Violet and Sal played videogames deep into the night. Their eyelids grew heavy as the hours went by, causing them to slump against one another as their fingers danced along the controllers. Wrappers and pop cans littered the coffee table.

"Sal?" Violet whispered as the game's loading screen appeared.

"Yeah?"

"I'm tired."

He placed his controller on the cushion beside him. "Want me to take you home?"

"No." She didn't want this moment to end, even if it meant staying up all night. Sal's body was so warm against hers, and he smelt slightly of cinnamon. If she left, she'd be alone. The small bit of attention she'd gotten from Sal was more than she'd received from her parents since the move. She hadn't realized how much she missed this until someone spent time with her.

"You don't seem fond of your parents," the blue-haired boy commented.

Violet sighed. "They're fine, I guess."

"Why just fine?"

"They're always too busy for me. We don't do things together like we used to."

"That's how it is with my dad and me," Sal agreed. "He's always either working on his computer or out of town."

"What about your mom?"

He hesitated. "Uh...she..."

Violet turned, looking into his eyes. Looking past the redness from exhaustion, she saw sadness. Why is it that she always had to say the wrong things? "You don't have to tell me."

"No, no. I-It's just that she, uh, passed away."

"Oh, Sal." She didn't know what else to say. Apologizing was hardly a genuine response to something like this. She couldn't simply tell him that everything was going to be okay, either. Nothing was ever okay after losing a parent.

He looked into his lap, shrugging his shoulders. "It's gotten better since we moved. I've made some great friends. Plus, the kids at Nockfell aren't as shitty about my face."

"I think they can see how nice you are."

"Nah," he mused, "they're just scared that Larry will kick their asses if they say anything."

She grinned, letting a small laugh escape her lips. "Give yourself some credit, Sal. You do have super cool hair."

His hair wasn't in its signature pigtails tonight. Instead, it hung down to his shoulders in ocean blue strands. It looked unruly and soft at the same time. Violet wanted to reach up and touch it so badly, but her nerves prevented her from doing so.

"You know, you're the first person to comment on something other than my face at first glance," Sal told her.

"What do the others say?"

"They either ask why I'm wearing a mask or insult me for it. I'm used to it by now, though."

Suddenly, Sal's cat, Gizmo, leaped into Violet's lap and nuzzled her cheek. "Hi, Gizmo," she cooed, immediately forgetting about the conversation she was having. The feline proceeded to curl up in her lap as she stroked his white and orange fur, purring softly.

Silence fell over them once again. Sal watched with a small smile as Violet traced the orange patterns on Gizmo's fur, her eyes drooping sleepily. Part of him wished that she didn't have to go home. Having her company was different than having Ash's or Larry's. While they were great to have around to laugh with, Violet helped him unwind. It wasn't awkward to sit shoulder-to-shoulder with her or to have long conversations. Plus, her skill set was identical to his when it came to videogames. It was more fun without getting annihilated by Larry or having to remind Ash which buttons to use every round.

Violet let out a small yawn. "Your cat is the best, Sal."

"Vi," he breathed, "it's almost 4 AM."

"I should probably head home, then," she replied, gently pushing Gizmo off of her lap.

"I'll walk you there."

"No, thank you. If my parents catch me, I'd rather be alone than with a boy. We're in enough trouble as it is."

Sal nodded as the two stood up. "I understand."

After a brief moment of hesitation, Violet threw her arms around him, resting her forehead on his shoulder. His hair tickled the tip of her ear, sending chills down her neck. "Thanks for forgiving me, Sal."

"There's nothing to forgive you for," he implored, returning the hug.

"Shut up." She held him for another few seconds before pulling away. "See you later...Sally Face."

"See ya, Violet Face."

Just as she stepped out the front door, Sal stopped her, thrusting his phone into her hands. His contact list was already on the screen. Her heart skipped a beat.

Sal Fisher wanted her phone number.

> > >

did you make it home safely?

Yeah. I appreciate you checking on me.

i appreciate you hanging out with me :)

We should do that more often.

agreed. tomorrow?

Sure! Goodnight, Sally Face.

goodnight Violet Face