang.", you told him, "Both our parents have had drinking problems in the past, so we know how it feels to not want to drink and risk ending up with a problem like they did. Plus, I think cherry soda tastes way better anyways.", you assured him with a cheerful grin.
"I'm really lucky to have you, Y/N. You never hesitate to support me, and you're always so understanding. Maybe it's because we have so much in common, or maybe it's just pure luck, but I really do feel like we were fated to meet one another.", his hands were now gently caressing the soft warm skin upon your cheeks, "You really are such an amazing girl...how'd someone like me ever get to land you?", that adorable red tint upon his ears that meant he was blushing now present.
Sitting up, you quickly wrapped your arms around him in a hug, nuzzling your face into the crook of his neck, "I should be the one asking that question, Sally. How did I ever manage to find such a sweetheart like you?", you softly whispered to him. Blush becoming deeper, he hugged you as tightly as he possible could, holding onto you for dear life before his arms suddenly lifted you up.
"W-woah!", you exclaimed as you felt your feet lift off the ground. Sallyface was now carrying you bridal style towards his room, your eyes wide with surprise, "S-since when could you-", he interrupted you, "I've been doing pull-ups on my door frame for a while now, I told you I'd get stronger for you, Y/N.", he proudly stated while walking into his room, "Now that I've carried you in here, how's a nap before we head to the store sound? We've got some time to kill.".
Laughing as he gently placed onto his bed, you quickly agreed, "That sounds perfect, Sally. Now that you've gotten stronger, I want to be cuddled extra hard!", you playfully exclaimed as your boyfriend took his mask off and joined you in bed, "Careful, don't tempt me .", he teased back.
After a bit of mindless chatter and messing around with Gizmo, the two of you were out like lights, laying side by side in bed, your head resting against Sallyface's chest as his arm was wrapped around your waist.
• • •
You stretched your arms out as high as possible, mumbling to yourself at the inconvenient placement of the 12-packs of cheap beer, "Who's idea was it to put them on the top shelf?! Maybe if I get on my tip toes...", however there was no need for that, as you suddenly felt a pair of hands upon your waist gently lifting you off the ground.
"O-oh! Sallyface!", you said completely caught by surprise and now blushing, embarrassed at how silly you must've looked trying to reach the drinks, "You didn't need do that...b-but thanks, you show-off.", you joked while grabbing the box of beer. A huge smug grin spread across his face as he slowly put you down, making sure to be careful as to not drop you, "Sorry, Y/N, you just looked like you could've used some help. And you looked too cute trying to reach the top shelf.", he said with a snicker.
You playfully pouted before gesturing down the aisle, "Let's grab the soda and get outta here. Dr. Pepper sound good?", you asked which Sal agreed to, and off the two of you went with the two boxes of soda and beer. After checking out and paying the tired looking cashier, the two of you walked out of the run down convenient store towards your car in the parking lot, "Larry was right, he didn't ask for ID. He must be pissed to have to spend New Years at work, poor guy!", you stated while opening up the back door of the car, placing the soda inside. "Yeah, no kidding. Hopefully he gets off soon, it's nearly midnight. Only half an hour to go until the new year.", Sal placed the beer in the back as well before climbing into the car, you doing the same.
After starting the car you looked over towards your boyfriend, "We're meeting them at Lake Wendigo, right? I'm pretty sure I remember where it is.", you said while pulling out of the parking lot and onto the main road. He nodded, looking out the window at the passing trees and road signs. Noticing he was seemingly lost in thought, you glanced over at him, "Hey, you okay there, sweetheart?", you asked. Sal snapped out of his little trance and looked over at you, his eyes wide behind the mask, "O-oh, yeah! Sorry, I guess I just got caught up in my thoughts. Wait, did you just call me 'sweetheart'?", he asked with a shy smile.
You blushed and smiled too before returning to the original subject, "Heh, don't change the subject. But really, what's on your mind? I can tell you're a little off right now.". He collected his thoughts and fumbled with his hands before giving you a response, "It's nothing, really, it's just...New Years always feels so melancholy. I know it's supposed to be a happy day to welcome the new year, but for me it's just a marker for another year of...my mom not being here.", his voice had gone soft as he spoke those words.
Your stomach dropped once you heard the reasoning behind his quote demeanor, a small frown appearing on your face as the mention of Sal's deceased mother made you remember your own deceased father. Both you and Sal had this terrible trait in common, as well as Larry, however both you and Sal knew your parents had passed on, unlike Larry who was still unsure of his fathers fate.
You had both attended the funeral of your parent, you both had to witness your living parent suffer through the loss of their partner, and you both had to grow up always trying your best to come to terms with such an impactful loss. Feeling a lump in your throat, you were at a loss for words for a moment, the only sounds being the tires moving against the road and nighttime ambience.
"Sal...I'm sorry. I can't even begin to explain how much I know what that feels like. You're definitely right about New Years being a melancholy holiday, what everyone else sees as a happy new beginning, we see as a...bleak reminder.", the road turned to gravel as you made a right turn, now on the dirt path that lead towards the lake.
"And I know it's hard to stop seeing it that way, it's hard to stay positive when so many things remind you of your loss...b-but can I be honest with you?", you paused in between words as you looked over at Sal, him doing the same, "Ever since I've met you...my life's been so much better. It's so easy to stay positive when I get to spend time with you, see you smile, get to hug and kiss you...it's like you're exactly what I needed to let go of the past. Of course I'll never stop missing my dad, and I know you'll never stop missing your mom, but...being together makes me forget whatever's bothering me. Being with you...just makes life so much better.", the car stopped within a small dirt clearing, Larry's and Neil's car parked besides your own.
After turning the engine off and finishing your sentimental speech, you cleared your throat and wiped away at the small tears within the corner of your eyes, "S-sorry, I didn't mean to talk for so long, but I wanted-", you turned to look at your boyfriend but were surprised to see a droplet at the bottom of his mask, before it fell and landed upon the fabric of his jeans.
"S-Sal! Are you okay? I didn't mean to upset you, I was just-", your hands reached out and placed themselves upon his shoulders before his own hands reached behind his head, unbuckling the straps. Once he removed the prosthetic and placed it on the dashboard, you surprised to see that he wasn't frowning or upset, there was a genuine smile upon his lovely scarred complexion, a smile that beamed like never before. You were a bit confused until he spoke up, "Y/N...you really do always know exactly what to say to make everything feel okay. I didn't mean to cry, sorry, did I worry you?", he asked, wiping away at his face.
"Of course you worried me, Sal. I don't like seeing you cry, I like seeing that adorable smile a lot more.", you explained, hand caressing his cheek. In that moment, the two of you within the confines of the car, large vast lake and forest surrounding the two of you, stars more visible than ever up within the clear night sky, Sal knew this was the time.
"Y/N.", he spoke your name, you doing the same, "Yeah, Sal?", you asked. He gathered all his courage, "I...", as he spoke, a little stream of light made its way up into the sky before bursting into a glimmering display of blue light, "I love you.", he finished that statement just as the firework died down.
Just as the firework just had, you felt like your heart was about to burst after hearing Sallyface say that. That was the first time he had said that, and you had no clue how to react besides shyly smiling back at him, eyes beginning to twinkle with tears at their corners, blush completely consuming your cheeks, before you softly spoke up. "S-Sal...", you leaned towards him just as another firework made its way into the sky.
Softly, you whispered into his ear while embracing him in a tight hug, "I love you too, Sal.", as the firework burst within the air at the same time. Those three special words the two of you had spoken that night meant so much, the impact that those words had, the meaning behind those words, the utter and complete significance of those words; those words that were spoken were louder than the fireworks that dominated the sky for the remainder of the night.
The beginning of this new year was no longer going to be a melancholy reminder, but the beginning of a new chapter within your relationship with Sallyface, a chapter where you both could express that loving sentiment freely, "I love you.".