Sorry for not updating recently! Remind me never to make a story up as I go. I tend to run into a lot of writers block... And discovering Free! Iwatobi Swim Club was also quite a distraction.. But totally worth it! I also forgot to describe Craig's tattoo. It's like just a simple Scorpio symbol. If you're not sure what it looks like then you can always look it up!
lovekyman: I'm the same way! Lol I always catch up before reviewing. And thank you so much for the lovely compliments! *Sends virtual hug.*
horizon: I can see all the boys in South Park attractive as teenagers. Especially Kenny and Craig. ;)
g-peachy-chan: I love when Craig shows emotions to Kenny that he normally wouldn't show to anyone else! Omg I ship Crenny so hard. Haha!
Thanks for the reviews! They seriously make my day when I see a new one. :)
Kenny McCormick
"Hey, Kinny. Wanna stay and play some basketball? Stan, Jew-Boy, Clyde and Token are willing," Cartman asked as they changed back into their casual clothes after a rough practice. Sweat dripped through his long locks as he slid his orange parka over a plain t-shirt. "How late you plan on playing?"
Cartman huffed at the question, as if it were obvious to Kenny. "As long as we can. Living with Wendy is worse than Hell itself." Kenny rolled his eyes at the saying, sitting down to tie the strings on his shoes. "Cartman, you know Hell is way worse."
It sucked knowing that Eric Cartman was the only one on this planet that knew about Kenny always dying and coming back, but it was a relief as well. At least one person knew he wasn't out of his mind. Although, Cartman was a douche and never backed Kenny up while the blonde was practically screeching at his friends while trying to explain why he was always away for long periods of time.
"Whatever," the chubbier boy rolled his eyes, "You in or not?" Kenny chewed on the inside of his cheek as he leaned up from his shoes, "I'll have to call Craig or something so he'll-" His sentence was cut short as a deep laugh bellowed throughout the locker room. Teammates turned and glared at the two as Cartman laughed and Kenny's face grew heated in embarrassment.
"Craig isn't your mommy, Kin. He doesn't need to know your every move." He shrugged his shoulders in what seemed to be a casual manner, but Cartman thrived on the embarrassment of others. "Is he your new lover? Heaven forbid your boyfriend gets upset that you don't inform him of your every move."
"Knock it off, Cartman. He's not my boyfriend," Kenny hissed, eyes narrowing a bit as he rose from the bench placed against the lockers. "Now, we gonna play or not?"
Cartman grinned, knowing he was triumphant in this little wager. "Yeah, I'll get them while you finish up." Cartman left momentarily, letting Kenny greet this silence warmly.
After they had all finished up in the locker room, the boys made their way towards the outside basketball courts with backpacks and football bags in arms. Kenny shivered as a cold gust of wind ruffled through his hair, only a reminder that winter was getting nearer. He tugged the hood of his parka up, pulling the strings to where most of his face was covered from the bitter wind. It seemed like it was always winter in this mountain town, besides the few months of summer.
Kenny silently lagged behind his companions as they lead the way towards the courts. He could hear them chatting about subjects that didn't interest him, like the fact that Clyde and Bebe were back together. Or that Mr. Mackey had been caught smoking pot but wasn't going to get fired for it. Okay, that last one was a bit interesting but he simply listened.
It was easy to guess that Kyle had told Stan about how he felt. He noticed the short stolen glances they would share, or the way Stan suddenly looked Kyle over. Kenny felt proud that Kyle had finally admitted his feelings for Stan, and damn was he glad that he was a bit right on how Stan would like Kyle back.
When choosing teams, Kenny found himself with Kyle and Token. Then the lean boy was soon guarding a much bigger Clyde for most of the game. The brunette would ask questions about how the bet was coming along.
"How's it going with Craig?" Clyde had asked while everyone else was distracted with Kyle and Cartman's endless bickering. This time it was about if Eric had fouled or not.
Kenny refused to meet Clyde's gaze as he stared off at the trees covered in snow that seemed to scatter themselves around the basketball courts. His shoulders raised in a nonchalant way, "I guess it's coming along fine. We talk a bit more than we did at first."
Clyde snorted, "Man, are you even trying? Okay, listen. As much as I'm lovin' the idea of you being embarrassed from stripping in front of most of the school, I'm gonna help out a bit."
Kenny's slightly dark eyebrows furrowed as he looked the taller boy over in confusion, "What do you mean?"
Clyde rolled his eyes as if Kenny was completely clueless, which he was. "Bebe is having a huge party this Friday night. Booze and a lot of other things that are illegal for under aged teens. Invite Craig to come along with you. He's a bit of a drinker."
His lips pouted at the new information. Kenny's tongue skimmed over his canine before giving Clyde a wide grin, "Sounds like a plan. Thanks, bro."
Kenny's attention was brought back to the argument that was almost finished. Token huffed in anger as he threw a hand up, "Guys, are we playing or not? I could be catching up on homework right about now instead of watching you two morons fight."
Before anyone could say more, a familiar blue truck pulled into the parking lot and headed straight for the paused basketball game. Blue eyes watched in wonder as Craig parked and stepped out of the truck. What's he doing here?
"Sup, man?" Clyde greeted but was promptly ignored as Craig slowly made his way towards the group of teenage boys. Kenny watched as a faint sneer crossed his face as he noticed Stan and Cartman. The harsh facial expression only softened once his hazel eyes zoomed in on the blonde idling near the base of the basketball hoop.
"I came to see if you needed a ride home," Craig directed towards Kenny. His hands were shoved deeply into the jeans of his pockets, the blue chullo tugged tightly on his head as ebony bangs almost reached his eyebrows. His hair was almost like Stan's, but Craig would never agree to anything about him being similar to Marsh. "You know, considering you car broke down this morning."
Kenneth McCormick had officially pronounced his rolling piece of shit dead this morning. Craig had drove him to school but hadn't even thought that he would be back to get him after practice. He felt caught off-guard at the offer. "Uh, sure."
Kenny grabbed his football bag and backpack, slinging both over each shoulder. "I have to go. See you guys later."
He had heard many grumbles about having to quite the game due to uneven teams. And heard Cartman mumble about Kenny having to leave to 'satisfy his boyfriend.' Kenny simply ignored it as he walked towards Craig's car and hopped into the passenger side. Once the engine was running and warm air seeped through the truck did Kenny slide off his hood.
"Thanks. I need to junk that car soon and get a job after football season so I can get a better car."
Craig simply grunted in acknowledgement as he stared at the road ahead. Kenny couldn't help but shift around uncomfortably in his seat at the awkward silence that hung in the air. It was puzzling how this silence between them suddenly felt awkward. Kenny didn't realize until that moment how comfortable most of the silences are that they share.
It came to mind that something must be troubling him. Kenny stole a quick glance towards the driving boy, but shrank back at the expression planted on his face. He wasn't positive if he should ask what was wrong or simply sit there until Craig calmed down.
Once they had pulled into the Tuckers' drive way, Craig shut the engine off. Kenny opened the passenger door, casting Craig another glance as if silently willing the boy to get out as well. Instead, Craig sat there with his jaw clenched tightly as gray eyes glowered at the house looming before them.
Kenny sighed, shutting the door behind him and sitting still in the uncomfortable truck seat. He kept getting a gloomy vibe from Craig who was sitting with his back stiff and hands gripping the steering wheel. "Are you okay?"
"Just peachy," Craig growled through gritted teeth. Kenny flinched at the bitter sound in his voice. Craig sighed through his nose. Kenny knew that Craig had saw the reaction Kenny made. Those burning hazel eyes meet Kenny's, making his stomach do twists.
"Let's go somewhere."
Kenny raised an eyebrow in confusion, wrinkles forming on his forehead. "Where?"
"Anywhere. Away from here."
The way Craig spoke worried Kenny to no ends, but he agreed and Craig was soon starting the engine back up and exiting the driveway. There's definitely something wrong with him, Kenny thought as the scenery blurred by.
They were soon found at the park. Around this time of the year, the town's park was mostly barren with the exception of a couple of stoners. Today, the only people here were Craig and Kenny.
Craig parked on the side of the street and as soon as the engine was cut off, he hopped out of the truck and was soon making his way towards a set of swaying swings. Kenny stumbled as he went to catch up to the long-legged boy.
He took the empty seat near Craig, reliving all the memories this park gave him. It was another escape from his family when he was a kid, like Stark's Pond was. Apparently this was Craig's escape place as well.
They swung in short motions while listening to the occasional dog bark down the street or the sound of the branches rub against each other in the breeze. Almost peaceful if he didn't feel as stressed as he was.
"Alright," Kenny finally started before the silence between them drove him insane, "What's up?"
He watched as Craig swallowed, looking down at the snow-covered grass with blank eyes. "Why do you care?" he finally asked.
Kenny felt stumped as he pondered this question. He wasn't sure what to say. Talking to Kyle or Stan about their problems was always easy. But talking about Craig's was as if trying to defuse a bomb that had two wires that were both red. One would make him explode while the other would defuse him. Kenny took a wild stab in the dark.
"You're my friend. And I don't like seeing you this way."
The expression Craig now wore was unreadable. Kenny prayed that he didn't cut the wrong wire. The silence was unbearable and for a moment, Kenny thought Craig wasn't going to answer him.
Kenny almost jumped when Craig spoke. "I get into a lot of arguments with my dad. Sometimes they can get pretty bad. I mean, I have a terrible temper and so does he. When they collide, you know it won't turn out well."
Kenny felt proud about Craig actually telling him what was wrong. Although, helping Craig would differ extremely from the way he helped Kyle. Different people need different solutions. The solution Kenny was about to say was pretty bad, but it was a start.
"Why don't we get your mind off of it. Bebe is supposed to have a party tomorrow night. Supplying stuff us children shouldn't have. Why don't you come with me?"
Craig looked up from the ground to meet a slightly pleading gaze. "Come on, Craig. Besides, I need a date." Kenny wiggled his eyebrows at the joke, grinning widely as Craig chuckled. "Well, I won't be going as a date. More like a friendly acquaintance."
Kenny shrugged his shoulders as he kicked out further on the swing, "Either way. You're comin' along with me."
