DISCLAIMER:

I know this is a very sensitive subject. This is not an intention to romanticize shootings and school violence. My focus is on the characters within the situation and their relationships with one another. This is also not an intention to make a violent image out of drug users, this is highly a hypothetical scenario. If this comes to offend anyone, please let me know, and I'll reconsider taking it down/fixing it.

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The brass bell's large bring of South Park High buzzed through the afternoon hallways. Students and teachers dispersed from their respective classrooms and offices for study hall, as teens of the small town went about their general business that Tuesday afternoon.

Talking amongst each other in the usual schedule, a shaggy and slightly unkept raven-haired boy about seventeen pushed through the surrounding bodies. Holding a stack of books lazily by his side, while wearing his favorite worn brown hoodie over a red tee, and blue-grey cargo pants, accompanied by laced black chucks. He approached the open locker where his peer stood behind. Gathering the acquired books he needed before closing his locker to see his best friend.

"I'm so done," the dark-haired spoke in his usual calm manner. "I told my dad I couldn't help with Tegridy sales after school, and he asked where my family honor was 'pushed' to."

His friend snorted. Sporting messy but trimmed red curls as he turned in sympathy. Donning a green flannel over an orange tee, with similar forest-green jeans and black and white Nikes. "What'd you say?"

"I didn't," Stan said, leaning back against the metal of the locker rows. "I said he could find me at hockey."

Kyle nodded. Stan's schedule between hockey and the Mountaineering club kept him distracted enough. He liked to put his focus on certain physical activities without making a huge fuss to others about it. He wasn't much of a bragger. Though he got around with friends, Stan was still chill and square to those he didn't know.

His friend could say a little differently. Debate club kept Kyle heavily invested in talking non-stop, and Community Charity club was often heavy-duty. Then when spring came around there was baseball with Stan, again. And Kyle also kept up with basketball in the winter. Any kid in this town wanted to make a profile when aiming for a future. And though these friends had different and similar interests, their friendship wasn't superficial enough to fall apart because of it. A funny quirk about norms in a small-town high school.

"Didn't hear from you all weekend," Stan pointed out.

Kyle slightly cringed. "I had a run-in with the fatass...we're assigned for a group project.."

Stan wasn't fazed. Not because of Kyle and Cartman's history, but because Eric hadn't been close friends with them or Kenny for a number of years now. Things drifted when their values changed, so Stan had never been mad about it. Kyle wasn't either, but it didn't mean his old frenemy couldn't get on his nerves any less.

"Just whining about something his girlfriend might've said."

"To you?"

"No," Kyle muttered. "But in the middle of a fucking seminar practice. I told him if he wanted to keep bitching about Heidi, to go do it to her face so she can at least have a punch on him."

"Wow, and that bothered you all weekend?"

Kyle ignored the question. Maybe when it came to Cartman complaining about a certain girl, it always bothered Kyle.


A few doors over, Butter Stotch laid out his History books in an attempt to get some studying done. Looking over the chapter on import and export laws in an attempt to understand it one more time. He tapped the hunter green of his chuck against the other, nervously scratching his blue jeans and clean-pressed short blue button-up laid over them carefully with his well-kept style and gelled-back blonde hair.

As people vacated the classroom reserved for studying hour, two friends entered past in approaching Butters. One with symbolic red hair, that of her nickname Red, cut just below her shoulder with wispy bangs. Her oversized green and white polo accompanied her denim mom jeans with rips at the knees, her brown combats, and shell chocker and bracelet tied in her overall soft grunge aesthetic. Nichole accompanied her, sporting her hair with two long french braids that went to her hip. As well as an Adidas yellow jacket over a black tank and black skinny jeans, with golden hoops and white vans.

Butters looked up as the shadows draped over his textbook. "Oh, hey ladies."

"Butters, we wanted to ask you about the school play."

As random as it was, Butters turned in his seat with listening ears and his usual approachable smile. "Well...okay."

"Look, the drama club has a low on candidates for male leads right now," Nichole said as she took the seat next two him at the four-person work table. "Which is so stupid. We just think that you'd be great for the role."

"What role?"

"We have just enough to do A View from the Bridge," Red said, attempting to excite Butters with a shake of his shoulder. "And we think you'd be perfect for Eddie."

"You mean that Arthur Miller fellow's play?"

Red nodded in her usual chill demeanor. Though excitement filled her and Nichole's eyes in anticipation of the boy's agreement. He looked down at his textbook, unconfident in his decision.

"Oh, geez. I dunno ladies, my parents are already on me for getting my grades back up."

"Please consider it?" Nichole asked, grabbing her friend's wrist. "Miss Dotty says if we can meet with her in coach's office by today with you, she'll give you a definite chance at an audition."

"Yeah, please?" Red also begged. "It used to be so fun doing theatre together."

Butters pressed his lips down. Highly nervous about what his parents would do if his grade in history got any lower, but highly intrigued by an offer his performing heart couldn't resist.


"Remember, X equals the missing value." A raven-haired girl tutored her peer gently. She sat in the middle of the busy cafeteria with her math books open at the emptied end of the table. She adorned her preppy style with a purple fitted turtleneck and high-waisted brown suede skirt. Accessorized with yellow knee-high socks and knee-high laced brown suede boots, as well as a purple headband that framed her hair around her face.

"C'mon, Clyde. You got this."

He shook his head, holding his shag of brown hair in one hand as he stared at the page. He shook at the flap of his red cargo jacket in frustration, draped over his navy blue tee and same-colored jeans with full-black chucks.

"I'm telling you, he did not teach us this."

"Remember, follow the rule of Bedmas," Wendy said, pulling out her cheat sheet to show Clyde her arranged notes. "Brackets first, then work your way in. Easiest trick in the book."

"Maybe in yours, shit." Clyde groaned. "Forget it, I'll settle for living on the street."

Wendy shook her head in slight amusement. Then looking up at the approach of a familiar raven-haired boy who came by her and leaned an arm against the table. Capturing her lips in his own for a hello kiss as Wendy smiled Stan's way.

"How was class?"

Her boyfriend sat across from her and Clyde. "Eh," he said. "I'm ready for today to be over."

"Midterms are indeed a bitch," Wendy said. "But at least we can hang out tomorrow."

Stan blinked. "Tomorrow? I have hockey."

"Oh, right," Wendy said, biting her lip in thinking. "Friday?"

"I guess, but I gotta get stuff for my camping trip first."

"Eh," Wendy said, knowing how tired that would make him. "Starting Monday I have regionals' practice."

Stan sighed gently though smiled woefully. If he thought his schedule was a lot, he remembered just how much of a busy bee his girlfriend made of herself. Balancing Bio club, Student Council, volleyball, and cheerleading. She definitely wasn't one to bite off only enough to chew. As of late, it was hard finding personal time as a couple. Though nothing drove them more to find a way.

"Shit," Stan realized just how busy they got themselves. "I miss hanging out with you.."

Wendy frowned gently. And though her perfectionist ways were telling her not to, part of her said screw it. "Maybe I can miss one day of cheer?"


With an empty classroom in hand, four other friends did just about the opposite of studying. Instead, they looked through Reddit memes of certain animes and mangas they enjoyed watching while propped against a wall on the classroom floor. In the middle sat Craig with his laptop, with his boyfriend Tweek to his left. Craig wore his blue zip-up over black jeans and combats, cozy in his attire with an addition of a blue beanie hanging loosely on the back of his head over his black locks. Tweek leaned against him, adjusting the sleeves of his long-sleeved green tee and similar black jeans, although he sported white high-top vans with them instead. On Tweek's left in a chair with his crutches propped against the wall, Jimmy Valmer watched with quiet eyes. Brown hair shagged under a grey beanie similar to Craig's, as well as a navy blue tee with a bright yellow zip-up sweater over it, sported with jet-black jeans and checkered vans.

To Craig's right, also invested in the memes, the orange hoodie was a giveaway. Kenny shoved his hands into his kangaroo pocket of the sweater, sporting a silver dog-collar necklace over the hoodie. The orange of his sweater included a graphic design in black of another favorite show of his. He as well sported green cargo pants including a silver pocket chain and black timberlands. His honey-blonde had grown into shaggy curtain bangs that made it easy for him to get it out of his face with a simple shake.

"Guys!"

All four looked up at their friend entering. Wearing a purple varsity tee with yellow trim and a number over blue baggy jeans. As well as orange Nike high tops with his textured hair trimmed into a short afro with early-aged growing stubble already appearing on his face.

"Yeah?" Craig asked.

"Bebe just dropped it," Tolkien explained. "They're expelling Brad Heaton."

Tweek gaped, practically twitching in surprise. "No way!"

Kenny blinked. "For what?"

To answer his question, a curly blonde girl entered. Wearing a red cropped top sweater, with a black pleated skirt with white accent stripes on the hem. She accompanied her powerful look with white high-top platform converse and silver ear hoops, with her bundle of blonde curls held in a high pony. The ponytail added confidence and definite convenience for her role in the cheer squad.

"Sneaking the hard stuff into school." She said, happily laying her books down on a table.

"So?" Craig inquired. "You smoke weed."

"I don't mean kush," Bebe dismissed. "I mean that hard shit. Needles and street pills. He already got a warning twice, they were going easy on him."

"Oh, god." Tweek worried. "What's he gonna do now?"

"I dunno, but," she kissed her teeth. "Poor guy's parents aren't exactly ones to hear him out."

Kenny shrugged, getting to his feet as he grabbed his books for the next period. "'Kay, well, I gotta go find Karen." He said, looking out for his freshman sister. With most of her friends studying, he said he'd do a late lunch with her and meet at the school's front since his Physics club session was canceled today. An opportunity Kenny rarely liked to miss when Karen always knew how to take her brother on an escape from the rest of the world and just vibe.


"Eric, was this worth dragging me into the boy's bathroom?"

"You don't understand, Heidi!" Cartman's voice loudly cracked against the white phenolic walls. Wearing an unbranded red and black letterman jacket, with worn blue jeans and grey sneakers. His hair was trimmed relatively short in a spiky top to fit his style. His girlfriend stood warily in front of him, sporting a short denim overall dress over her pear-green floral, puff-sleeve blouse. Her yellow vans were accompanied by matching pear-green socks that hugged just above her ankles, as well as a baby-blue scrunchy holding her ashy-brown locks in a half ponytail with loose baby strands framing her concerned face.

"What's there not to understand?" She worried.

"Tammy Warner came on to me! Everything she's saying is bullshit!"

"Even if she did, it didn't seem like you stopped her.." Heidi shyly pointed out, rubbing a hand up her bare arm to avoid anxious goosebumps. Her football-playing boyfriend may have been one for exaggerated lies, but she wasn't so sure where these girl-central lies were coming from as of late. She heard from a few it had something to do with the last game he played. Sure, football was relatively the more popular sport at this school compared to others, but Heidi was never one to ask Eric to prioritize her over anything. He was understanding when she had yearbook or theatre, or cheer.

Well, sometimes.

"Can you just stop it? Whatever it is?" Heidi asked, exhausted from the argument. "It'll just make me feel better."

"There's nothing to stop though!"

The door squeaked open as the couple stopped mid-breath to the redhead who'd come in to use the facilities. Simply standing awkwardly when he found himself in the middle of what he already sensed was another stupid argument. Though the exhaust in Heidi's body language was readable.

"What's going on?" Kyle asked. Receiving no answer from either two, he looked to Heidi urgently. "What's wrong?"

"Kyle, please go away.."

"It's the boy's bathroom."

Heidi suppressed a sigh. "Yeah, okay. Let's go, Eric-"

"You won't even hear me out?!" Cartman continued. "Tammy Warner is the bitch here! You know I'd never hurt you!"

"Wait," Kyle interjected. "You really hit on Tammy?"

"Kyle-" Heidi tried.

"I thought that was a rumor."

Eric eyed his ex-friend. "And that's your goddamn business, Kahl?"

Kyle rolled his eyes. "Oh, relax."

"No, please, give your psychoanalysis!"

"Maybe I just don't like a cheater when I see one," Kyle hissed. "At least I'd wanna know if I'm sharing a school with one!"

"Kyle-" Heidi tried, holding two hands forward before anything got out of control. "It's fine. I got it."

He looked at Cartman frustratingly.

"Please."

Kyle sighed deeply, giving a warning glance to his old frenemy. "Just don't be late for history...I'm not doing your half of the work for the project."

"Chill out, it's not like I-"

The sound of a sudden backfire alarmed their ears coming from the hallway. Making Cartman pale and stop as the shot was followed by a girl's scream echoing. Then another, making all three jump as students' screams of terror ensued. They stood frozen in the bathroom.

-Kenny stopped, not leaving the class as he and the others froze.

-Stan, Wendy, and Clyde all jumped up from their table.

-Butters, Nichole, and Red...began running away from the shot in the same hallway.

"W-Was that?" Heidi tried. "Was that a gun-?"

Two more shots were fired as curdling screams of students went on, making them jump. Kyle panicked and opened a stall door, urging the others forward as Cartman grabbed Heidi's shoulder and pushed her in first while Kyle closed the stall behind them. Hastily propping himself on the support bar and balancing his feet on the toilet seat while Cartman did the same across from him. Heidi sat atop the toilet tank with her feet being supported by what room was left on the porcelain. Making sure none of their feet were exposed as their wide eyes looked between one another in fear that vibrated their very souls. Feeling like they could crack at the sound of a pin drop as shots and screams continued. Heidi panicked and covered her ears while Kyle slapped a palm to his mouth over his shaking and terrorized eyes. Cartman only breathed quickened, panicked breaths as quietly as he could while he clutched Heidi's knee.


Screams clotted Red's ears as she panicked at the sight of students dropping not feet away from her. The gunfire from down the hall came in the fast direction in which the students ran from. She panicked and looked to where Nichole and Butters had been near her and barely had time to scream from her own throat as Nichole grabbed her by the chest of her shirt and booked it down the hall. With Butters nearby as they pushed past crying and howling students. The gunfire still persecuted their ears, and it didn't sound like it was getting any farther from them.

"BRAD, NO!" Red heard a girl yell amongst the wave of screams. It was at that moment Red turned her head back despite Nichole's pull, letting her curiosity take the best of her.

As she attempted to run, what felt like a huge iron fist jumped up and bit Red in the back of the calf as she howled out in tears.

"RED!" Nichole screamed, grabbing an arm and lifting her like a ragdoll. She kneeled in terror of either being shot or ran over by students passing like harsh winds around them. When Butters came and took cover too, he grabbed Red's other arm and the three busted into the nearby gym doors. Fleeting off of instinct.

"We can't go in here!" Nichole cried with tears plastering her face as they helped Red limp across the empty gym. Students still raced by outside the gym doors and didn't have the same stupid plan to hide in a giant gymnasium. Butters wasn't heading for there though, but instead, the coach's office as a man in athleisure wear and greying hair opened his office door.

"Get your asses in here, NOW!" He yelled in fear for the kids' lives. Butters and Nichole shuffled on their feet as they took Red with them. She cried out in excruciating pain at the bullet lodged in her flesh as she felt like she might as well stop if the shooter was still well behind them. Once they crossed the threshold into the office, it was shut and locked with the hope of no intruders finding their way there.


Wendy stood with frozen eyes on the students that flooded the cafeteria in screams of terror. Watching as they attempted to scramble for their life to different exits away from where the gunfire started. As Wendy heard those shots get louder, her inner shock kept her feet glued to the ground. Feeling her heart solidify as some students suddenly started to drop rapidly from hits to their backs.

Her heart had come to a halt as she watched her peers run, with some getting gunned down not feet away from her. Unable to comprehend the full scene displayed when Stan suddenly tackled Wendy by her middle hitting both of their bodies to the ground behind a fallen table top. Clyde dropped to do the same, dodging any hits as a boy running was shot by the back of his head and landed near Wendy and Stan.

Wendy slapped her hand to her mouth in a tearful scream as Stan rolled her closer to him. Shaking while exchanging a look with Clyde who simply held a finger to his lips. Hearing the screaming die down as people fled, but not so much the shooting before the gunfire ended.

Leaving them in the same room as the culprit and those who couldn't get away.


"Close the blinds." Tolkien hurried as he flicked the lights off. Bebe and Tweek did so as Kenny and Craig helped moved Jimmy to a corner on the floor underneath the shade. Tolkien locked the door as he rushed for paper and tape at the teacher's desk. Bebe ducked underneath the windows, crawling to where Craig waved her over as he held Tweek's shaking hand.

"T-Tolkien," Jimmy worried, huddled between Kenny and Bebe. "Hurry-"

Tolkien left the now-covered window slit of the door. Crawling under an arrangement of desks near the others.

Bebe looked above her at the crack of sunlight peeking through the closed blinds, and at the boys surrounding her. "Are we sure that was-?"

More gunshots ensued above the students who screamed, making all six of them shake. Kenny huffed as he watched his friends brim tears and hold each other tighter. He hugged his knees as his eyes twitched in internal fear. The shots felt endless, and Bebe grabbed Craig's knee. Making him look at her and the ghostly terror embedded in her eyes. He was never sure he'd actually seen her scared before.

A particularly loud scream amongst the rest made the group shiver, and Tweek covered his ear with his free hand and buried the other one against Craig's shoulder. His boyfriend nuzzled his forehead against his as he shut his eyes shakily. Bebe reached for Jimmy's shaky hand across the couple to calm him as Kenny kept exchanging looks with Tolkien. He, while terrified, watched that still door like a hawk and the screams and fires that came from beyond it.

Kenny watched too. Hearing every scream come longer than the next. Brudle than the next. Horrified. In all, he heard screams that could've been him if he stepped out of this classroom any earlier. Screams that could've been...

...his sister.

He paled as his heart shrunk, and suddenly he was on his feet.

"What the hell are you doing?" Craig hissed.

"Karen-" Kenny stumbled forward though he was halted by the hand that grabbed his shoulder. Tolkien's fingers curled like iron around Kenny, keeping him from stepping forward as he turned to face his friend. Tolkien's eyes were fired with anger. Not for endangering himself, but for Kenny's instinct to so easily disregard his own life.

"Sit down."

"Karen.." he muttered although Tolkien grabbed Kenny's wrist when he so much moved an inch. "Karen is at the front exit, I was supposed to meet her."

"Kenny, sit the fuck down," Tolkien growled lowly. Kenny looked from him to the door and Tolkien curled a fist. "Sit. Now."


Wherever the gunfire had gone, it had strayed from that bathroom. Making the hollow silence more terrifying as the three remained in the stall. Kyle had spent what felt like a millennium staring at the floor in physical shock. He swallowed against the raw of his throat to look at Heidi who clutched her middle and stared forward with unblinking eyes. Looking as if she could fall and shatter if a gust of wind pushed her. Cartman still clutched her knee, staring down at the floor in obvious fear yet frustration.

"...just wait it out." Kyle whispered at a barely audible level. "Anyone can say they're a cop..."

Heidi's head bobbed in a slight nod, and Cartman didn't move. Kyle laid his head back against the stall's wall to look at the empty ceiling. Wondering what his parents could be thinking right now, or what they were doing. If he hadn't forgotten his phone in his locker, he'd text them, tell them he loves them. Text Ike. Do whatever he could to show his appreciation for those who got him where he was today. He snuffed up the tears that threatened to spill and kept looking up.

"Who would do this..?" Heidi then asked. "Oh, god.."

He looked back down as Cartman now held Heidi's hand.

"An idiot.." Cartman muttered.

"Sh.." Kyle hushed. Nothing he could say would be helpful or comforting right now. Cartman shot an angry brow at his distant rival. Kyle ignored the face he was making in order to avoid starting anything in the midst of this. He kept picturing his family and friends, keeping clear skies in his head.

He looked back when Cartman shifted in his seat, striking fear through Kyle's core. For god's sake fatass, don't make me have to save your life. Eric's eyes shifted in thought before looking at the redhead. Whatever he was about to say, Kyle was not gonna let it happen.

"We gotta move."

Kyle tried to knock some sense into Cartman by lowering his gaze and directing his eyes to be at the same level as his. As to reach his good consciousness. He was not about to let his life, or anyone else's, or Cartman's himself, be lost on account of one stupid decision.

"No. We can't move."

"Then what?" He whispered harshly. "Wait to die here?"

"Stop talking, Please, stop talking." Heidi begged shakily, thinking the shooter could walk in here any second.

"Maybe I don't wanna waste my last seconds like this with you."

"Don't be stupid.." Kyle begged, knowing very well Cartman would regret that if something were to happen to them. "Just stay put.."

Heidi wiped a tear that escaped and clutched herself tighter. Feeling nauseous though it hardly hurt more than the pounding in her heart. She thought of everything she wished she could go back and redo. Everything she wished she could say to those she loved before today ended. However it may end. As she tried to cover more tears, Cartman paid close attention to her face and softened.

"Babe.." he muttered. "I'm sorry...I never thought Tammy's attention or anyone else's would bother you..."

It wasn't much of an apology. Barely an excuse even, but Heidi closed her eyes. "It's okay.."

Kyle looked away.

Cartman lifted his begging eyes to his girlfriend. "I love you.."

"Don't do that.." she kept her eyes closed, wanting to disappear from this nightmare. "This is not finishing like this.."

As scared as he was, Kyle had to admire Heidi's courage. Her belief in goodwill and hope had always been a source of inspiration, and he wondered if Cartman ever noticed that about her. He couldn't wonder why these were his thoughts amidst the tragedy. But, getting stuck with Heidi, made Kyle feel safer than he could any other way.

"Come with me."

Kyle looked up in fear of Cartman holding his girlfriend's arm. Seeing Heidi's lips part in shock at what he was asking of her. Kyle stared at her, wishing for the love of Christ she wasn't about to consider this. Kyle couldn't believe his subconscious was telling him this, but he'd rather get shot than let Heidi move.

"It's too dangerous.."

"It's dangerous here..."

"Where would we go..?"

Cartman looked up at the natural light pouring into their crowded stall. Looking at the open latch of the fawning window above the last sink against the wall. The sky was so blue despite the dark horror in this school.

"We can both fit out the window. We'll be out quicker that way."

"We're on the third floor. You're gonna break something, or worst." Kyle reminded.

"It's not a bad idea."

"Yes it is."

"You've got one?"

"Staying here."

"Shut up..!" Heidi hissed under her breath. "I don't care who's got an idea, you're both gonna get us killed."

Cartman stared Kyle down and he ignored him.

"You two can't stop even when we might die..." Heidi muttered.

While Kyle understood, Cartman grabbed her arm again in desperation. "I'm not letting us die in this shithole."

Heidi opened her teary eyes to her boyfriend. "We leave, we will die, Eric.."

"I'm going whether you like it or not."

Kyle death-stared at Cartman. It was unbelievable how he'd choose to literally blackmail his girlfriend into potential death. And if Heidi moved, Kyle was sure he himself would end up going after her.

"Guys, don't." Kyle begged. "I'm saying this because I do care. Don't fuck yourselves over..."

Heidi frowned and Cartman held her arm tighter. "Heidi, please...we can make it.."

Her tears still escaped even if quietly. Kyle could see her thinking with her heart even if her brain shouted the obvious. There was a risk already staying where they were, but there was no hope if they were to move. It was a suicide.

She took her arm away from him as her eyes and trust shifted to Kyle. Her boyfriend silently gawked looking from her and then to Kyle who looked away quickly. Seeing as she wasn't going to change her mind, Cartman scowled.

"Fine," he muttered. "Then I'm upgrading to my own stall."

"What the hell are you doing?" She panicked, attempting to go after her boyfriend. Kyle's arm quickly looped around her middle, making her choke out in worry. "Eric..! God-!"

"Please don't." Kyle begged. "Heidi, don't...he'll be fine."

Heidi shrugged his arm off, looking away stubbornly. "Don't tell me that."

Cartman shut himself in on the stall at the very end. Huffing as he climbed himself onto the toilet's top while Heidi shifted into his previous spot. Kyle stared forward at her.

"I'm sorry.." he muttered.

She said nothing.

"I know he just wanted to keep you safe-"

"I can take care of myself." She shut down.

Kyle held his knees. "You're right...I'm sorry..."

She shook her head with a solemn frown. "Apologies are so overrated..."

While fear for his life was still on Kyle's mind, he nodded in agreement.

"I just wish I could go out a better person.."

Kyle looked up, sharing tears with her. "You're the person I wish I could go out as.."

He heard Cartman huff in the stall at the end, but he didn't care. He was not about to let Heidi Turner think less than of herself when on the brink of a potential end for both of them. Ever since he discovered his fondness for her at a young age, Kyle wished there was some way Heidi could see herself the way the rest of the world did.

"That's nice of you.." Heidi mumbled. "I wish I knew how to say things like you.."

Kyle wasn't sure how much more trouble he could get in, but he didn't rip his eyes away from hers. "You're a good person, Heidi.." he admitted. "Better than anyone could ever be..."

Eyes more beautiful yet broken stared at him, hovering above a lovely smile that just barely curled her lips. Heidi sniffed and laced her fingers with Kyle's who grappled hers tightly.

"I think you mean you, Kyle.."


Red winced, covering the audible pain in her palm as the gym coach checked her wound. The back of her calf was messed up by the amount of blood covering the point of impact. She breathed quick breaths as Nichole and Butters held her arm while Coach Reginald inspected it in dim light. They couldn't risk turning the lights on in case of the shooter's approach.

From the front of the office, Miss Dotty the drama teacher reentered in a walk low to the ground. Coming to join the others as she'd been caught up in the mix when intending to meet the three students in the gym office as originally planned. She wished she could survey the rest of the school, but with these three kids under her watch, she knew there had to be hope.

"Ow.." Red whimpered, biting her sleeve in not wanting to make noise. "Oh, god.."

"I know..just hold on.." Miss Dotty assured, watching the coach hold Red's calf in a press. "As long as it's just your leg where we're holding off the bleeding, we'll be fine.."

"Promise..?" Red begged, then looking to Butters and Nichole who held her free arm.

"Stotch, come," Coach Reginald urged the boy. He crawled over and took his place in holding down Red's calf with forcible pressure. Red winced from the shift of her leg as Nichole brushed her hair in soothing, while Reginald and Dotty crawled further to the office's front room as barriers in the lookout.

Butters carefully studied Red's leg. "Not the Tuesday I was picturing...heh.."

Neither of the girls were amused as Nichole clutched her friend tighter. "Red, hold on.."

"I'm still alive, 'kay..." Red muttered back.

Butters lowered his gaze back to his work of keeping her stable. "It should've been me.."

"That's not true.." Nichole said.

"It's not fair." Butters continued. "Red didn't deserve this, I-"

"Butters, shut up."

The boy silenced himself in looking at the redhead silently. Nichole too looked at the frustrated girl who was limply lying against the wall. "This isn't some 'destined' bullshit. I got shot because I got shot. You wouldn't have deserved it any more than I did."

Butters frowned. "I just...my parents said if I never took the brave hand of being a man-"

"Screw that.." Nichole said. "No one ever said if you don't die that makes you less than a man."

"Yeah, I guess.."

Red exchanged a look with Nichole and merely sighed. Watching her own leg lay in its mess, all she could think of is the bastard she wanted to drop-kick for attempting to ruin her and so many others' lives. None of this was worth anything. If they took away the sources causing this...Red wouldn't be fearing for her life right now.

"Y'know, when I came out.." she reminisced, getting Nichole and Butters' attention. "My grandfather said he'd rather be shot in the leg than hear me say I'm gay, again.."

Nichole frowned, still comforting Red. "I guess that's irony at its finest.."

"Knowing how this feels," Red motioned to her leg. "I think he'd rather take the shot than ignore that I like girls."

Butters smiled slightly. He hadn't had much exposure to gay people before Tweek and Craig came out as a couple and Red came out in middle school a few years later. It was experiences of bravery like that which made him wonder how people were so comfortable denying the wishes of parents and grandparents.

"It took me a while to get my dad to stop bothering me about how I dress..." Nichole couldn't help but chuckle.

"Dude, why?" Red asked.

"Small, white town.." Nichole said. "When we moved here, my dad didn't want me falling into stereotypes and risk...I dunno...microaggressions or some stupid shit.."

"Why?" Butters asked.

"Avoiding being what 'we' are perceived as. Whatever that means."

Butters grinned warmly. Red smiled through the pain as tears escaped and Nichole hugged her. The hysterics of talking about their life right now of all time made the three look crazy in retrospect. But Red would rather die remembering the crazy than just the bad.

As would Butters. "You ladies think you've done life right..?"

Nichole shrugged. "Have you?"

He couldn't answer that properly and tilted his head.

"Who cares.." Red sighed.

Nichole wiped the moistness against her cheek. "I do.."

Red watched Butters hold her calf tighter, making her wince though the bleeding had slowed down.

"You should too, Red."


"What's taking the cops so long?" Bebe asked.

"Like we know," Tolkien said. "They probably can't enter without knowing if students are at risk."

Despite Kenny's numbness, He still felt Craig and Bebe's arms pinning him down by his middle while in his seat. They knew very well Kenny was a ticking time bomb, and if anything urged him to run out that door, it wouldn't be easy to stop him. Especially not when thinking of Karen.

Tolkien still remained closest to the door, sitting on the floor with a listening ear. "I don't think they're on this side of the school anymore."

"So?"

"Just observing.."

Bebe shook her head. "We're gonna have to come up with something better."

"As opposed to what? Not being stuck here?"

"We're on the first floor.." Jimmy reminded. "M-Maybe it's not a l-long way down."

"That's not good idea." Bebe reminded.

"How?"

"We don't know how many there are."

"We don't need to be doing anything, guys," Tolkien whispered worriedly. "Staying here might be our only chance at seeing anyone again."

"Oh, that's nice, Tolkien." Bebe snapped. "Way to help everyone in this room not stay calm-"

"Would you guys shut up?" Craig hissed in frustration, still holding his trembling boyfriend. "You keep talking, and we're not gonna see anyone ever again."

"Fuck-" Kenny's impending strength shoved both Bebe and Craig's arms off him. They didn't react out of fear as he rose to his feet and breathed in panic in the door's direction. Looking like he was gonna burn a hole through it before Tolkien stood up in his way of vision.

"Sit down."

"NO!"

"KENNY, STOP-!" Jimmy worried.

Kenny shoved Tolkien by his frame as he rushed dangerously close to the door's knob. Not before Craig tackled Kenny's arms from behind and Tolkien found his stance again. Watching as Kenny elbowed Craig by the bridge of the nose and making him hollow out. Tweek's fear was greatly overshadowed by the sudden defense of his boyfriend, leaving Bebe's side as he came and tackled Kenny's other arm while Tolkien took his other side. Slapping a palm over Kenny's shouts which started to get too loud for their safety.

"GET THE FUCK OFF ME! SHE NEEDS ME! STOP-MMMF!"

"Ken, listen to me. Kenny." Tolkien tried as he and Tweek held him still. "You're not helping your case or anyone else's."

Kenny attempted to shake his weakening muscles.

"And you're definitely not helping Karen's."

Kenny moaned and muffled, squeaking against Tolkien's palms as tears squeezed from his closed eyes.

"You've gotta wait it out..."

"I gotta get to her.." Kenny choked.

Bebe frowned, taking Jimmy's shoulder who looked to the ground tearfully.

"And what if you can't get to her?" Tolkien reminded. "What if she's the one who finds out about you?"

Kenny continued to cry, much more than some of them have seen before and Craig rubbed his nose as Tweek let Kenny go and went to his boyfriend's aid. Tolkien still held Kenny but much more loosely now.

"Sit down, okay?"

Kenny gently tore away from Tolkien. Not returning to his original seat but to underneath a table where he curled his knees in against himself. Burying his face away as he wished to disappear.

Tolkien remained standing. "Even if someone does look, it's not gonna be you.."

"I'll do it," Bebe offered.

"Hell no."

The girl with blonde curls rose, facing Tolkien. "So, die here? Great plan on your part, Tolk.."

He rolled his eyes aggressively. "I'm not about to risk everything by going after you."

"Who says I need you going after me? Who says I need any of you?" Bebe said, looking around at the boys. "I can't count my life on cops. If there's a better chance, fuck it."

"What chance, Bebe!?" Tolkien hurled, though still attempting to stay quiet. "To go out there and draw attention to yourself?"

"To fucking get help! We're not exactly an elite unit!"

Tweek looked up from where he helped Craig. "I don't like the cops any better than you, Bebe. But, I don't think it's worth it."

"I'm not dying here, today. And I'm not letting any of you, either."

Tolkien, now worried for the girl's life, shook his head. "You got out there, you will die."

Bebe looked between the boys. Pretty positive she couldn't get past all five of them if they tried to stop her. She knew they were partially right. But if the Swat or police didn't come in soon, who would get help?


The ventilation buzz of the cafeteria was like death's final word to them. Clyde's cheek pressed to the cool tiles, feeling as if he'd glued his body to this eternal wait. Forced to watch Stan on the other side of him behind that fallen table top. As well Wendy, who clutched her boyfriend though kept a listening ear afloat of the footsteps they heard every here and there. As well as the shifting weight of the rifle the kid carried.

They stayed still as if already dead. That was the game to play if there was any chance. Listening to the sneakers squeak and squeak against the vinyl floor as Stan clutched Wendy tighter. Prepared to jump over her if he had to, though Wendy might beat him to it and protect him over herself instead. The shoes didn't sound like they were getting close to them, but they didn't seem like they were leaving. He knew Clyde was still behind him. Not because of any noise or breath. It was too slient for that. He just knew.

Wendy's eyes traveled from her stone position. Not sure which people laying down near her were alive and pretending or vice versa...she dreaded the alternative despite what she had seen. That boy who had got hit still laid near them, and by now...

Her fingers squeezed Stan's shoulder, and his eyes looked down at hers. He looked back up and Wendy could see the wheels in his head thinking as his eyes traveled everywhere. The shoes' steps got wider, fainter. Hope entered Wendy's heart at the realization that the steps were moving away from them. She closed her eyes, letting her patience not take the best of her.

Stan knew the school's whereabouts well enough. The guy was heading towards the caf exit heading to the west wing. Above Stan and his girlfriend's lying heads, there was another exit Stan could go through unnoticed. From there, meet the attacker where the hallways intersected. Sneak up on the bastard with whatever heavy object he could hit him with.

Wendy didn't know what he was thinking but she stared at Stan nonetheless. Whatever it was, she didn't like it.

Stan eyed the poor boy who landed near them. Resting not far from Wendy as Stan kept looking towards the cafeteria exit heading near the study hall and a big vending machine area. He swallowed as the shoes walked further and further away and Wendy watched him more intently. Stan looked down into his girlfriend's eyes another time, wishing he could get lost in their beauty forever.

Careful in his movement, Stan draped the boy's arm and head closer to Wendy's body to fake her death in case necessary. One of Stan's fingers covered in the kid's blood touched Wendy's cheek and left a splotch on her skin. Being as quiet as possible in his movement as Wendy tearfully watched her boyfriend with twitching eyes. Shaking her head 'no' as Stan whispered against her ear;

"Wendy, I love you.."

She shook her head with agonizing and unblinking eyes, though Stan's fingers draped her mouth. Begging her quietly to stay as she was while he slowly got to his knees. He looked back at the silent grab of his sleeve as Wendy clutched onto him for dear life. Pleading for him not to be a hero.

Stan Marsh, draw back and do not be a hero.

He moved despite Wendy's pull on his sleeve. His ankle was clasped and he shuttered in fear, looking towards Clyde who too told him not to do it. Clyde wasn't a huge first-for-action kind of guy, but his urging gaze told Stan he'd kill him if he moved anymore. Stan had to take that risk as he broke off from Clyde and Wendy.

Clyde watched as Stan disappeared quietly into the hall and Wendy covered her face. Muffling the now pouring tears. Clyde solemnly closed his eyes as he lowered his head back to the ground. Life could not be this poor, right now. Even with very little plans about what he wanted to do with his life, Clyde knew there were endless possibilities he still had yet to live for. Something waiting special just for him and he barely got out of this trash high school yet to live it.

Wendy tried not to suffocate herself as she turned her body away from Clyde. Muffling her cries and forcing herself to stop so she didn't sell out the both of them. Even if the shooter had left the premises where they were, there was no telling if he would circle back. Maybe there was time, maybe Wendy could go after Stan. Help him not fight this alone. Wendy was a lot of things, but she knew in her core she was not a quitter. Never had there been a moment in her life when she stopped, even in her losing battles. She was not one to give up, and right now, she knew going after Stan was not gonna help the plan he had in mind. She was needed differently.

There was a shattering of glass. An intentional one.

"STOP!" A voice yelled from the west. One that was not Stan's.

Nothing loud enough was heard from the mess being brought further away. Wendy gasped and pushed the limb off her, crawling hastily to Clyde who uncovered his face by her touch. "Don't move.."


Stan believed he knew what he was doing in launching the rock doorstopper at that vending machine. He stole the rock from the janitor's open closet in hopes it would be loud enough to cause the shatter. The glass waterfalled to the floor as Stan clutched the fire extinguisher he'd swiped, keeping an open ear in the other direction.

The sneakers started running. "STOP!" They demanded. Stan was shocked to hear how shaky the voice of the culprit was. Like he wasn't sure what he was doing in all of this. Stan threw himself flat against the wall turning the corner. Looking below at his feet to make sure no shadows gave him away, not even so much an accidental slip of his sleeve poking out. He only had one shot at this, or else there was nothing left.

"I-I'm fucking warning you-!" The kid yelled shakily. Stan could hear the rattling of the rifle, knowing he held it unsteadily in fear. Stan swallowed, clutching the extinguisher. This kid had another option, he had to, and yet this is what he chose.

The sneakers approached in small squeaks. Stan edged a little further from the corner in anticipation.

The brown of the kid's hair barely showed before Stan knocked the living hell out of him and the gun pointed upward, shooting towards the roof. It landed as Brad stumbled back onto his bottom, and Stan kicked at the gun in the opposite direction. Brad lunged for Stan's legs, making him fall though he grabbed the ankle of Brad's pants to keep him from getting anywhere near the rifle. Stan kicked at his core from behind, making Brad hollow out as he threw him back and stood his ground in front of where the weapon had been thrown. Brad screamed shriekingly in trying to lunge for Stan and the fire extinguisher, though Stan put his weapon to use once more in uppercutting Brad by the chin. Throwing the kid into a daze as Stan clocked him by the side of the head again and Brad limped and fell to the floor.

For a kid willing to hurt so many with a gun, he was able to be taken down by hand within a minute.

Stan breathed shakily, swearing his life had run through his mind once or twice in knocking this kid to the ground. He wiped the cut on his lip he got from the fall, and simply stood with the fire extinguisher still in hand. Unsure what to do next.

The sudden busting in of doors on the hall's other end answered Stan for him. As people shouting demands with weapon-mounted light guns and SWAT uniforms ran forward in calling to the kid who stood above another student with a fire extinguisher. Terrifying the living wits out of Stan as he threw the weapon away and threw up his trembling hands in submission.

"It's not me, it's not me!" Stan begged. "Oh, god! Please!"

One of the Swat members kneeled to the fainted kid near him, while another secured Stan and patted him down. He watched as the team pat down the kid as well and retrieve what looked to be his Student ID and photo from his back pocket. Showing it to one of the leads.

"Brad Heaton, just like the callers confirmed."

Stan sighed as he was let go, though a break was far from starting as he was shoved by the shoulder by the one who had held him.

"Move, kid! Get to the front of the school!"

Stan looked back to where the cafeteria remained. "But, I have to-"

"NOW!"


Kyle's hand still remained intact with Heidi's as they were led down the school's steps amongst the crowd of students. Pushed like a herd of cattle by the Swat members as student survivors cried and reconciled with their friends in heartbroken tears. Kyle felt Heidi's grip grow stronger, as amongst the craziness of being rescued, they lost Eric in the crowd. Students raced down the steps as Swat members continued to usher them aggressively and students still screamed feeling unsafe. People stumbled every which way, almost bringing Heidi with them before Kyle pulled her by the arms closer to him and they found their way to a safe corner down the steps.

Heidi didn't let go of Kyle's hand, and he was not opposed to letting her's go any time soon.

"Thank you."

The brunette girl blinked at the crowd, before turning her head to Kyle. "For what?"

"You saved my life.."

She brought her other hand to his as well. "Did I..?"

"Fifty percent of survival...is like..keeping a cool head," Kyle said as he ushered her away from more running students. As the announcement that the shooter had been restrained hummed over the crowd, people slowly began to calm down. "I'm pretty sure I couldn't have done any of that without you."

Heidi wiped the remaining tears that dried on her cheeks, grinning shyly as she looked down. "I'm not sure.." she said. "I think you're what kept me sane."

Kyle stared at her face, as hope slowly entered his heart.

"Heidi?"

She looked up past Kyle with tearful, beautiful eyes. Kyle followed her gaze to the kid in the varsity jacket waiting for her. Standing there with a broken look on his face as he looked at his girlfriend longingly. Heidi carefully parted her fingers from Kyle, brushing her fingertips away from his palm in a final thank you. Before she rushed herself over to Cartman's open arms and he wrapped them around her waist while she held onto his neck for dear life.

"I was so worried about you.." Cartman muttered. "I'm sorry...I'm so sorry for everything..."

Heidi didn't respond, she just held him closer. Kyle stood nearby as Cartman looked over his girlfriend's shoulder and nodded to his distant friend. Kyle simply shrugged and looked away before the sight got the best of him. Looking in a different direction at more exiting students as he caught sight of both Butters and Nichole helping Red with her sandwiched between them. They were followed by the gym coach and drama teacher as Red's leg looked mauled by the number of rags wrapped around the bloody surface.

"Red, oh my god-!" Kyle said, immediately helping the other three assist her downstairs. "We need help!" He called out to one of the many medics.

A free medic left the side of one of the students who'd gotten out early. Stan waited on the back of the open ambulance as another medic inspected his blood-drenched clothes. Mostly from the people he had pushed aside but Stan wasn't sure if he truly had any injuries of his own. He watched the students who had been trapped pour out, looking at every student in the scattering. When his girlfriend accompanied by Clyde appeared in the crowd, Stan's heart jumped as he leaped off the open door.

Clyde too held Wendy's hand. After the Swat members invaded the cafeteria, they started to give orders about inspecting the students for any survivors. Knowing they were officially in the clear, Wendy was the first to raise her head and call for help. Noticing that very few people were okay, some were badly injured, and those were too late. A Swat member had helped her up while she was still frozen and she ushered to bring Clyde with her, holding his hand as he looked like he'd pass out in fear. She still didn't know what had happened...and she wasn't sure she wanted to find out...

Seeing the dot of a worn brown hoodie made adrenaline rush through her. Clyde let her hand go as Wendy shakily held her heart while her boyfriend ran to her. Feeling her chest burst with a sob from the overwhelming relief as she pushed her way past the others and launched herself into his open arms.

"A-Are you crazy..." she sobbed, wanting to be mad at him though she couldn't. "I thought you were..."

"I'm sorry.."

"Oh, god. Don't be-" Wendy still cried, taking his face in her hands to kiss him. He didn't protest. "I love you.."

Clyde stood nearby in observance. Truthfully, and utterly still terrified as he could only put his hands in his pockets in wondering. Not before a tap on his shoulder came, and because of the ordeal, he almost threw a punch turning around. In seeing the dark-haired and blonde couple that stood there though, his shoulders sagged in requiting with his best friends. Pushing himself into a hug with Tweek and Craig accepting.

"You okay, man?" Craig asked.

"Jesus..." Clyde could only mutter. Tolkien, Jimmy, Kenny, and Bebe followed them behind. Clyde couldn't continue to put on a brave face the more he saw people he knew being okay, while others not, and began to cry it out. Craig and Tweek didn't protest in still holding their friend. Jimmy and Tolkien joined progressively as Bebe caught sight of Stan and Wendy beyond them.

"Wens?" Bebe called, her voice cracking.

Wendy parted from her boyfriend and choked at seeing Bebe approach. Momentarily leaving Stan as she pulled Bebe into her arms firmly and the two shed their tears. Bebe reached over Wendy to Stan to take his hand and he held it tightly in return as she pulled him in to join. Stan held the two, before seeing Kenny looking around hastily as he let the girls go and approached.

"Kenny?"

His friend's ghostly face looked at him. A twinge of relief glossed over his eyes at seeing Stan okay, but it still didn't help his current matter. "Karen. Have you seen Karen?"

Stan only stuttered an open mouth. Kenny raked his hands through his hair as he breathed quick breaths, looking on the verge to collapse as Stan took his shoulder. Urging his friend to take the hug as Kenny's hyperventilating did not subdue and he held onto Stan for dear life. Clawing his sweater and Stan tried to subdue Kenny's abnormal aggression he got when he was scared or distraught. Kenny's eyes were as wide as saucers, trynna put his panicked energy into his friend's hug. Just at the moment when his eyes crossed over a dirty blonde freshman. Looking around hastily in her forest green zip-up and dusty mom jeans, sported with some black docks as she tied her floppy blonde hair into a messy side braid.

Kenny found his breath, again.

"KAREN!"

The girl aligned her face to the call. Seeing Kenny part from Stan and rush to her as Karen cried out in relief. Letting her brother scoop her up as both siblings cried in relief and Karen was not prepared to let go any time soon. Stan sighed as Wendy came and hugged his side again.

"Hey."

Stan pulled back from Wendy though kept her hand in his. Seeing the familiar redhead as one of the many people he thought about for this past hour as he let go of Wendy and tackled him into a hug. Wendy and Bebe found Heidi at that moment as she approached with Cartman on her tail, and the girls tearfully hugged each other.

"You okay, dude?" Stan asked.

They pulled back and Stan saw the initial terror still living in Kyle's eyes. "Yeah.." he said. "I'm good..you?"

"I guess.."

"I was so worried about you guys-" Wendy choked, holding both Bebe and Heidi's hands as tightly as her remaining strength allowed her. "Oh, god. Red.."

Heidi's lips parted in worry. "What? What about Red?"

"I'm freefalling.." the latter said as they turned to see their friend. Nichole helped her sit on the plastic chair she brought from the ambulance. Red's leg was wrapped up to secure the bleeding the meanwhile, but the doctors still had work to do on her.

"She's not supposed to be walking.." Nichole said. "They're getting her a ride to the hospital as soon as they secure some others..."

"Red.." Wendy came and kneeled before her. "Jesus, I'm so happy to see you guys."

"Thanks, Wens.."

Heidi hugged Nichole tightly. "I wish I knew you were all okay sooner.."

Cartman carefully approached with his hands in his pockets, as Kenny returned to Stan and Kyle with his sister holding onto him. The latter exchanged a hug with Kyle and the three remaining friends looked at Cartman standing awkwardly away.

"You guys good?"

Mundane way of asking, but Stan looked around at the others for confirmation. "Yeah, dude. You?"

He nodded, knowing his humane act was done and rejoined his girlfriend. Kenny continued to keep Karen close as Stan went and urgently took Wendy's hand. Pulling her into another hug and seeking her comfort while knowing his best friends were also nearby. Wendy rubbed a hand to the back of his head, and by that, Stan knew he and them were safe.

After checking in with Red before the medics took her away, Butters approached the few. Combing a hand through his now unkempt hair.

"You fellas okay..?"

The boys including Wendy and Karen only stood in silence amongst the buzz of students and doctors and police. Having been asked that question several times in the past few minutes, they were starting to question if they truly were. If any of these kids were being honest, they were probably never gonna be completely okay ever again.

Stan hugged Wendy tighter.

"I think so."


. . .

. .

A few things; Kyle and Heidi to me are OTP, as I've displayed in my Post-Covid stories. In fact, I have one centralized around them that I'm planning. I also went out on a limb by saying Red is gay, although I've seen some others do the same in the fandom saying she's Bi and such other. I think out of all the girls, definitely her. So, I wanted to give her that storyline. I also love Stan and Wendy, so I had to do smut for them.

Again, I know this was a risky subject. If this at all touches a dangerous feeling with anyone, please feel free to reach out. Otherwise, I'll see you in the next one.

~McSgwizzle