The next day was a Friday. I'm glad to have finally reached the weekend. After last night's events, once again South Park somehow managed to return to normalcy. It hadn't been easy because unfortunately there had been a higher number of deaths this time around. 13 South Park citizens had been murdered last night. However according to some inside information I received from Officer Barbrady who survived the horrible ordeal, 7 Starry Wisdom cultists had been killed as well. Including the one Stan and I fought at the local Power Plant.
"I killed three of them!" Cartman bragged.
As soon as school ended for the day, all my friends planned on heading over to the local Ice-Skating Rink to do some ice-skating. It snowed a little in the morning earlier but now the sky was a bright sky-blue. Before picking up our skates, we decided to treat ourselves to some snacks. Token and Clyde were waiting in line to buy some snow-cones, Craig, Tweek and Jimmy were renting skates for the ice rink, Wendy and her girlfriends were already ice-skating while taking selfies with each other. Stan, Kyle and Butters were off buying pretzels and soda, while Cartman and I sat at the table with a good view of the ice-shaking rink.
"So the guy had three black tentacles inside him?" Cartman said, making a disgusted face. "How does that work? Is that what gives you eldritch-powers? No fucking thank you. I don't want those squiggly worms crawling around inside me. How do I get powers like yours, Kenny?"
"I was born with my powers," I said scowling solemnly. "Believe me Cartman, these powers are not fun to have. And as for those black tentacles, I don't know exactly where they come from. They most likely come from Nyarlathotep and it enables him to control the cultists somehow."
"At this rate, that damn Outer God will ruin Christmas," Cartman said with a frown. "There must be a way to get rid of Nyarlathotep. Kahl has been researching the Cthulhu Mythos for weeks and hasn't come up with anything useful yet."
While Cartman was complaining, I couldn't help eying the bandages on Cartman's right-hand. "Hurt yourself last night?" I questioned him.
"Just a nasty bite from those black tentacles," Cartman shrugged. At that moment, Stan, Kyle and Butters came back with deliciously salted pretzels fresh from the oven. Stan was handing me my Pepsi while Kyle sat down next to Cartman to share their pretzels. Kyle was also eying Cartman's bandaged hand with concern.
"Cartman, are you sure you don't want to go to the hospital to get that checked?" Kyle asked him.
"I'm fine, Kahl. Quit your bitching," Cartman said dismissively while biting into a soft pretzel.
"You were pretty reckless last night, fatass. You could have gotten yourself killed," Kyle scolded him.
"Yeah… And if I hadn't clawed that black tentacle to death, it would have strangled you," Cartman said. And with a wry smile, his bandaged hand reached over to gently touch Kyle's hand affectionately. And despite his stubborn frown, Kyle returned the loving gesture all the same. Their love for each other ran deep, more than people knew…
While the boys were enjoying their pretzels and talking about regular things, Butters finished all of his pretzels and drank the rest of his Sprite They saw that he was looking very excited about something. "What's up with you today, Butters?" Kyle asked.
"Today is the day," Butters said eagerly. When he saw that the others didn't understand, Butters told them. "I'm finally going to meet Hart Angel today. I told her to come here so that we can go ice-skating together."
Stan and Kenny exchanged quizzical looks while even Kyle was looking uncertain. "You're meeting this Hart Angel here?" Cartman said. "What does she look like? Is she hot?"
"Well…," Butters rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "The truth is I didn't get a chance to see what she looks like. But you know what, fellas? It doesn't matter. Maybe it's high time I stop putting so much importance on looks and appreciate a gal for her spunky personality."
"I don't know, Butters. What if she really isn't that much of a looker?" Stan had to ask. "Do you really think you can accept her no matter what?"
"You know something, Stan? I think I can," Butters smiled confidently. "You guys don't have to worry. After all, I don't exactly look like Brad Pitt myself. All that matters is that my girl treats me right. Isn't that what we all want in a relationship?" With that, Butters tossed out his trash and waved good-bye. "I'll let ya guys know how it goes! Wish me luck!"
With that, Butters began to make his way over to the beautifully decorated Christmas tree where Hart Angel agreed to meet him. Butters' already got butterflies in his stomach. He couldn't wait to meet her. Would she be pretty? Was she blonde, red-head, or brunette? And what about the color of her eyes…? Butters finally stood by the Christmas tree and prayed he wouldn't be stood up. Every time a lovely girl walked by, Butters hoped she was the one… Butters must have waited for a good 15 minutes when finally someone did approach him.
"Butters? Butters Stotch?"
To Butter's biggest surprise, he found himself face-to-face with a boyishly cute guy with messy curly blonde hair and wearing a teal-colored winter-coat and stormy-gray jeans. His hazel-brown eyes met Butter's baby-blue ones. Butters stared back at him with a nonplussed expression. The boy smiled adoringly back at him that eventually the moment turned awkward. Butters realized he was staring and finally managed to find his voice.
"Um…I'm sorry. Who are you?" Butters asked politely.
"It's me, Butters. Don't you recognize me?" the boy said shyly. "I'm Bradley. I'm the one who you've been talking to for the past month. I was really happy to reconnect with you after all these years."
"Bradley? From that camp we got sent to that one time?" Butters gaped at Bradley. And then it was all was starting to come back to him. Butters remembered being sent to that weird camp for supposedly being confused. It wasn't until years later did Butters finally understood what bi-curious actually meant. But even now, Butters hadn't entertained the possibility of being attracted to another boy. And yet… Bradley was positively glowing at the sight of Butters before him.
"I…I don't get it," Butters spluttered. "I…I thought you were a girl! Hart Angel is a girl's name, right?"
Now it was Bradley's turn to be puzzled. "Wait… You actually thought I was a girl? You didn't know?" Bradley looked hurt. "Hart is my surname. I'm Bradley Hart. Angel was a nickname my aunt gave me."
Butters hadn't been expecting this at all. His secret admirer was none other than Bradley. A boy who'd become infatuated with him all those years ago. A boy who apparently never forgotten about Butters at all. "I'm really sorry, Butters," Bradley said sincerely. "I wasn't trying to trick you. I honestly thought you knew who I was all along."
"That's okay…," Butters said understandingly. But deep down, he was already feeling disappointed. Butters still couldn't wrap his mind around it. He bonded with Hart Angel like no other. All the flirtatious comments, all the special conversations they've shared, the secrets they've exchanged. To think that it had been Bradley all along. For the first time ever, Butters really was confused about his feelings.
"I know it's been years but I've never forgotten your face," Bradley said meekly. Already he was starting to become nervous. Butters' reaction wasn't exactly as he had hoped. By the looks of it, Butters clearly thought he'd been conversing with a girl. "I just want you to know that everything I've ever said to you was the truth. I meant every word. My feelings haven't changed for you, Butters."
Butters was deeply flattered by Bradley's attempts to make the situation less awkward. And yet Butters still struggled to figure out what to do now. Perhaps there was only one thing to do. "Bradley…, Butters began with a sad sigh. "I think you're special and all but… I'm just not into guys. I can see that this was an innocent misunderstanding."
Bradley looked absolutely crushed. "Really? But…but all those years ago you were sent to that camp because you were bi-curious. Are you saying that you've never once been attracted to a guy?" But then Bradley stopped himself. He didn't want to come off as forceful. He wanted to try to be understanding. "No, it's okay. You don't have to answer that. You know your own heart, Butters. You're not into guys. I can respect that."
With that, Bradley turned and started to sadly leave the ice-skating rink. Bradley fought to keep himself from breaking into tears. All he wanted to do now was crawl into the nearest hole and start nursing his broken heart. "Bradley, wait!" Bradley felt a hand grab him by the arm to stop him. Bradley turned around to see Butters smiling at him.
"Don't go, Bradley. I don't want to forget the bond we've made with each other," Butters told him kindly. "You're already here. Let's go ice-skating together. This doesn't mean we can't have a good time. Come on, let's go!"
At least it was a start. Butters hadn't rejected him. But it only made Bradley fall even more in love with the buttery-blonde boy. Who knows? Maybe if he'd play his cards right, Butters might start seeing him as a potential love-interest. But if it didn't work out, Bradley was still willing to respect Butter's wishes. Now both blonde boys went over to rent ice-skates while in better spirits.
Tweek had been distracted all day. He'd been watching interestedly over at Butters talking to another cute-looking blonde guy. But now he turned his attention over to his boyfriend and friends who were having fun ice-skating. Tweek had a plan… He'd been thinking it over all day and he finally made his decision. It was the best way to bring him and Craig closer. Now Tweek skated over to Craig who was on his phone typing something on his facebook page.
"Go ahead, Jimmy. The camera's running," Craig said, holding up his phone so as to record Jimmy carefully skating over the ice with his crutches. Tweek stood by watching as their handicapped friend skated along with Token and Clyde.
"T-t-thanks, Craig. Be sure to send the p-p-photo to my facebook page," Jimmy called over while using his crutches to keep perfect balance on the ice.
Tweek decided to bid his time. For now, he would have fun skating with his friends. But when the time came, he would lure Craig over to it. He'd been keeping his eye on it all day. "Anybody up for some lunch? It's on me!" Token offered.
Soon Craig, Token and Clyde were ordering food at the concession stand while Tweek and Jimmy went to pick out a table. While watching Stan, Kyle, Cartman, Kenny ice-skate on the rink, Jimmy turned his attention over to the nervous-looking blonde sitting across from him. "Well this is it. Are y-y-y-you ready to make him yours?" Jimmy asked.
Tweek nodded while remaining determined all the same. He'd been confiding in Jimmy lately and the handicapped boy had been very supportive and encouraging. "I'm ready for this, Jimmy. I'm going to let Craig know today," Tweek said firmly.
Craig and his gang enjoyed a nice lunch afterwards. Token was enjoying his Chicken Tenders while Jimmy and Clyde both got themselves hotdogs. Craig and Tweek got themselves the Bacon Cheeseburger and were sharing french-fries. They couldn't help but talk about last night's events and the ongoing horrors coming from the church on the outskirts of town. They all agreed that there was definitely something evil inhabiting it. Once they've finished their food and tossed out all the trash, Craig started to follow his friends back to the ice-skating rink to work off all the food he just digested but he felt someone gently tugging him away in another direction.
"Come take a walk with me," Tweek said.
"Uh, okay?" Craig said stoically.
Walking hand-in-hand, Craig curiously wondered where Tweek was taking him. Perhaps to go watch the Christmas Tree Decoration Competition? Whoever decorated the brightest most beautiful tree, won a Christmas tree for free. Along the way, Craig admired a couple of nice-looking Christmas Wreaths for sale. And then Tweek led him over to a Christmas Flower Arch. Craig thought they were going to go through it but suddenly Tweek stopped and they stood under it.
"Hey babe, what are you…? Craig started to ask. But that's when he first noticed it. Just above their heads, was unmistakably mistletoe? And when Craig looked into his boyfriend's eyes, Tweek's eyes, he saw the powerful emotions behind them. Tweek's eyes always reminded Craig of a beautiful green pond where one could dive in and never come up for air. Craig wouldn't want to come up for air…
Feeling his heart beating with excitement and nerves, Tweek gazed up at Craig and decided now was the time to make the big move. Tweek took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "So…here we are," Tweek said softly.
Craig's eyes soften like they always did whenever he laid eyes on Tweek. Craig often put up a tough front around others but being around his beloved twitchy blonde babe always brought out a soft spot. Tweek was the one and only person Craig ever lowered his guard around. "Yeah, here we are," he agreed. Craig's eyes searched Tweek's. "Do you want a kiss?"
Tweek could feel his face burning red-hot but he nodded determinedly all the same. "Yes… But do you want to kiss me?" Tweek asked who couldn't resist a flirtatious smile.
Craig didn't even have to think about it. "Yes." But then he regarded Tweek curiously with a smile. "Then again, it "is" expected of us, right? Everyone expects us to kiss." Craig took Tweek's hands into his and held it. "You do know that I don't give a flying fuck what people think about us?"
"Of course," Tweek said who was starting to feel calmer. "We decided to be together because we wanted to be together. It was never about pleasing the whole town's expectations of us. We agreed on that a long time ago." And despite all those years they've spent together, Tweek couldn't but ask one question. "Do you ever want…more?"
Craig considered the question and then he knew without being told what was probably on Tweek's mind. "Do you want more?" Craig asked him. He carefully watched Tweek for his reaction. And Craig saw something stir to life inside Tweek's forest-green eyes. The love and passion was always there, but there was also a hint of secret lust and forbidden desires. Craig was intrigued and for the first time ever, he was curious about Tweek's sexuality. "Yes, I do…," Craig admitted quietly.
Tweek's heart leaped inside his chest at these words. It was all he needed to know. It helped to keep his anxiety at bay. "Can I have a kiss?"
"Ah what the hell," Craig shrugged nonchalantly. "It is Christmas. Come here, hot-stuff."
As per the tradition of the Christmas mistletoe, Craig leaned over, Tweek closed his eyes in anticipation, and Craig ever so gently pressed his lips upon Tweek's into a sweet tender kiss. But then Tweek succumbed to his own powerful emotions. The next thing Craig knew, Tweek was already wrapping his arms around his neck and pulling him closer. Then their kiss deepened… Craig wasn't prepared for the wild beating of his heart, or the way Tweek's lips caressed his lips hungrily. Tweek was shivering in delight but for once it wasn't from the jitters. Kissing Craig was just as heavenly as he imagined.
Craig meant it to be an innocent kiss but before he knew it, he was returning the kiss just as passionately. The strong emotions that Tweek brought out of him, it was like being swept into a storm. And Craig was at the center of it, holding Tweek in his arms, running his fingers lovingly through Tweek's wild locks of blonde hair. It felt like an eternity but when their kiss ended, Tweek looked up into Craig's marble-blue eyes and saw that he wasn't the only left breathless by that sizzling kiss. Craig didn't realize the kiss was going to be so intense. So this is what he was in for?
"Are you doing anything tonight?" Craig whispered.
"One wasn't enough?" Tweek chuckled. His heart still hadn't stopped pounding and his cock hardened at the idea of sharing more intimate moments with Craig. "No, I'm free tonight." And in that moment, Tweek finally made up his mind on what to get Craig for Christmas this year. It would be the best gift ever.
Well there you have it. I really like the Bratters ship and it's always been a guilty pleasure of mines. After all, everyone has that one ship that they secretly like, am I right? More chapters will be forthcoming as usually. See you soon!