Days of Heat Haze

by FirstThingsLast

"Endlessly I see an overheated haze, and again the laughing will repeat on and on for days. We are trapped in cycles and the way is never clear. Though a cliche story is a story, it can only have one ending, it appears." .Based on the song Kagerou Daze by Hatsune Miku. .Story of Kenny dying with a twist. Crenny. .Rated M for violence, gore, profanity and sexual themes.

1. Ill

Hello, guys! Please read this because it is important. (Sorry it's so much)

I want to start with the WARNINGS. This fic will include a lot of course language, violence, sexual themes and gore. The profanity and gore are especially present so be aware of that.

TRIGGER POSSIBLE. Because of the way this is written, it could be a trigger. It's not likely but there is a lot of internal termoil and some mentions of suicide and one almost attempt. You have been warned.

Now that that's out of the way, let's talk about this story. This fan-fic has been all planned out and just needs to be typed out. I will post every week. As you can probably see, I also make my chapters rather long, this one being one of the shorter ones. It is a tad boring , in my opinion, but it's just the introductory thingy so I promise it'll get better~

This is written in a stream of consciousness style, which basically means that it's the narrarators thoughts written out. It's a bit jumpy, and has less of a filter than it would if I had written it in another style. I don't normally switch POV's, but for this stories purpose, I have to. It won't switch during a chapter, the whole thing will be i one POV.

This story is based loosely by the song Kagerou Daze/ Hays of Heat Haze. Each chapter will somehow represnt a verse, making 12 planned chapters. I might go go aove though depending on the reviews this story gets. GO LISTEN TO THE SONG THOUGGHHH. It's so good.

Special thanks to Nicole, who proof read this, as well as Hatsune Miku for the song and Matt Stone and Trey Parker for the charcters. I own none of that.

That being said, enjoy! Please review with constructive critisizm or nice things~ I'll gladly except both.

Craig was stumbling around, even I could see as much and I was almost shitfaced. He had a horrible habit of being drunk whenever possible since we graduated.

I was eighteen now. Not much had changed at all. I had the same friends, and I, of course, never stopped dying. I was still poor as fuck and Cartman took every chance to make fun of it. Kyle had it bad for Stan, but he had a hard on for Wendy.

The only thing that'd changed was my boner for the noirette across the room.

Time wasn't kind to my reputation, though I'm sure if I didn't sleep with everyone that was willing, that'd help. Thanks to that, Craig would never even bat his eyelashes at me. That is, unless he was drunk.

Whenever he was drunk, he turned into a whole other person. For starters, he was a lot less uptight about everything, though it was still a chore to get him to smile. He was also the kind of person who became reckless when intoxicated. In a way, I guess he cared less about himself rather than hating everyone else. There was something he was going through. There was no way he was acting this way for no reason, he had changed. I don't think he knew I could read him like a book. A book that was torn and frayed, but still a book. I just wish I could help him out.

Kyle had been nagging in my ear about something. I wasn't paying attention to a word he said, my mind was too preoccupied. I think he noticed this and snapped his fingers in front of my face. "Earth to Kenny.."

I blinked a few times before looking at him. "O-oh, sorry. I was a bit distracted." I admitted with a nervous laugh. He didn't know how infatuated with the other I was, and I planned to keep it that way. It's not that I didn't trust Kyle, he was the smartest and most kind of our group. He wouldn't approve if I told him because he /did/ care and I wasn't ready to listen to a lecture on why Craig Tucker is an asshole.

"I was just saying how gross it is that Stan's all over Wendy right now... Get a fucking room..." He was half mumbling, half slurring. I'm sure the mumbling was from jealousy and not alcohol though.

I shrugged, feeling some sort of sympathy for him. I wanted to say something to lighten up the mood, but I'm short witted. "I know, dude. Even I agree and you know how I am."

That made him smile, which in return was contagious. "Exactly. Thank you." This was followed by a lot of silence between us before I decided to get up and leave him to sulk. He wasn't going to do anything else until he left.

"Ima grab a drink and try to actually socialize.." I rose to my feet shakily. The room was starting to spin slightly, but nothing that I couldn't handle. I was almost as pro as Craig.

"See ya. Be careful, dude." He said with a soft smile. I knew it was a fake one, but it still felt reassuring. I couldn't let him down.

He had gone from a bright, intelligent boy to a person with no hope. In truth, everyone but the ignorant had become unhappy after graduation. It was like a curse in this dumb town, and if it really was I think we'd all be indifferent, maybe even happy. Then it wouldn't be our faults, the solution would be easy. That wasn't the case, and in reality the fact that Kyle was so angry made him all the more miserable. That's why I just wanted to see him happy. Honestly happy.

There were a lot of people everywhere, from both South Park and Denver. Most of them I knew though, especially since we lived in such a small town. I made my way through all these people, glancing back to the corner that I was sure Kyle was looking in. The one where Stan was feeling up his girlfriend. My eyes than landed on Craig who was standing in the doorway of the kitchen. God, could he look better?

His hair was disheveled, yet it didn't look messed up, it suited him. His dark eyes were staring down into his empty shot glass as his tongue ran over his lips. He had his hat on, as well as his jacket. The sleeves were rolled up to his elbows though, probably because it was hot as balls in there. You'd think a family as rich as Token's could afford air conditioning.

I kept my eyes on the prize and couldn't help but wonder if he could feel me staring at him. I would definitely feel it if he was staring at me. It was a sixth sense we all had, except maybe not him. I chuckled because that'd be his luck. I was approaching him while in these thoughts, taking quick steps. I was sure I'd make it until I felt a hand grab my shoulder. Weight was put on it and whoever was grabbing me didn't know how to control their strength.

"Ayyyyyyy!" An obnoxious voice yelled out. "Why the fuck aren't you smashed yet? Hurry up!" As soon as I heard the laugh that followed, I knew who it was.

"Yo, Clyde. What do ya want?" I really wasn't in the mood, I just wanted to get to that doorway.

He stepped in front of me, a huge smile plastered on his lips. "Play beer pong with me!"

"I don't drink beer." I really didn't, so it wasn't a lie. I hated drinking alcohol in the first place, mainly because of the taste and the way it went down. I liked being drunk though, so I drank it.

"Cmooonn!" His smile sagged, but then soon returned. I honestly think he'd already forgot that I'd rejected him. He patted my shoulder with a hardy laugh. "See ya, man."

He really was a dumb ass, seriously the dumbest of humanity when he was drunk. He managed to keep Bebe under his sweaty, jock arm though. She was the hottest girl in town, the kind where even gay guys have to stare. Perfect curves, huge tits, a round ass and a gorgeous face. At first, I was sure she was still in it for the shoes, but then their relationship became stronger than Stan's and I assumed they were serious. It was going on four years now, and I knew they were the type to marry at twenty. They'd probably make a few babies and buy a house. Their marriage will most likely become an unhappy one though, they might even get a divorce. Or at least that's how it usually worked for young weds.

I definitely need a drink after that. Just thinking about that dead beat getting married to a hot girl while I can't even hold a steady relationship sickened me to no end. I had a few girlfriends, but I could never seem to commit. I always blamed it on them but maybe it was me too. We'd always play cat and mouse for a few days before they'd admit that they liked me. Shocker. That was the easy part though; they'd always need more. They'd start to talk about wanting to have kids and marriage and I'd run. I guess, in a way, that made me a coward. I guess that meant I didn't want to be like Clyde.

I started to wonder if I'd do that to Craig. I didn't want to think that I'd run from him. At the same time, I don't think that he'd want to do those things though. Maybe that's why I liked him. He was realistic, a bit blunt but still.

I continued on my path to Craig, swearing that I wasn't going to be stopped again. Some drunk chick bumped into me in her drunken stupor. She only bothered to giggle before wandering off. I'm not sure if that was what got the other's attention or if he just saw me walking towards him. When that icy state met mine though, I could feel my heart skip a beat.

I couldn't help the goofy smile that covered my lips. My pace quickened and carried me until we were at talking distance, which didn't leave much room between us. The music was loud, and I raised my voice to make sure he heard. "I noticed your glass is empty too. Lets get a drink together~" I pulled back just enough for him to see my expression.

"Fuck off and get it yourself." He practically spat at me. Either he liked the chase or he genuinely hated me. I'm sure it was the latter, but I was hopeful.

I whined like a little kid, which probably didn't help my cause. It also didn't help when I leaned in closer. I let out a soft, hot breath against his ear. "You look really good tonight..." My voice came out gruff.

He immediately ducked away from me, making sure I saw his annoyed expression. "You're so fucking annoying.. Leave me alone." He scoffed. There was a moment where he just looked at me like he was making sure I wasn't coming after him again. I think he realized I was done and relaxed himself with a sigh. "Go away."

He turned fast and tried to walk from me, stumbling on his away. I dunno if he thought I was stupid or if he was that drunk but I was going to follow. I was relentless.

"Hey, Craig. You enjoyin' yourself?" I heard a voice and looked to see Token propped up against a cabinet.

I backed off. I stopped in my tracks and took a few steps back until i was back outside the doorway. Token had grown to hate me over the years, and it was the worst kind of hate. The kind where he didn't make fun of me. He didn't talk shit about me or glare at me. He just hated me. The last thing I needed him to know was that I was in love with Craig, his best friend. I'd never see him again, especially since he already had a bad taste for me and it wouldn't be hard for Token to talk him into dropping me.

They were pretty much the only ones in the room. The room was big, equipped with a marbled island and every appliance a kitchen could ever need. The only thing it needed was a butler, but I guess his family was too 'humble' for that. Everyone was either dancing in the living room, playing games in the dining room, or making out upstairs. There was a keg in here that had lost its hype when some guy tried to do a keg stand and threw up so over the floor.

Craig tried to stand still, but he started wobbling. He took his hat from his head carefully and ran his fingers through his thick, black hair. "I'm definitely tipsy, but I dunno if I'm really enjoying anything else." I got a chill just from looking at him.

Token laughed some. "That sounds like you. Just don't clog up my sink again." The comment was light hearted, not something meant to actually insult. I didn't get the reference.

He moved his hat back to his head, having a bit of trouble placing it back on but he managed. "Yeah right. Fuck you, dude."

A hand reached out and patted Craig's shoulder. "Aye, just be careful."

"Thanks, Mom."

He shoved Craig playfully. "You wish I was your mom." He laughed before eyeing the raven again. He didn't look like he was checking him out though, more like making sure his friend was okay. He didn't appear nearly as fucked as he was so he got away with it this time. "Alright, bud. I'm gonna go check on Clyde. I'll catch you later."

"Yeah, all right. See ya." He gave a nod of acknowledgement, moving back some to make sure he was clear of Token's path.

Once he was gone from the room, I let out a breath I wasn't sure when I had started to hold in. In all honesty, I had felt bad that I had just listened in on their conversation, as innocent as it was. I didn't want to come out right away since Token could have been close by still. I knew Clyde was on the other side of the house, where the beer pong was happening. Ya know, the thing I don't play but I'm sure I'd be beast at.

Craig walked over to the counter where all the alcohol was spread out. It was like an alcoholics paradise, with everything from wine coolers, to beer, and hard shit like Kraken and Jack.

I was waiting for him to pour a drink, and as soon as he grabbed a bottle from the counter, I'd step back out into the room and join. He just stood there though. At first I thought maybe he was staring at something, but than I saw him begin to tremble, than a sniffle followed. Was he crying..?

I didn't know what to do at first. I wanted to hug him, and know why he, Craig Tucker, would be so fucking sad that he would cry. Why would someone as strong willed as him, someone who acted so tough, would break down so randomly. I knew that he was drunk and that he was going through something but I never pictured him crying.

I took a deep breath, the sight sobering me up some. I stepped out and into the room, making my presence know by clearing my throw. "Hey, baby! You miss me?" He peeked at me and than quickly turned his head away. I knew he didn't want me to see him cry. I wasn't complaining because I didn't want to see it either.

I threw an arm around his shoulders and held him against me. "Fuck off. Why are you following me?" I didn't see the middle finger he rose at first, it took me a minute. His other hand raised to his face and I assumed he was wiping his eyes. There was a bit of resistance but I held him tight.

"I told you I needed more alcohol! You just so happened to be here, which is a bonus~" I said cheerily. He went limp as he figured out that he wasn't going to get away.

"Why are you bothering me than? Just get your drink and leave." He finally looked at me, shooting daggers. His eyes were red and bloodshot.

I acted like I hadn't seen him crying, and I finally let myself be worried. "Wait, hey, are you okay?"

He grunted and turned to the counter again. "I'm just tired." He reached out and grabbed for a bottle of Svedka, filing his shot glass which was now sitting on the marble top.

I had to stretch out a bit but I managed to grab a red solo cup from a stack. I caught him before he put the bottle down. "Hey, lemme get that." I reached out for it. It was a shitty, cheap vodka but it was great for doing the trick. I screwed the cap on and put it back. I didn't do shots, it was a fucking pain to pour more when you're drunk. "So, what're your plans tonight?"

"To not hang out with you.." He mumbled. He picked up his shot and gulped it down, tilting his head back a bit. He cleared his throat after. "Christ."

"Too strong?"I questioned, the look in his face suggesting it was. Alcohol always seemed to taste worse the more drunk you got.

"Just nasty..." He shook his head.

I chuckled, picking up my own cup and swirling the liquid around a bit. I lifted it to my nose and smelled it. The scent was foul. I really didn't want to drink it though, it was so terrible. I forced myself to take a few chugs and my face instantly scrunched up in disgust. I set the cup down and wished I had a chaser. I wasn't about to let go of the other, so I'd deal. He was so close to me, we were touching. Having him this close, I notice that he was just a tad shorter. "So,when do I get a kiss?"

"This is why I don't hang out with you...you always try to get me to spread my legs for you."

"Oh c'mon! It can't hurt." I was hoping he'd be more compliant but he really wasn't. "And not your legs, just your lips!"

"Ewh, I dunno what diseases you have. It totally can hurt."

"Ouch.." I said as I put on the most hurt face I could. He didn't seem to care whether I was really hurt or not.

There was a silence, a heavy one where I was trying to think of something to say but there was nothing appropriate that I could. Nothing he'd care about anyway.

"Hey... Do you think I'm adopted..? And don't fucking make fun of me, I'm being serious." He suddenly blurted out, causing my eyes to widen.

I started to sweat, I swear I did. We had always made fun of him growing up. I don't think we ever took it into account that he might have really thought that. He looked different than his parents and sister. They were very light and his dad was a ginger, his skin had a tint though. He had dark black hair while their's was all light. The only thing they had in common was their icy blue eyes. "I... don't know... Why? Are you thinking about it?" I asked seriously.

He sighed. "They have papers they won't show me... That and you know, I don't even fucking look like them."

"Aye..I saw on tv that this lady, who was white as fuckin' rice, had a black baby 'cause of recessive genes or something. Maybe that's what happened to you." I really didn't know. My parents didn't have blonde hair, but my grandparents on my dad's side did.

He pursed his lips before shaking his head. "Yeah, right..and you're rich." He said sarcastically.

"Hah, I wish." He looked at me for a moment before looking to the variety of alcohol. "Did you ask them before..?"

He leaned forward enough to rest his head in his hands, his elbows on the counter. I kept my arm loosely around him, stroking the skin on his arm through his shirt with my thumb. "No. I dunno if I wanna know..." He admitted. I didn't want him to be sad, but in a sick sort of way, I was happy because he was opening up to me.

I ended up standing there for another eternity before I thought he'd passed out and decided to shake him. "Aye, how about I take you home? Like to your house, nothing dirty. I'm sure your parents are worried."

He shoved me away at the mention of going back to his house, finally having enough of my bullshit for the night. He looked repulsed by the idea, his eyes staring past me as he took a step back and opened a gap between us. His breathing came out uneven, like he was either furious or he'd jogged a short distance. He looked like he could fall over at any moment. He was slurring this entire time but it wasn't until now that I noticed the extent. "Whatever." he said. He had to be cut off now, before he got into serious trouble.

"I'm not going back to those traitors, not after what they fucking did to me." He turned to the counter and I immediately knew that he was about to pour himself another drink. I watched as the bottle shook in his hand as he attempted to pick it up until he nearly dropped it. I moved quick and grabbed it from him, keeping it from shattering.

"All right, I think you've had enough, dude. You can sip out of my cup if ya want." I picked my cup up from the counted and held it in his direction. It was only then that I realized how drunk I was myself. I couldn't hold it steady even if I tried. I really wasn't sober myself, and I really wasn't in any shape to babysit. I'd actually come to have some kind of fun, not escort Craig home. I was getting so sick of trying for no reason.

I had been trying to get him to take me serious for way too long. Years. Since somewhere around tenth grade. I hadn't seen him much in middle school, not until we had an art class together. That's when I had seen how nice puberty had been to him. He was the most beautiful thing I'd ever laid my eyes on, as cheesy as that was.

His skin was light, though it had a hint of color to it, a light tan almost. I had thought maybe he was really Peruvian for a while but I gave up that assumption. He wasn't underweight, but at the same time he was far from over. He had shape, hips that we're incredibly touchable. He ate well, he just didn't take care of himself. His eyes could pierce the heavens with their blue luster. They were dark and somehow light at the same time, like glaciers. His black hair added contrast when it framed his angelic face. He had the lips of a child, they looked soft and plush, but somehow the most foul things stained them. Even with his brows furrowed, even with the angry look he was giving me now, he was still gorgeous.

"Why the fuck do you care how much I drink...?" It was clear he was through with listening to what I had to say.

In response, a laugh escaped my lips that probably sounded much more sarcastic than I meant. " 'Cause, as I've told you quite a few times, I like the shit out of you. And if you don't stop now, you're gonna hurt yourself. I dunno about you but that'd upset me.." I wanted him to understand what I was saying, to fully and utterly understand.

He didn't though, and I knew this as soon as he grabbed the cup from me. He slammed it down on the counter, the contents splashing all over it's surface. "Maybe I wanna get hurt! Maybe I just want my shitty life to e-"

"No! Don't you ever say that again!" As soon as I knew what he was about to say, I knew I couldn't let him finish the sentence. I got mad. I got frustrated and somewhere in the mix I grabbed his arm. "Craig...I know what its like. You don't want to fucking die...that's not gonna solve anything. I don't want you to go through that.." My voice softened and I tried to sound more sincere than I ever had.

He didn't react, just kept his gaze down as he tried to turn away from me. His hair blocked his face from my view as he looked towards the floor. I could see him trembling, and I felt terrible. I couldn't tell if he was angry at me or defeated.

I loosened my grip and he immediately took the chance to pull his arm away from me.

After what I was sure was hours, he stood up straight again. A loud chuckle left his lips and it scared me. He sounded almost as crazy as I thought I was. "Hurry up, fucker." He turned away from me completely and took a few steps before he froze. I was equally frozen as I tried to process what was really happening. "Are you gonna come before I change my mind?"

The music was loud and I was sure that my friends, or anyone, wouldn't hear me if I yelled for them. My eyes scanned the room for them as we shoved through it. I made sure to check back as often as I could to make sure Craig was following. To my relief he followed all the way out, though I didn't see Kyle or Stan.

Stan was probably off banging Wendy in some nasty hotel. Kyle most likely got fed up and left; he was never happy at these things. I know he would be a lot happier if Stan would just be with him but we all knew it'd never happen. Cartman hadn't been here at all which I'm sure he'd made an excuse for. He'd gotten lazier with age and now he did little to nothing. I couldn't complain though, Craig wasn't ever happy; at least my friends could be.

He climbed into the passenger seat of my truck once we were outside. I had to force him to put on his seatbelt, but I managed to get it on him.

I cursed when the piece of shit sputtered the first time and the engine didn't turn over. There had been a few times when it had broken down and I had to abandon it. I crossed my fingers that this wasn't tonight.

It started the second time. I drove until I arrived in front of his house, but he still refused to go in, so I ended up leaving. After that I presented him with a few options. One was going to my house and risk listening to my parents fight, which he didn't look to pleased with. The other was to sleep in my truck by Starks Pond. I hoped that, given the two, he'd change his mind and go to his house instead of being stubborn. That was the reasonable option anyway. The dumb fuck chose to stay in my truck though. He was lucky he was attractive.

I drove my truck slowly onto the dirt road that led to the pond, parking once I felt I couldn't go any further without getting stuck.

He cried again on the ride there from his house. I don't think that he knew that I saw. This time, I just let him.

We got out and after I worked my magic, we were able to lay in the back of my truck. I'd cleaned it out enough to put a blanket down in the bed.

We both rested on our backs at first, my hands in under my head for support as I stared up at the sky. I looked to Craig occasionally. Even if he was shrouded in darkness, I swear I could still see those eyes, like a beacon in the night. Hah. I was so tempted to say something like 'a beacon guiding my heart in for a landing.' He'd fuckin' hit me so hard.

"Clouds are such shit. Even at night they manage to block out the light." He complained. The clouds were definitely blocking the stars, which was less than romantic.

I sighed, trying to look at the bright side. "Whatever. The dark is kinda nice too. Besides, I thought you liked boring things like clouds."

I heard rustling but decided not to look. "I guess. This whole situation isn't boring enough though. It'd be more boring if I was in my bed."

I laughed just to laugh once the opportunity rose. "I mean, you could be... You chose to come out here."

He was quiet again, and it kind of eased my nerves this time. When it was quiet, there was no arguing, there was no crying and there was no preaching. I'd unfortunately grown to yearn the silence. Mainly because of my parents, but also because it was always associated with peace in this dumb down. I let my eyes fall shut as my nervousness died down. The only thing that I could hear was mine and Craig's breathing, and after a while it began to blend together. I swore that if it wasn't so fucking cold I would have fallen asleep. The other's voice ripped the hope of sleep away when he spoke though.

"Hey, not to be a fuckin drag, but since I already told you this shit I don't think it even matters if I keep going on.." He paused as if he was embarrassed by what he'd said. "Do you think that my real parents are looking at the sky too? Like by some sick coincidence. Do you think that they felt some weird urge to go out and look at the moon? I mean, or sun, wherever they are. Do you think they miss me at all?"He sounded unsure of what he was saying. He was still drunk though so it made sense.

I turned my gaze to him again, my eyes sliding open to see he remained on his back. He was still looking at the sky above, but I don't think he was really seeing it. I rolled onto my side with what little energy I had left to face him. I had to shove my hair out of my eyes when it fell in my face. "They might be..I used to wish the same thing. I also think that they miss the fuck out of you. Ya know, we don't know you're really adopted yet, so maybe they're staring at a clock and wondering when you'll be home."

He shook his head, brushing off my comment about not being adopted. "What if they're not together..?"

That question was more difficult because it was more than likely the case. A lot of people give up their kids for that reason. "Even if they are, I still don't think they wanted to give you up. I think that they had to, and even if they're not together I'd bet money that they still both think about you."

He blinked a few times before giving a small nod. I smiled because I know that I might have made him feel better. I silently promised that I'd confide in him sometime. I kept staring at him as I got lost in thought and I think it eventually made him uncomfortable. He kept peeking at me from the corners of his eyes.

"Wait, why did you have a blanket in your truck?"He slowly propped himself up on his elbows, turning his head to give me his full attention. I could tell he was thinking the worst.

"Well, why else would I have it? It's for when I get a little lucky~" I clicked my tongue suggestively and watched his face morph into pure disgust. I cracked up at that alone, and I was glad he realized I was joking before he got up fully. "Calm down, it's only for when I need to sleep out here. Like when my parents fight or when I'm too drunk to drive anywhere."

I saw that it finally dawned on him that I had just been tipsy not too long ago. "You asshole! You didn't even remind me that you drank! What if I died!"

"Shut up, I got us here. I was pretty much sober after your little episode. Besides, that's why I made you wear your seatbelt...I just wanted you to get home but we see how well that worked."

He sighed audibly, his tended body relaxing some. "You just love to fuckin' scare me... If you ever drive drunk again I won't just kill you, I'll literally cut you slowly. I'm so fucking cereal.. "

"I can't take you seriously when you quote Al Gore.. But it won't ever taken happen again. Cross my heart. You should still give me incentive though. How about you promise we'll hang out again..?" I felt terrible about my clouded decision now, and I was grateful that my dumb ass didn't kill us yet. "Aye, you have to admit that my driving was better than the old peoples though."

He groaned. "Seriously...? I don't even know why I'm with you now, you almost murdered me.."

"Well, ' cause I'm hot, for starters.."

He scoffed. "Yeah right, who told you that lie?"

"Go to sleep, Tucker, you're drunk." I teased and he grunted in response.

"Fine... I am a little dizzy.." He muttered before falling silent. It wasn't long until I heard small snores coming from his side.

I wanted to join him, but my mind always kept me awake when I wanted to sleep the most. It'd race with thoughts about unimportant things and important ones at the same time. It all kept going back to Craig though. Would he still like me in the morning, or would he go back to his normal habits once he was sober again? He had confided in me but he was drunk so it meant close to nothing.

I yawned. My eyes slipped shut again as I listened to his steady breathing. Somehow, in my sleepy thoughts, I was ironically reminded of a song that played at the party. I liked it, I'd listened to it a thousand times before but now it was stuck in my head. It was called something like 'Days of Heat Haze'.

I mindlessly hummed the opening quietly, starting to lull myself deeper into the rift between sleep and consciousness. The more I fell in, the slower my singing got.

"It happened around midnight on August fifteenth without a single cloud in the sky, the sun is shining bright. What a pretty day. The weather around us was starting to make me feel ill. I, with nothing better to do, was spending all my time talking with you and keeping everything at bay..."