Vain

A/N: Here's a new chapter, I hope you guys enjoy!

Matt Stone/ Trey Parker own South Park!

Chapter 8: More questions than answers…

Kenny's P.O.V.

"Kenny?" the soft voice of my sister pierced my ears, subduing a little bit of the high that I had experienced from the fair two days ago. "Yes?" I replied moving my head slightly to look at her as I was lying on my bed. Karen was currently in my busted up closet getting her pajama's which were in a brown box in the back of my closet. "I've never seen you so happy. I'm glad," Karen said giving a warm smile as she pulled the brown box from out of the closet and began to open it.

"You think so?"

Karen smiled. "I'll be back Kenny, I'm gonna go to the bathroom." I nodded as I noticed she had her pajamas in her hand. "Yeah, sure. Don't forget to brush your teeth!" I reminded. "I will!" she replied as she made her way of the room.

I rolled over as I released a happy sigh. Wendy's sweet scent still lingered on my clothes making me feel as if I was being wrapped in an endless cocoon of warmth.

"Wendy..." I murmured her name. Sending a wonderful shiver down my spine. My tips of my fingers still tingled a bit as I remembered my fingers as I ran them through her soft and silky black locks.

As my mind and senses seemed to be swarmed with nothing but Wendy since coming home, it was then that I realized, that I Kenny McCormick had it pretty fuckin bad for Wendy.

In retrospect, I didn't have a problem at all with this as this feeling of joy and just pure happiness was something I hadn't felt in a while with all the bullshit I had to deal with from my drunkard parents, was it so wrong that I was happy? (Was it?)

On the flipside, I could see a certain fat douchebag individual, saying his typical bullshit, and causing problems for both Wendy and I. And, while I know Wendy and I won't tolerate it, it didn't mean we wanted to deal with it (fuck!)

Great, I hated when I did this, I took a mostly positive situation pull out the negative and dwell on it until it ate me up inside.

Thankfully for me Karen had now finished in the bathroom and spared me from own mentally self-inflicted dilemma. "I'm back from the bathroom, and I did brush my teeth like you told me to!" the proud and cute look on her face caused me to chuckle.

"Good. Now time to go to sleep," I said in a warm tone as I gave a warm smile and patted the soft spot next to me as Karen, non-surprisingly enough stifled a yawn and began to make her slowly make her way over. As she climbed in the thick blue sheets of mine, I smiled, as she looked at me with tired eyes.

"T-thank you, Kenny." Her voice soft as it was now riddled with sleep. "What for Kar-bear?"

"B-because you and Kevin took me to the fair, I-I was able to have fun! We didn't have to listen to mommy and daddy screaming at each other. It was nice..." Karen, even with the sleepiness taking a hold of much of her speech, I could still hear the sadness in it as she mentioned our deadbeat parents.

Even at a young age and not knowing much about the world, it seemed as if my parents were always at the other's throat... why? I slowly began to trace the small scar that was now and forever a permanent part of my cheek on my already semi-damaged skin from our many adventures.

"We're your big brothers Kar-bear, we love making you happy don't you forget that."

Karen gave a smile before her eyes eventually fluttered shut and I could hear her soft snores echoing around my room. I sighed, I was by no means tired and decided if I wanted to get any semblance of sleep, I should probably clear my head, so I decided to do something that I hadn't done in quite a while. With Karen now sound to sleep and my house dead quiet, I slowly maneuvered around her and made my way to the closet. Reaching deep in the back I pulled 'it' out.

The all too familiar costume of my alter-ego Mysterion. Looking at the outfit, the dark hood and the black half mask with the Riddler-like question mark on the top, while the bottom was white briefs over the base of my lavender suit with an all-black belt. And of course, the most important part of costume, the symbol; a bright green 'M' on the front. I gave a small smile as I went to the bathroom to dawn the outfit. As I looked at myself in the mirror, I could feel all the different memories flooding back to me... Coon and Friends, Cthulhu, Captain Hindsight (dude's a dick, hindsight my ass) Hell, shooting myself (then again, I'm the only one that'll ever remember that)

Thankfully for me, my outfit still fit. 'Alright, I should get going so that why I can get back before Karen or everyone else wakes up.' I left the bathroom and headed back to my room. I grabbed iPhone tucking it safe somewhere in my suit before opening up the window and headed closing it softly and headed out into town.

The town was surprisingly quiet and didn't seem to really need my protection, which I guess in the grand scheme of things was most likely a good thing as our town was already fucked up as it is so the less bullshit I had to deal with the better. A part of me did miss beating the shit out of people though.

I was currently sitting on top the rooftop the police station one of my legs dangling haphazardly off the building. I went into the precinct earlier to check with Sergeant Yates or any of the other officers to see if they had anything for me, but again, surprisingly enough the town of South Park was unbelievably quiet.

Looking the clock it read 8:30 p.m. hopefully Kyle was still up. I kinda needed to thank him, because, honestly with though him, I'd probably shit be chicken shit and never would told Wendy how I felt. Plus, I didn't really feel like going home right now.

Hey Kyle you up?

I wait for a response, the warm Colorado winds wiping at the bits of my exposed skin. I then felt my phone vibrate.

What's up Ken? I just got out of the bathroom.

Oh nothing much really just patrolling the city.

I swear Ken you'll get yourself killed doing this.

I rolled my eyes at Kyle's comment. "Oh I have, it's not like any of you guys would remember if I did." I murmured somewhat annoyed.

I'll be fine, trust me! There's not much goin' on tonight anyway ;)

I gave a small chuckle as I pictured Kyle giving an aggravated sigh.

So what did you want to talk to me about? I'm sure it wasn't to tell me about being a wannabe Batman vigilantly. :P

Hey! Anyway, I just wanted to say 'thank you'

You're welcome?

That talk you gave me about taking a chance. Because of that well...

I'm glad. So, where do think you both will go from here?

I asked her to go out with me.

I know.

You know? Wait, you were there?

Maybe...

I was so happy no one was around right now and could the blush decorating my face right now.

You are one sly son of a bitch aren't you Kyle.

Lol. Sorry, sorry. Besides, you helped me out too. I was able to tell Bebe. We're both in the same boat, like you said.

I once again rolled my eyes.

There's one thing I realized though, Kyle.

What?

I'm still avoiding Stan and I know I probably sound like a coward for saying this, but what am I supposed to say? Not to mention, if Cartman gets a fuckin' whiff, he'll be like a dog in heat.

...To be honest Ken, I don't know what to tell you. I'll help you when it comes to Cartman seeing as we know how much of a douche he can be, but as for Stan, I get it, but he's gonna find out eventually that your dating his Ex, how he'll react is up in the air, it'll be up to you if you wanna just get it out in the open or continue to play Hide n' Seek. Not to mention, continuing to stall won't just affect you, but Wendy as well.

"Well no shit," I said kinda aggravated. More at myself than Kyle. At the end of the day, once again Kyle was right. At the same time, I knew a part of me didn't want to hear the truth, I wanted to remain ignorant, as dickish as that sounded.

I sighed as I typed.

Kyle why are you always the voice of reason? I guess... I'll deal with eventually... thanks, Ky.

Yeah, no prob. Sorry I couldn't be of much help...

No, trust me, you've help enough. I should be able to take the reins now! ;D

'I hope...'

With that, I told Kyle I'd see him Monday. I checked the time on my phone and it read, 11:00 p.m. I stifled a yawn as I decided that it was probably best to head home just in case Karen possibly had a nightmare. I put my phone in my suit, I really needed a pouch to put my phone in (hell, I should get a whole damn utility belt, wannabe Batman, ha! We'll see about that!)

As I traversed the rooftops to make my way home, I saw the familiar damp green color of Wendy's house enter my view. I gave a small smile. There was a part of me in the deep recesses of my mind that want to go check in on her, but I really didn't want to seem like a creeper or anything. Plus, I wasn't really ready to up and reveal the whole Mysterion alter-ego just yet. I'd rather introduce it along with the whole immortal thing so that way it'd be easier not only on Wendy, but myself.

I climbed through my bed room window and closed it quietly behind me. Thankfully for me, Karen was still sound asleep. I then headed to the bathroom to strip out of my costume and into some warm pajamas. Once that was done I was wear a white t-shirt with a small hole near my stomach, causing me to feel a slight chill. Even so, I gave a quick stretch and decided before heading to sleep to get a drink of water. I quietly made my way into the kitchen grabbed one of the chipped cups we had in our cabinets and turned on the faucet. As the last of the water trickled down my throat I sighed as I hadn't realized how parched my throat was. I then made my way back to the room. I gave a small chuckle as Karen had now fully immersed herself in my covers. I then climbed my way inside the covers and lay my head down on my pillow and closed eyes for the night.

Wendy's P.O.V.

I gave a small yawn as the sound of my ever-present alarm clock began to chime throughout my room waking me from my all too pleasant dream. 'A dream where Kenny and I were going out, and in the end Kenny and I kissed…. And yet, why did it feel all too real?'

A knock on my door woke me from thoughts. "Wendy, your father and I are heading out!" I heard my mother's muffled voice through the door. "Alright Mom, have a good day!" I replied uncharacteristically chipper. I could hear my mother's footstep fading down the stairs. After a moment or two I decided I should get ready. I grabbed my black nerdy glasses that were laying on my side table and placed them on my face as I headed to my closet to fish for some clothes. After sometime debating, I settled on a lilac sweater with a black vest-hoodie and jeans. I then grabbed my clothes and headed into the bathroom to get my day started, never coming down off this sudden high of happiness I was on.

Once I'd taken my nice warm shower and gotten dressed, I went over to my mirror to brush out the knots that liked to build up in my hair. As I was doing so, I couldn't help but find myself humming, I was just so damn happy. The thought of wearing my glasses today didn't bother me in the slightest. And to be honest my eyes weren't really in the mood for putting somewhat irritating contacts. 'Dreams are certainly a powerful thing if I could get this happy over one.' I brushed the final knot out of my hair before placing the brush down on the counter. I then grabbed my messenger bag that was lying on my chair and began to place my books inside. Feeling I was set for the day, I grabbed my cellphone and placed it in my pocket, took my bag and tossed it over my shoulder and made my way downstairs, pulling my door closed softly behind me.

I found that I wasn't really clamoring for food this morning, so I decided to just get granola bar. I stuffed the tightly wrapped bar in my vest's side pocket and went to go put my shoes on. Giving my shoes a double tap to make sure they were on nice and snug, which not surprisingly they were I headed out, locking the door behind me.

Not surprisingly enough, it was rather chilly as I stepped out into the morning air. Little did I expect, however, was to hugged from behind as an all too familiar earthly scent filling my noise sending a pleasurable shiver down my spine. Taking my once thought dream and bringing it to reality.

"Mornin' beautiful." I heard a sweet voice echo in my ear. "H-hi," I stuttered out. I felt Kenny turn me around in his grip so that way I was facing him. His cerulean irises filled with warmth as I stared into them, I could feel a small heat to my cheeks.

"Even in the morning, you still manage to be so cute. Not a bad way to start the day, I say."

This comment only caused my blush to deepen. Geez, I was such a sap at compliments.

"You're not so bad yourself."

"Why thank you my cute nerdy professor," he said in a sweet teasing voice. "H-hey, you—" before I had chance to reply, I felt Kenny's surprisingly warm lips come in contact with mine, causing any thoughts or reply I had turn into mush and incoherent psychobabble. My body also wasn't helping matters as I felt myself leaning into the kiss. It was as if I was stuck in a trance. And I was all too sure Kenny felt the same as I felt his arms snake their way around my waist pulling me closer.

Sadly, air was a requirement as I soon felt Kenny's warm lips leave mine exposing them once again to the cold. I must have looked rather dazed as a chuckle escaped Kenny's lips and his eyes had a certain glint to them.

"Was I really that good princess?" I now felt his warm breath on my ear sending a pleasurable shiver down my spine. Seeing as I didn't reply, Kenny seemingly decided to take this as a sign to give it another go, as I once again felt his lips on mine, this time with more passion as I my hands unceremoniously always went to his hood, it was something of a habit it seemed. As my hands combed their way through his soft hair, I heard a moan escape his throat.

My inability to comprehend anything was put even more to the test as I now felt Kenny smoothly inserting his tongue into my mouth. Our tongues now wrestling for supremacy. Eventually, air became a catalyst as we could now only hear our own labored breaths as I rested my head against Kenny's.

"Y-yep, not a bad way to start the day after all," Kenny replied smiling giving me a loving look. I nodded as I started lovingly back. "T-think we should start heading to school now?" I questioned.

"Hmm, we could… or… I could make you a rebel for once and we could go make out," he said giving a wink as well as a mischievous smirk. "As interesting as that sounds, Mr. Bad boy, we do have a test coming up," I replied giving him a knowing look. This bit of news didn't seem to faze him. In fact, it was quite the opposite as I could once again see that certain gleam in his eye.

"True. We are study buddies aren't we?" I once again felt Kenny's hot breath on my ear. "So… do these study sessions come with make out breaks?" I slowly backed away from Kenny a look of confusion plastered on his face now. It was my turn to give a mischievous smirk as I took one of my gloved hands and grabbed onto his.

"Maybe, we'll see…"

I chuckled as I saw a blush pepper his cheeks as well as a small smirk.

"Can't argue that. Lead the way beautiful…"

Kenny's P.O.V.

I was in my own little world as not surprisingly Mr. Garrison's words went through one ear and out the other. Sadly, Mr. Garrison decided take this as an opportunity to bother to ask me a question on whatever the hell he was teaching.

"Kenny?"

"Hm?" I questioned lifting my head lazily from my desk.

"Answer the question for me please?"

I gave a tired sigh as I adjusted myself so I could properly read the question.

Maisy is trying to put together a puzzle, but_ having a hard time.

"Kenny do you know what contraction goes here?"

"U-um, is it 'She's'?"

The small smile that decorated Mr. Garrison's face told me without a doubt that I was correct. A small since of pride welled up inside me. Wendy's bit of tutoring seemed to be paying off. Knowing this, I was even more grateful for having Wendy as both a girlfriend and a tutoring partner. 'God, could lunch hurry up already?' I was silently tapping my foot rather impatiently as the methodically ticking of the clock began to worm its way into my brain slowly driving me crazy.

Class seemed to continue like this until the heavenly ringing of the lunch bell. I watched one by one as some of the guys eagerly exiting the class. Hell, Mr. Garrison seemed just as eager for this moment of reprieve just as much, if not more so. A paper bag that I could only assume was his lunch resting on his desk. I watched as he opened the bag fishing feverishly inside, ultimately pulling out a plastic baggy that seemed to hold a sandwich.

At this point, there was very little of us left in the class at this point. There was Butters, who seemed to be feverishly searching for something. Stan, who was having what seemed to be have an in-depth conversation with Kyle. While Cartman seemed bored out of his mind waiting for them to finish. Oh, and Wendy and Bebe were talking about whatever girls talk about.

On the subject of Wendy, I found my eyes drifting to Wendy. She looked so nerdy that I couldn't help admire how cute she was with her nerdy framed glasses that she hated so much. 'I wonder if I could get her to wear them permanently…'

"C'mon, guys let's head to—" I was so entranced by Wendy that I failed to notice that Stan of all people had made his way over to me.

"Hello, earth to Kenny!" I unceremoniously caught the cold wind of Stan's hand as he decided to annoyingly wave it in my face. "W-what?" I replied clearly annoyed. "Sorry, dude. Not my fault you're staring off into space and didn't hear me. Anyway, c'mon we're heading to lunch." I gave a sigh, "Alright, I'm coming," I slowly got up, stuffing my hands in my pockets. At this point Stan was already half-way out the door. "O-oh where is it?" I heard Butter's voice rattled with worry.

"What's wrong Butters?" I questioned as I walked toward him. His hand's and eyes feverishly searching both the inside of his desk and backpack. "Mom's not gonna be happy…" he was absorbed in his own thoughts that he failed to notice me until I placed a hand on his shoulder causing him to jump and ultimately hit his head on the part of his desk. "Eeep, ow!" he cried softly.

Butters looked up at me slowly a small tear in his eye. "Sorry 'bout that Butters," I said giving an apologetic smile. "T-that's ok, Kenny." His light brown eyes and voice still riddled with worry.

So, what's got you so worried?" I asked once again seeing as I now had his attention. "I-I—" he started, but stopped himself as if he didn't want to bother me with his problem. "C'mon Butters, I'm not gonna tell your parents," I stated reassuringly. I knew his parents, they were pretty dickish in the way they treated him most of the time, grounding him for otherwise stupid stuff or shit out of his control.

Butters gave a shaky sigh, "I can't find the money that my mother gave me to pay for lunch today."

"Let's do a quick double-check." I suggested. Butters nodded. We searched the desk, Butters backpack, but ended up with nothing. I rubbed the back of my head sheepishly. "It could be that you miss placed the money at home?"

"M-maybe…" Butters sighed once more. "I-it's fine Kenny lunch is almost over anyway, you should go. I'll just eat when I get home."

I shook my head, "Hold on…" I said as I walked away from him and went over to my backpack. I opened up my backpack and began fishing inside. "Ah, here we are." I said as made my way back over to him placing some money into his hand. "K-Kenny, I can't take this!" he said trying to hand me back the money, but I wouldn't let him.

"Just take it Butters," I stated reassuringly giving him a smile. "B-but what about you K-Kenny?" he questioned still unsure. "Don't worry I'll be fine." I didn't want to tell him that I was used to going days, almost weeks without much food. "A-are you sure Kenny?" Butters was still uncertain. "Yes, yes, I'm sure. Now get some lunch before lunch ends and recess starts." I smiled once again. "A-Alright, if that's okay with you. Thank you so much Kenny, you're such a great friend, I will pay you back for this, I promise!" With that small declaration and a smile gracing his lips I watched him scurry out of the classroom toward that cafeteria. What I also neglected to tell Butters, not that I cared, was that was also my money for the entire week. Little did I realize was that at that time, the only people in the room at that point were Wendy and Mr. Garrison, whom at this point had finished his sandwich and was reading some novel.

"Wendy your still here?" I questioned.

She nodded and smiled, her black framed glasses resting on her face perfectly making her amber irises 'pop' and look even more cute. "Yeah, I didn't mind waiting."

"Ah, well let's go, then…" I said.

I felt her warm fingers lace themselves with mine as we headed out of the classroom to the cafeteria…

Wendy's P.O.V.

As we came up to the cafeteria's double doors, I felt much to my disappointment Kenny unlace his fingers with mine. Kenny, must have been able to sense my disappointment as felt his warm lips on my cheek. "I'll see you later…" he said giving me a warm smile giving me butterflies my cheeks heating slightly.

"Y-yeah…"

With that I watched Kenny enter the cafeteria, I waited a bit to make sure anyone didn't get the wrong idea. Once I felt that enough time had passed, I walked inside thankfully, no one seemed to either notice or care. I quickly noticed Bebe who was chatting away animatedly with Red and Nichole. A small smile graced my lips as I made my way over to them, landing down with a 'plop' next to Bebe. "Hey," I said, startling the girls somewhat causing me to chuckle.

"Hey, Wendy what took you so long?" Red questioned. I could feel Bebe giving me a knowing look. "Oh, well…." I started, but Bebe only seemed to see this moment as an opportunity to embarrass me. "She was probably hanging out with her boyfriend," Bebe stated a mischievous gleam in her eye.

"Bebe…" I warned, but only seemed to spur her on further. Not to mention, I could see the pining look in Red's and Nichole's eyes as they waited for Bebe to spill any and all juicy details.

"Did you get back with Stan?" Red asked, causing both Bebe and I to practically almost fall off the bench. "Well…?"

I quickly shook my head; I could also feel the heat rising in my cheeks. "N-No, It's…. not Stan…" I could feel my gaze wanting to focus on Kenny, but I knew I had no choice but to fight it as to not give anything away.

'Who is it then?" Red continued to pry not wanting to let the subject drop.

"Why do we have to pry into my love life?" I whined as I dejectedly buried my face in my arms.

"Oh, c'mon, Wendy… It's not like I'm gonna judge you or anything," Red tried to reassure. I lifted my head somewhat. My amber irises couldn't help but stare into Red's questionably. I sighed I decided to go against possibly my better judgment and give the girls the information they seemed to so desperately crave.

"Fine. You win."

As the words left my lips, I could see the knowing gleam in Bebe's eyes. I scowled at her pretty much conveying inner feelings. 'God, I hate you so much right now.'

"Kenny…" his name left my lips. I could feel the knots in my stomach building now that all that was said in done was out in the open.

"H-huh?!" both Red and Nichole exclaimed in unison causing some, but thankfully not all heads to turn towards our table. "Shhh!" I chastised, glaring at them.

"S-Sorry Wendy," Red whispered apologetically, "But you can't be serious, please tell me this is one big joke."

"And what if it's not?" I snapped. "So much for not judging!"

"C'mon, Wendy he's a playboy! Are you sure you wanna get involved in…" I followed her gaze as it landed on Kenny's back. "That?" she questioned. "You act like you know him," I stated glaring at her somewhat.

"I do."

"Oh, really?"

"Yeah, I know his type. They act like they care for you, but in the end they're just using you. Wendy I don't want to see you do this to yourself, you could do so much better." As I listened to the self-proclaimed bullshit spew out of Red's mouth I could feel anger slowly but sure building up inside me.

"Who are you to dictate who I should and shouldn't date?" I seethed.

"I-I'm not saying that Wendy." Red stated defensively.

"Then what are you saying? Cause that's what that sounds like to me, Red." I replied clearly annoyed.

Red sighed, "Look Wendy. I know you're capable of making your own decisions, but don't you think that this… rebounding is a little bit to—"

"Rebounding?!" I practically yelled. I could feel eyes on me as I brought my voice down to a harsh whisper.

"Screw you Red!"

"Am I wrong?" Red rebuked.

I felt my anger at its boiling point.

"Yeah, you are! You don't know Kenny like I've gotten to! He's kind, sweet, caring. He's more than a playboy!"

"Sounds to me like he's got you wrapped around his finger. I'm tellin' you Wen—" but at this point I'd had enough of Red's false accusation bullshit. I stood up. "You know what? Say whatever you want Red if it'll help you feel better, I don't care anymore." And without another thought I grabbed my tray and walked away without a word.

At this point lunch was over and everyone was outside and playing around. I was still somewhat steamed from earlier and Bebe and especially Red must have been able to sense this as they decided to let me be and go on about whatever the hell they were doing without so much as a glance at me. Which in all honesty suited me fine.

I needed sometime to myself. I wasn't sure why, but while I didn't regret what I told Red, I couldn't help but find myself questioning my words. Throughout this whole project, hell, even now being his girlfriend. I still knew very little about Kenny. Yeah, sure I had context clues with how acted around others and me, but it was more of the fact that he never talked about himself. He always managed to derail the conversation to about me.

Well… that was about to change.

My eyes drifted to my orange hooded boyfriend who was playing football with the guys. A smile slowly, but surely graced my lips.

I guess Kenny was gonna get that study date after all…