"Please, don't shut us out, Tweek."

"I promise we can help." Kyle adds in a reassuring tone. "You just need to tell us your side of what went on, and we'll diminish the twenty-four hour lockdown. Doesn't that sound better than being cooped up in your room all day?"

The blonde remains silent.

His eyes were firmly fixed on the ground as he refused to look at the two psychologists in front of him. Resentment and anger were still fresh in his mind over what happened earlier, and as what Butters told him echoed through his thoughts, a chilling conclusion that he may truly be alone in this world began to form.

Meanwhile, Pattie and Kyle were still attempting to break through to the other.

"If you're afraid of getting in trouble, there's no need to be." Pattie says. "We've gotten word that Butters was provoking you, and if this is indeed true, then he'll-"

"I want to go back to my cell." Tweek interjects.

Both psychologists were surprised by the others sudden words, but Pattie was the first to process it. "Well...okay, but before you do, maybe we could-"

"Perhaps I wasn't clear." Tweek says through gritted teeth. "I want to go back to my cell, and I want to go back now. I don't care about the twenty-four hour lockup! All I want is some time to be alone, and that's it!"

The two glanced questioningly at one another before diverting their gaze back to Tweek.

"Very well then. Me and Kyle will notify Kevin right away, and he'll escort you back."

The blonde hardly notices the doctor's words, and after one final glance, both head for the exit. The door soon swings shut behind them, and Tweek takes this opportunity to look up from the floor.

The cheerful colors of Kyle's office seemed almost plain to the observing patient, and all the while, a strong sense of guilt was beginning to take hold. He truly hadn't meant to be so passive and snappish with the psychiatrists, since the two had genuinely seemed concerned with his mental health, but at the same time, it simply couldn't be helped.

What Butters said really stuck with Tweek, and anger began clouding his sense of judgment.

They all just viewed him as some insane, unstable nut-job who was so pathetic and socially awkward that he had to make up his own boyfriend because no living person in the right mind would ever be with him otherwise. Sure, the knowledge was nothing new the blonde, but with Butters, he at least felt some form of acceptance. Believe that, for maybe a moment, there'd finally be someone there to back him up when he said Craig was real.

That feeling was now no more than the shattered remains of a sweet dream that morphed into a waking nightmare.

However, despite the blow it caused him, Butters actions did help Tweek to come to a very important realization: In this world, the only one he could fully trust, heart and soul, was Craig. After all, the dark-haired male had been there when he needed a shoulder to cry on, and most importantly, the only one of his so-called "friends" to keep in-contact and regularly visit him since he was committed into the institution. Sure, there were the people like his parents and psychologists that doubted their relationship, each claiming Craig to be "nonexistent" as Butters had, but as the blonde quickly learned, he should no longer listen.

After all, it was them who doubted Craig's existence.

Tweek knew that they were the ones who were wrong. And in the silence of that room, the blonde mentally vowed that, no matter what the risk, he'd rise above the hell he'd come to know as the institution so as to finally find true happiness with his dark-haired lover - no matter what the cost.

-Meanwhile-

"O-Ow! That stings!"

"I'm sorry." Wendy says with genuine sympathy. "I should have warned it was still going to hurt. But on the bright side, your nose is healing just fine"

Butters then lets out a weak sniffle before saying, "That's good."

"It is." The doctor agrees. "And you won't have to worry about that pain for long; I've actually called you in some low-dosage painkillers for it."

"Thank you so much." Butters says with a smile.

"No problem." Wendy reassures as she re-ties her sloppily done ponytail. "I'm afraid you can't leave yet, though. My assitant still needs to return from the psychologist's office, and get confirmation that the medicine we're going to give you aren't going to be affecting any of your current medication."

Butters was about to correct her, to say he wasn't on any medication, but then the memory of his visit to Pattie's office stopped him.

It was weird being on antidepressants for the blonde.

They just came in a small, round pill at each of his meals, and left behind a foul taste if he didn't swig enough drink to wash it all the way down his throat. There was a noticeable decrease in anxiety, Butters noted, but it did nothing for the guilt he felt. It didn't stop the knowledge that he pushed a docile person such as Tweek to violence, or the fact that nothing he could ever say would make his actions justifiable.

"Sorry that took so long."

The sudden sound of a voice that had followed an opening door made the blond finally snap out of his pity party, and sees a nurse with long, curly blonde entering the room. And, as she came closer, he spotted a nametag on her lime-green scrubs that read "Bebe".

"I ran into Clyde in the hallway, and we got to talking." Bebe explains as a light tint of red brushed across her cheeks. "I know he's a bit of a womanizer, but his flirting is just so adorable sometimes! Like today, he had complimented me on-" The curly-haired blonde then stops when she notices her coworker giving her an impatient glare. The other then clears her throat before continuing, "Uh...but that's not relevant, I guess. Anyway, I spoke with Kyle, and he said Butters medication shouldn't be affected by the low-dosage pain killer you wanted to prescribe him."

"Good." Wendy says, followed by a relieved sigh. She then turns her attention back to the other blond before speaking once more. "Alright Butters, you're free to go. I have to warn you though, Kyle may call you to his office later for a bit of questioning, but in the meantime, the cafeteria is still serving lunch if you're hungry."

This instantly caught the blondes attention, and, after the words left the doctor's mouth, a small growl of hunger came from his stomach.

"I am actually pretty hungry." Butters comments with a small smile. "Thank you for telling me."

Wendy just gives a slight nod of acknowledgement, and the blond takes this opportunity to leave. Once outside, he then quickly navigated through the halls, and in just a few minutes, found himself in front of the cafeteria doors.

However, the blond couldn't help but notice something strange.

All the other patients seemed to be intentionally avoiding eye contact with him as he went to get his tray, and even turned their backs to him when he came out of the line. Butters was momentarily confused by this, but decides it's not that big of a deal before taking a seat at an empty table. Conversation then flutters around him, and a feeling of loneliness begins to creep in.

That it, of course, until a certain curly-haired dirty-blonde walks in.

"Hiya, Bradley." Butters calls out the other. The other then looks over nervously, and the blonde gives a kind smile before continuing. "So, um...I couldn't help but notice the people you usually sit with aren't here right now. Instead, maybe you could...sit with me? That way we could keep each other company."

The other seemed almost startled by this offer. He then bit down nervously on the tip of his thumb before casting uneasy glances around the room - as if he was making sure no one was watching - before slowly approaching Butters table.

"I-I'm sorry, Butters...but I can't." Bradley mumbles out, keeping his gaze to the floor. "People have been saying that...y-you're really bad news; ever since what happened with Tweek. I-I just can't risk losing control again by being around a bad influence…"

"Bad influence…?" Butters asks in a bit in confusion. He then shakes his head before continuing, "Look, Bradley, that whole thing was just a huge misunderstanding. What happened with Tweek was...unfortunate, yes, but I promise I didn't intend to make him freak out like that! You have to take my word on this!"

"I-I...I don't want to lose myself again..." Bradley says shakily. "I-I'm sorry, Butters…"

Without another word, the taller of the two then quickly heads to the cafeterias exit, and even when he had gone through the doors, the blond stares blankly in the direction the other had left in.

Butters was utterly dumbfounded by what just happened.

Not only had he learned why the others had been avoiding eye-contact with him, but also that they truly resented him for what he'd done to Tweek. This level of animosity aimed towards him was new and terrifying to the blonde, and as he sat there, occasionally poking and nibbling at his food, one thing became clear.

Things were changing in the Institution, and there was no way to stop it.

-Later That Day During the Scheduled Exercise Block-

"And now everyone's cross with me...but I guess it's what I deserve..."

"Bullshit." Christophe interjects with an offended scoff. "Ze guy was obviously bat-shit crazy. It was only a matter of time before he snapped on someone; you were just ze one zat was on ze business end of it."

"He's right, ya now." Damien joins in as he lifts the weights in his hands over his head. "The souls of the damned are often overly sensitive. It's nothing you should concern yourself with."

Butters couldn't help but slight confused by the others wording, but shakes it off before giving a short sigh. "Regardless, I still feel awful about what happened with Tweek. He was just...such a normal seeming guy when I first met him."

"Yeah, normal." Damien comments sarcastically while rolling his eyes. "Ya know, if that guy was your definition of average, I'd hate to see what you think is strange."

Christophe gives a chuckle at this observation, and Butters couldn't help but get a small smile from it as well. After all, the blonde figured, every patient in the Institution was there for one reason or another. Tweek was obviously no exception to this, and while what Butters said set him off, it wasn't what had originally lead him to be sent here.

"By ze way, Butters, I needed to ask you somezing." Christophe says after helping Damien off the bench press. The two then make their way over to where the blonde is, and after checking to make sure the guard wasn't entirely focused on them, the brunette begins to speak. "Our plan to escape is about to be put into motion. All that's left is for the supplies to get to us. You're still going to help us escape, oui?"

The other was caught off guard by this.

"Oh...um...look, I..." Butters attempts, but can't find the correct words. In all honesty, he had been partly convinced that what the two had been talking about was a joke, but yet, they were still bringing it up.

"Is something wrong?" Damien asks as the other continues to struggle for words.

"I just...don't think it's wise for us to be joking about stuff like that." Butters finally explains. "A guard could hear us, and we could get in serious trouble."

Silence fell upon the group.

"We're being completely serious, Butters." Damien clarifies after a moment. "Me and Christophe both agree this institution is beneath us. Geniuses aren't meant to be confined behind bars with people who barely understand our mentality. We should be out spreading knowledge to the masses; not taking orders from some lowly guards!"

"He is right." Christophe chimes in. "And I have personally had enough of your stalling. Ze time to answer is now.. Eizer you're going to help us escape, or you aren't."

Butters bit his bottom lip at this.

The sudden cause for decision flared his anxiety. After all, the three were sent there through court orders, and what they were considering was breaking the law. However, the thought of being free and having a clean slate enticed him to no end.

"...I...I suppose I'm...not saying no." Butters finally answers.

The two raise an eyebrow in curiosity at this.

"So you're saying you want in?" Christophe asks.

Butters gives only a moment of second thought before slowly giving his answer.

"I...I just wanna know what I'd be getting into if I agree." Butters clarifies. "I don't exactly agree with breaking the law, but...I at least wanna hear you two out."

The two seem to get matching smiles, and quickly look to see that the guard overseeing them wasn't paying attention before huddling together.

"Alright, so here's ze plan:" Christophe begins in a low whisper. "I've been keeping track of ze guard rotation schedule for a week, and have discovered zat for a whole half hour, from five-zirty to six, one of the two guards take zeir lunch. Zis means if somezing were to "accidentally" happen, such as a fire, ze one here would be so busy scrambling to get zat under control, one could easily slip past to freedom."

"Wait...so you're going to burn something?" Butters asks in slight confusion.

"Not just any something." Damien states with a proud smirk. "We've spent days scouting for the perfect room to torch, and it's been decided that Kyle's office is the best option."

Butters swore he felt his breathing stop for a whole minute at this.

"I see zat look, Butters." Christophe suddenly comments before Butters could say anything. "It has to be Kyle's office because it's the farthest room from the entrance. Zat way, if the flames spread faster zan expected, we'll still have our way to escape."

"But...won't he get hurt?"

"Kyle?" Damien asks. "No. We weren't planning to burn him, just his office. We found he goes out to lunch with Stan every Thursday for an hour, so as long as it happens within that window of time, neither of them will even know about the fire until notified."

Butters blinks at this, "Oh...I...I guess that alright then."

"So you're definitely helping?" Damien asks, out of place enthusiasm in his tone.

"Yeah...I am." Butters reassures with a nod. "But I serious; no one is getting hurt. Okay?"

"Of course, of course." Christophe says with a dismissive wave. "Just meet us at Kyle's door during your lunch in two days, and we'll take care of the rest."

The blonde nods, and the three resume normal gym activities. At the end of their session, the all went their separate ways, and were escorted back to their rooms. However, even as Butters and Damien settled in for the night; Christophe was up and waiting preparing; a plan kept secret from both his "friends" overtaking his thoughts.

-Later that evening, with Christophe-

"And you're sure he's going to go through with it?"

"Of course he is." Christophe says before rolling his eyes. "It's not like I'm an amateurs at zis. I've got Damien convinced we need Butters for our escape, and as for Butters...well, let's just say everyone shunning him practically did my job for me."

"Well, at least you didn't screw that up." Eric mumbles under his breath before letting out a heavy sigh. "Alright, so the only thing left to do now is wait till for our little plan to tumble into action. And, as long as no slip-ups occur, my future will be secured within two days."

Christophe narrows his eyes challengingly at this. "And where exactly does my reward fit into zis plan of yours, you American swine?"

"Hey, watch it, asshole." Eric hisses back threateningly before continuing in a slightly calmer tone. "And don't get your dick in a twist, I didn't forget about our agreement. You and your boy-toy will be getting your precious freedom soon enough; it's all about patients at this point."

Christophe seemed pleased, but not completely pacified by this response.

"Damien is just a good friend." The Frenchman clarifies. "And just how soon is soon? I'm growing rather annoyed by zis entire place, and refuse to wait for my promised freedom much longer."

"I get you wanna get out, but I can't really give you any solid dates yet." Eric answers with clear annoyance in his tone. "There's been a snag. We've been given orders from Token to amp up security ever since the whole Tweek incident, and I can't risk any suspicious behavior. Just know it'll be sometime within the next three or four weeks. That's the best I can do at the moment."

The brown haired male looked visibly displeased about this development.

It was clear he'd rather have what he was promised sooner, but after taking a moment to really think about the position him and Damien were in, it became apparent there weren't any other options for him to choose from.

"Fine." Christophe says with a clearly bitter undertone. "I will continue waiting. But before I just stay quiet, I must know one thing. Why is getting that blonde wimp framed so important to you? He's practically the definition of harmless."

"I don't believe that's any of your business."

"I suppose." Christophe nonchalantly begin. "But it's a rule of mine to know ze intentions of my employers. Good, bad, it doesn't matter. Ze bullshit has to be cut, and I need ze real reason I'm spending my time on zis job. And since you say it's almost done, I thinks it's more zan fair I get told, in a manner of speaking, ze con behind ze con."

"And let me guess; if I don't tell you, you'll rat me out to someone like Stan or Kyle, right?" Eric asks with a small, almost amused smile on his face.

Christophe gives a shrug. "It would be nozing personal, but yes." The taller of the two then takes a moment's pause before continuing, "Maybe because of how shady you're acting, I'll also tell zem you framed Butters, and are ze reason he wound up in zis nuthouse in ze first place."

This comment causes Eric's amused smile to fade.

"You would stoop that low." Eric says in a suddenly serious tone. He then lets out a heavy, annoyed sigh before continuing. "Fine. Since you just have to know, I'll tell. Just know that nothing we say here leaves this room."

"Of course."

Eric then takes a moment's pause, as if considering the best place to start, and then begins telling his tale. "Firstly, it wasn't me who had killed Butters mom, and I have no idea who it could have been. Besides, I had only spoken to her once or twice in the time I knew her, and had nothing against the women."

"But I take it you know Butters family?" Christophe questions with a raised eyebrow.

"Most of them, yeah." Eric explains. "Me and Butters had been roommates in college up in Denver during our first three years. And, being the stupid college kids we were, both of us had our fair of trouble. I mean we were involved in some really crazy shit."

"Do anything illegal?" Christophe asks with mild interest.

"Occasionally." Eric responds. sounding uncharacteristically cautious. "But I'm not about to tell you any of them. I believe you have the information you wanted, yes?"

The other remained silent for several minutes before answering; "For now."

"Good."

Sensing that there was no more business to cover, Christophe stands before silently exiting the room. Eric, however, stays at his desk, and once the other was fully out of view, opens the top drawer on his desk. Inside laid a day planner that was flipped to a calendar. All of the days previous had been crossed out with a red X, and just two spaces ahead, the box was circled in red ink titled simply as "The Big Day". Seeing he was so close success, Eric allows a curled smile to come across his features, and even begins whispering to himself.

"This whole thing is almost surreal. I've literally been planning this whole thing since that fateful day you ran out on me. I bet you even thought you were a safe...and now, here we are. Just forty-eight hours from you getting the thick dose of karma that you deserve."

The other then lets out a low, taunting chuckle before slowing closing the drawer once more.

A/N: Hello everyone! I just wanted to apologize for the long wait on this chapter and for what I'm about to announce. As much as I hate to say it, this story is going on an official hiatus so I can get the remaining chapters finished and get them up faster than the month-to-month thing I'm doing now. I really don't have a date I can give that tells when I think this pause will end, but I promise this story won't get forgotten. Also, thank you all so much for your comments, and I hope I can make this hiatus relatively short for you all. :3