Eric felt awful the whole day; he didn't feel himself, and as crazy as it sounded-it almost seemed like he was missing something. But what, he didn't have a clue. To be honest, he was having trouble remembering the past few days; they all seemed to blur together in one, non-descriptive event. Despite his concern for his lack of a cohesive memory, the tall football player walked it up to boredom.
The town was fucked anyway; why bother paying attention?
However, he couldn't help but notice the shy scared blond he'd seen at the bus stop was turning up everywhere he went. Eric didn't know HOW the fuck he could have ever missed the annoying blond before; but he didn't recognize him. He was a hard kid to forget… and his singing and laughing were even more difficult to ignore. Unfortunately, Eric found that out the hard way. The blond was sitting beside him in a few classes… so what the hell!
The small teen seemed just as confused and misplaced by Eric's angry presence beside him. Why were no other seats ever available? And why didn't he REMEMBER this kid if he sat beside him? Was he so bored that he didn't even notice this kid!?
It was a relief to finally get out if school and away from that annoying fag.
When he returned home, He ate dinner with his mom as quickly as possible, before he retreated to his room to be alone. This whole day had been a weird, out of body experience.
Lying down on his bed, Eric propped his arms behind his head as he tried to relax; his weary eyes drooping closed maybe he could just sleep this whole day off. He didn't know why he felt so angry… so cold... so empty….
He found himself endlessly walking down the white halls of a empty hall way
Eric kept turning corners... Walking down corridors... but he never arrived anywhere. Oddly enough, the place seemed to be just an endless series of twists, turns hallways with no doors. He began to feel like a rat in a maze; it was so god damn annoying. The chestnut haired teen quickly found himself becoming more and more agitated with each passing moment...
That is, until he turned a corner, and saw someone standing at the other end. It was that small blond teen he's been seeing everywhere. While he figured his initial reaction would be disgust... He found himself smiling….
Surprisingly, the blond smiled back at him.
His dream seemed to flicker, and in the next second, Eric found himself moving quickly down the hall toward that odd small little blond. The blond, in turn, was moving just as quickly toward him. When they one another, Eric by his own free will embraced the blond and held him close; the smaller teen jumped a bit-wrapping his legs around Eric's waist as they clutched to one another.
For some reason... He felt… relief. He felt happy, complete, whole again. He felt better in this dream than he had all day. He felt the blond ease away from him a bit-and their eyes met. Eric held him protectively; he cradled the blond in his arms, savoring the feeling of his legs and arms draped around his neck and waist.
Leaning in, the small, sweet blond nestled their noses together, and Eric couldn't help but release a slow, deep breath…
Their eyes drifted up to meet once more, and they leaned into one another; he could feel the blond's warm breath on his lips as he sighed. But something happened… the blond was suddenly pulled away and began to fade away "Eric…remember me"
Eric bolted out of his sleep instantly; his eyes were panicked, his breathing was shallow, and small beads of sweat were dripping down the side the of his face as he gasped for air
… what the fuck was that?
Getting out of bed, he quickly disappeared down the hall and into the bathroom. Turning the tap on cold-he splashed water on his face a couple of times, before drying off and heading back to his room. Seriously- what the hell was that about? Was he going to start dreaming about every cry baby that ruined his day?
No, it was just a coincidence; that was all. It meant nothing. He'd had such a weird day, and that was just a result of it…
The bell rang as the blond walked out of his classroom and up to his raven haired friend Stan.
"Um... hey St-Stan can I talk to ya? " Butters asked his friend
The black haired teen shrugged, closing his locker. "Sure, what's up?" He asked, leaning back against the row casually.
" U-Uh…. I'm …been having strange dreams," The blond admitted sheepishly while looking down at his blue sneakers. "You see… there's this guy, he's kinda mean to me who's in all my classes and … I-I can't stop thinking about him" HE rambled quickly. "I-I don't know what to do…I mean I don't even know him!"
Stan quirked a brow, "Calm down!" He sighed. "I'm sure it's just coincidence"
"I-I thought that too... But Wh-what if it's not?" Butters stammered scared. "Ive been feeling so weird… my heart beats so fast …and not from me begin scared" He corrected with a small blush. " I-I just don't understand…"
The raven haired teen couldn't help but chuckle a bit. "Okay, calm down butters" He smiled. "Point this guy out to me." He suggested. "Being the super nice guy I am, I pretty much know everyone"
Butters smiles sweetly "th-thanks Stan" he spoke softly thanking his friend.
The two began to walk toward the cafeteria together. The small blond was really hoping that he'd be able to clear these odd feelings up. He hadn't been feeling like his happy self for the past few weeks… and he had no clue why! Butters was used to begin on his own and not having his friends be around-but this was another feeling entirely. He felt empty...like he was missing something or had lost something.
It wasn't a good feeling to say the least.
When the pair reached the cafeteria, they stopped near the door. "Alright, Butters do you see him?" Stan asked impatiently.
Butters deep blue eyes searched and looked around; both hands hung at his side as they caught sight of the boy he'd recently been dreaming about. " T-that's him!" Butters his eyes widen as he spoke out , pointing him out to Stan.
While he was a stranger to Butters, Stan immediately recognized him- Eric Cartman. He was sitting at one of the tables in the cafeteria with Kenny McCormick, yelling and looking rather pissed off as usual.
" Uh…" Stan cleared his throat awkwardly. " That's …he's not… really someone I'd put you with, Butters" He began sadly. "Just drop it.."
The blond looked at Stan confused, as his friend began to pull him away from the cafeteria and back into the halls. " B-but…Stan do you know him?"
"Yeah" Stan answered quickly. " and that's why I think you should keep away from that Asshole. His name is Eric but we call him Cartman; He's a real asshole, no one likes him! He's very hateful against Jews … I don't know how we do it, but we just hang out with him once and while me, Kyle and Kenny" He mumbled.
Butters tilted his head" … b-but if you hang out with him… how-how come I've never met him?" He asked curiously, as a blush settled on his cheeks.
Stan cursed himself for opening his big mouth. They'd gotten telegrams from the unknown company. When Butters had gone under and erased Eric from his mind. It had been KENNY'S fault that Eric saw said-telegram, and thus, also went under the procedure to erase Butters. While he had to explain why Butters had never met Eric before? Or Vice versa? Especially when they were all friends.
"Uh…" Stan coughed a bit; clearly uncomfortable he wasn't the best liar. " like I said, we don't really hang out with him… "Butters nodded and seemed to accept the answer as they continued to walk back to their lockers. " Trust me… If you're having dreams about this fatass, it's just a coincidence that he's there" Stan said, trying to play it off.
But as always, his curious nature got the better of him. He glanced back at Butters, " If you don't mind me asking … what …KIND of dreams are they?"
Butters flushed a deep red, and rubbed his knuckles as they walked.
"you-you starting to sound like Kenny… and um I-I don't want to say" The small blond admitted sadly.
Romantic. Stan already knew the answer; Butters didn't need to say it.
He wondered if this was some kind of side effect; if all patients who went under the lacuna procedure experienced 'dreams' about the other.
When the lunch period was over, Kenny found himself in class with Eric. He plopped down beside him, and gave the tall football player a cheeky grin. "How's it going fat ass" Eric didn't answer; just gave him the evil eye then turned away." You're in a good mood…. To get to my point! Stan, Kyle and I are gonna get high after school. Wanna come?" He asked
Eric just shrugged "whatever"
"Hey.. What's up with you?" Kenny pressed. "You been acting well … not like your asshole self since yesterday"
Eric snapped a death glare at Kenny, but still didn't answer. Maybe it would do him some good to hang out with others and take his mind off that … annoying blond.
When their class was over, they met at their lockers. The teens took their time gathering their stuff and debating on what they wanted to do first. By the time they actually LEFT the high school, almost everyone else had gone.
"Oh, Kyle do you mind stopping by KFC "Kenny asked cheekily. " I feel like picking up some chicken….especially if we're gonna be stoned all night"
His red haired curly Jew friend furrowed his brow. "Uh…sure?" He agreed.
As they were across the parking lot, Kyle tugged Kenny's arm-hanging back behind Eric , as they walked " What the fuck, man?" Kyle grumbled. "you know we're not supposed to encourage any interaction between Eric and Butters, those telegrams said so" He warned him
"Relax; I just wanna see something…" Kenny responded, rolling his eyes. Stan raised an eye, thinking about the idea "I kinda would like to see this too, Butters told me he's having dreams about Eric... Through... He doesn't KNOW its Eric. He just pointed him out to me in the cafeteria today"
Kyle and Kenny looked at Stan. "Really? He's having dreams about him?"
"Yeah" Stan nodded and Kenny smirked. "All the more reason, we slip into KFC and grab some food… we can check out Eric's reactions to seeing Butters. Maybe he's having dreams about him, too" He suggested with a slight shrug.
His best friend shook his head, "this is a mistake." He sighed. "Just stay out of it. They erased each other for a reason. Maybe it's better this way"
"I guess" Kenny sighed. Perhaps he just wished things were the way they used to be. Sure, he dated Eric at one point... And yes, following that 'point'-he'd also briefly hated Eric. But Kenny had also seen how happy and perfect Eric and Butters fit together; it was sad that it had come down to erasing one another.
Slipping into the car, the foursome drove down Main Street, and pulled up to park in front of KFC. "Do I have time to smoke?" Eric mumbled, already pulling out a cigarette before hearing the answer.
" Yeah" Kenny nodded, slipping inside with inside with Stan and Kyle.
Eric fumbled into the pocket of his jacket until he found a lighter. Sparking aflame, he lit the cancer stick dangling from his lips, and inhaled the familiar smoke into his lungs. Leaning against a neighboring telephone pole outside the KFC, Eric furrowed his brow as he looked around; he had been to this place before. This is the place he worked every week.
Drawing his fire eyes upward, he looked through the window as he smoked-watching Kenny, Stan and Kyle ordering their food. But a flash of bright, straight blond hair caught his attention. Focusing his gaze past his friends, he saw that small blond he'd been seeing everywhere… the blue eyed blond who'd shown up in his dreams. A blush threatened to creep onto his cheeks just thinking about the intimate dream he'd had the other night.
This guy worked at the KFC? The same place he did….
Watching the way he spoke to Kyle and Stan, Eric got the impression they on somewhat on friendly terms with the unique, blond teen. Eric lifted the cigarette to his lips again as he realized something stirring inside him: He didn't want to stop looking at the blond... the small annoying blond entranced him. So much so, in fact, that he found himself flicking away his cigarette and heading inside.
" uh …hey Eric" Stan mumbled awkwardly; clearly shocked he'd decided to venture inside.
But Eric ignored him in favor of staring at the blond stoically-who upon seeing him- had begun to blush fully. It was kind of...Cute
'Nothing and no one is cute, Cartman. Focus' He ordered himself.
"What's good?" He asked in his normal, dull voice.
Butters looked around, still blushing and looking scared. "Um.. I guess it depends on …. What you're in the mood for?" He answered shyly.
" Just give me something that will taste good" Eric growled annoyed.
The blond nodded quickly and began to start walking around to make his order. The word popped into Eric's head again: Cute. He glanced briefly toward his friends, who seemed to be watching with keen interest. What the hell? Why were they acting so tense? Sure, he was an asshole… and yeah normally he bullied weak annoying teens like the blond behind the counter. But this was a rare time where his intentions actually WEREN'T to fuck someone over.
When Butters came back to the counter, he set the greasy bag full of fired BBQ hot chicken, picking it up, the Tall football player inspected it slightly, before pulling out one of them and taking a bit and swallow the hot mouth burning chicken. To his surprise... it was actually good.
"What is this shit?" He asked.
Butters rubbed his knuckles "Um... J-just some chicken… I put some time in it just for you..." Butters explained with a sweet smile. "Its eight dollars" The blond spoke softly.
Reaching into his pocket, Eric dumped the money on the counter and spared the blond one last glance- before he headed out of KFC. Without another word. His so called friends followed after, and they all piled back into the car.
As he sat in the back seat, Eric stared at the to-go bag of hot chicken and took another deep breath of the smell of chicken. There was something about the flavor…. The scent… the warmth of this chicken, and the precise of hot sauce that the blond had included- that triggered something in him. That blond's cooking … was so familiar, but there was no explanation as to why. He had never eaten from the annoying blond's cooking or even brought anything from him before; he'd remember something like that, right?
"You know that fag?" He gruffly asked, flicking his eyes to Kenny-who was sitting in the front seat.
The dirty blond looked back to him. "Uh… yeah. His name is Butters Scotch"
"Butters Scotch" He repeated in disbelief. "You're fucking with me?! That's his name! "Eric pressed.
Kenny pouted, "It is. His parents are just well crazy." He shrugged. "He's a real cry baby, can't even do anything on his own… He's a bit of a faggot, nice kid through and well does whatever you say"
Silence filled the car for a few blocks, before Eric spoke again,
"Well then why the fuck haven't I met him before if you're friends?" Eric asked; there was an edge of his voice… almost like he was annoyed, and a bit suspicious that Kenny had never mentioned Butters before. Kyle glared at Kenny who was trying to come up with something to say.
The dirty blond quickly stole a glance at Stan-who looked back to Kenny tensely. "Well… I don't think you would get along with him" Kenny lied, shaking his head "you would probably go crazy by listening to butters all day..." He downplayed "you should just, stay away from him" Kenny frowned when he noticed Kyle was giving him a 'seriously?' Kind of glare; true, he probably didn't need to say that LAST phrase. But Kenny may have been wise but didn't always think things through.
Eric, on the other hand, had indeed noticed the misplaced statement, and while he thought it was weird, he didn't say anything. Stay away from him? What the fuck did that mean? Figuring he would probably do better just keeping his mouth shut-Eric continued to eat his chicken he'd gotten… while his mind drifted back to that weird blond. He kept repeating it in his mind: That wasn't cute, that kid is just fucking annoying… that wasn't cute… it wasn't
There was absolutely NOTHING appealing about a small, weak, crybaby, skinny, blond teen that was so gullible that he does anything to help.
Eric opened his eyes, and was met with a sea of white blankest; they were blowing around like some kind of living, breathing fort. He was in a bed that much was clear... but the bed and blankets seemed endless. It wasn't dark; the atmosphere was safe and warm with the flowing white sheets surrounding him, masking the natural light that seemed to leak in from all sides.
He felt happy again.
Crawling through the mass of pillowing white sheets, Eric Jumped when bumped into another person. It was the blond. Butters Scotch.
They stared at each other in shock for only a few seconds… before smiles grew on their lips. Butters giggled as Butters pounced on Eric-actually causing the tall football player to chuckle as he rolled over, trapping the small famed, blushing blond beneath him as their arms wrapped around each other.
As they settled, Eric's eyes drifted over Butters face gently…. Admiring his large, cheerful blue eyes… his soft pale skin... His slender neck…. The way his soft haired framed his face…
"Eric…." He whispered lightly.
The tall foot ball player couldn't help but smile and release a long breath; for some reason, the way Butters spoke his name tugged at his heart more than it should have. Craning his neck down, he nestled his nose against Butters. "Yes butters…?"
Butters? He spoke it as if it were his most favorite word
"D-don't ever leave me… please" Butters whispered against his mouth; lips brushing against Eric's with each word spoken.
Eric stared down at him sadly-before he leaned in, nuzzling the small blond's nose with his own. Eric closed his eyes and parted his lips; feeling slight warmth as his mouth. He gazed one more over the small body laying below him.
He pressed them together; ready to embrace the kiss he'd wanted so badly…
Sitting up in bed, Eric took in a number of deep as his eyes shit around wildly in a panic. There was darkness around him now; he was in his room, in his own bed, and it was late as fucking hell. Three in the morning to be exact.
Groaning, he flopped back down onto his bed.
This has to stop.
Seriously… what the fuck?
The last thing as he needed was another week of endless dreaming of this blond. Eric wasn't a master of controlling his emotions.
This was getting ridicules
AS the days went on- the dreams continued… and now, he found himself sitting in class, or in the cafeteria, willingly staring at ( watching closely) Butters Scotch. Why now? He had no clue. Why he couldn't EVER see this 'unique' kid before? He had no clue. Why was he suddenly noticing how large Butters eyes were, or how long his blond hair fell around his forehead , or how delicate his small famed looked? He had no clue.
It was driving Eric insane, So much so, that he did something drastic.
He sought out the small blond-despite Kenny's initial statement a few days prior that they 'wouldn't get along' and he should just 'stay away from him. '
"Hey Blondie!" Eric called, and not at all like a greeting.
His presence startled the blond- who was enroot to his class-he turned, his legs starting to shake while trying to hide his face as he shyly looked at the tall Eric Cartman.
"It's Butters, right?" Eric clarified. He was well aware that it was.
The shorter teen nodded, but blinked at him "Um well … yes? C-Can I help you?" He answered as a blush already began to creep onto his cheeks. For a moment, they both just stood there, staring at another oddly.
"Were going to have lunch together!" Eric found himself blurting out. It wasn't really a question; more like a demand by the tone of his sharp voice. "Today"
The blond gaped up at him in complete and utter shock; his mouth happing open a bit. "Um…really?" Butters asked confused as he tilted his head, "why-why do you want to eat lunch with me?" He asked raising an eye, clutching his books close to him.
"Calm down you faggot!" Eric hissed uncomfortably as he looked around them. People were starting to give them weird looks. " It's just fucking lunch" He growled. " Just come find my table and SIT there. That's it" Eric instructed.
Butters looked back to him sheepishly; his large eyes still glossy with unfallen tears as he silently agreed. For some reason, Eric felt a familiar tug his heart… he was torn between being completely embarrassed by the blond's annoying talking … and wanting to wrap his arms around him, and comfort him.
… why the hell was THAT the second option? WHY would something like that even cross his mind as a possibility?
Flicking his cold eyes back down to Butters, Eric felt the tiniest bit of heat rise in his cheeks, before he stormed off down the hall and left the blond alone again.
This was too weird. He didn't feel like himself at ALL. But maybe having lunch with this annoying fag kid would help; maybe there was a reason he'd been feeling off for the past two weeks. Maybe he could finally get down to the bottom of this whole thing. Eric Just wanted this whole thing to end… just things to go back to the way they were where he didn't care about anyone or anything, and he wasn't played by strange, semi sexual and HIGHLY intimate dreams that involved the small framed boy he didn't even know…
Lunch was an awkward affair. Butters and Eric didn't really talk... They just sat there, eating in silence. The tall chestnut haired boy couldn't help but notice that the blond just drank some milk and nibbled on a small bag of honey nut cheerios; it wasn't really a substantial lunch. Butters just smiled and giggled as which caused Eric to look up at him-but still, they didn't really speak.
"Oh, hey butters...fatass" The voice of Kyle Broflovski greeted
The blond looked up at his red haired friend and gave a warm hearted smile- while Eric simply shifted his eyes to him with a slight glare with him mouthing words 'fuck off Jew'.
"You guys are….sitting together?" Stan interrupted oddly, looking between Butters and Eric. "But I thought-"But Kyle quickly hit him upside the head, glaring at him. Stan furrowed his brow, "What?" he whined, pouting a bit.
Kyle grabbed his arm, and began to drag him away from the table. "See you guys later!" Kyle grumbled unhappily, pulling Stan along with him.
Eric and Butters watched them go, both more confused now than they were before.
"Those guys are assholes." The football player muttered unhappily.
Butters frowned and looked at him as he continued to pick his cheerios. "there-there not bad…He defended shyly. " I-I just don't like Clyde that's all…"
"Yeah well, he's a dick…" Eric commented-flicking his eyes to Butters. " you shouldn't hang out with them…"
The blond raised an eye and looked at Eric suspiciously. " I..I don't know you we-well enough to trust t-to trust you" He replied a bit scared yet bitterly, grabbing his small bag of cheerios as he stood. "I…I think I should go"
Eric stood up quickly, feeling an unexplained swell of panic and anger rise inside him. Butters lifted his eyes tentatively to the tall, Brooding chestnut haired teen; detecting the odd shift in his mood. There was a pause that feels between them, as once more, they stared at each other.
"Fine Leave!" Eric snarled, snatching up his knapsack and slinging it over his shoulder-before he stormed away from the table. Why the hell was he suddenly so agitated? True, lunch with Butters hadn't exactly gone as planned… but Eric didn't know what he'd been expecting. They didn't know each other; asking him to eat at the same table had been a stupid move.
He shouldn't care…
' I don't fucking care…' his mind kicked in.
This whole thing was stupid, and Eric vowed to just ignore it. fuck his dreams… they were just that; dreams. They didn't mean anything; they were circumstantial, they were influenced by even the smallest daily events. In his case: a skinny, cry baby annoying blond.
"He asked you to sit with him at lunch!?" Kenny asked suspiciously.
Butters nodded and trembled as he rubbed his knuckles together. "Y-yeah"
"Soo? How was it?" The dirty blond asked with a smirk; he was currently going over some of his homework as he and Butters sat against their lockers.
The blond blushed, "it w-was…awkward…" He began. "Q-Quiet, but-I-I didn't mind that… it was kind of nice…Fa-familiar" Butters admitted quietly. Kenny's eyes flickered up to butters briefly when he said 'familiar' but he didn't say anything. " B-but things g-got….um" The blond sighed not knowing what to say. " H-he doesn't like Kyle and Stan!"
"I told you." Kenny smirked. "Eric isn't a fan of anyone." Butters large Blue orbs drifted to the ground sadly as Kenny stood up and gathered his things. "Look, you wanna come to the movies tonight?" Kenny asked. " A bunch of us are going to see My bloody valentine"
Slowly, Butters nodded before he looked up to the dirty blond and bit his lower lip. " W-why do you …" He began, looking confused and bothered as he continued, " why… why would he ask to have lunch with me?" while he'd been scared to go through with it, there had been something bubbling in Butter's stomach. Excitement?
"I dunno, Butters" Kenny shrugged" Eric's just can't be loved. Just ignore him. "Nodding to the small blond, he headed off.
Butters sat there, looks to the side as he brow frown. " I want to be loved too…" He whispered to himself sweetly.
Butters waited outside the movie theatre for his friends to arrive. He'd had hard time NOT thinking about Eric; for some reason, the brooding chestnut teen was infecting his thoughts. He would be at work-and suddenly, Eric would pop into his mind. He would be sleeping-and suddenly, Eric would be there.
"Butters?"
The voice made him turned. His eyes grew larger when he realized the voice addressing him was Eric. He trembled while rubbing his knuckles as he blushed. " oh-oh hi…" He greeted quietly.
"….what the fuck are you doing here?" Eric asked in his monotone voice; glancing around the dark main street.
Butters playing with fingers, "Um…well Kenny invited me to the movies." He explained shyly.
Glancing away from Eric, he tried to keep his eyes away from the attractive, tall football player's face. "W-what are you doing here?"
"Had to pick up some weed from Craig" Eric mumbled, glancing down the street, before running his eyes back over the skinny blond. His gaze made Butters feel stripped of every defense he could possibly have; not that he was great when it came to hiding his emotions or fears. But still, there was something about the way ERIC specifically looked at him was odd…
"Hey!" Kyle greeted. Looking beside them, the two estranged lovers saw Kyle, Stan and Kenny approaching them. "What are you doing here, Eric?" He asked
Ignoring the red haired teen, Eric moved his eyes back to Butters. "Just heading home"
"Oh, you're not coming to the movie? " Stan asked curiously.
Kyle and kenny shot him a quick warning glare. Stan hated lying he just wanted this whole thing to be over with.
"Sure" Eric agreed, his eyes still staring at Butters as the group headed inside.
Butters cheeks were as red as can be with his hands in his lap and tried to keep to himself. Eric was coming to see the movie with them now? Why did he keep staring at him? He had to repress a shiver as he felt Eric's arm brushing his own while they walked. Normally, the blond would have moved away …but with Eric… His curiosity was winning out.
After the movie "how can someone j-just kill someone like that?" Butters recalled the whole blood gore movie. "What if-if he kills me in my sleep …" He theorized as he hugged himself trying to calm down.
Kyle sighed" See? I knew it was a mistake to take Butters to see my bloody valentine "He mumbled to Stan and Kenny as they walked. " Let's just get home. I've got a test tomorrow" Kenny complained with a yawn
"Why the fucking hell would you make us see a horror movie when we have a test, dumbass!" Kyle scolded. "You should be studying!" Kenny just shrugged and got into the car with Stan. "Come on. Butters I'll give you a ride" Kyle mumbled.
But he shook his head as he waved away the offer. " N-No ..but thank you ,I'd rather walk" Butters spoke in a shy voice, but while thinking about every scary scene from the movie. " but-but what if something happens"
" oh for fuck sakes, I'll walk you home then" Eric grumbled impatiently. "let's just go already" Gripping Butters sleeve and dragged him down the street.
Kyle furrowed his brow, "uh, I don't think that's a good id-"
"Hey." Kenny spoke calmly from inside the car." Just let them go…" He smiled. " If it's meant to be-it's meant to be"
His red-haired companion gave him a skeptical look, before glancing once more at the retreating forms of Butters and Eric as they headed down the street…
Meanwhile, poor Butters hadn't been able to stop blushing since Eric began pulling him down the street. It was just the two of them now, alone-wandering down the dark, semi-empty main street toward the residential area.
"So..." Eric began awkwardly-releasing Butters arm as he stuffed his one hand into his pocket. "Do you always … get this scared after a movie?" He asked, trying to hold back a laugh but looking at Butters oddly. "You know all that shit is fake right?"
Butters glanced up at him sheepishly. "I –I just can't help it ….there just not my type of movies!...they give me bad dreams , but it would be better than the dreams I've been having about-"
He quirked a brow, "Wait…what?" Eric asked as Butter cut himself off
The small hands of the blond flew to his mouth; he let out small squeak for beneath his hands like he'd said too much. The chestnut teen narrowed his eyes. "You…" He started, before stopping again. " I-I mean! What do you mean?" He asked annoyed.
" I-I, um…I-I misspoke?" Butters shouted louder than he had to; his tone desperate. He shouldn't have said anything; what the hell kind of slip was that? Bad dreams were better than having dreams about someone else? The fuck!?
The rest of the of the walk was done in silence; occasionally, Eric would steal glance at Butters, and the blond would do the same.
"Where's your house?" Eric asked with an irritated sigh. He wished he could talk to this kid. He'd spend the past week thinking about him- and then, when he finally got to be alone with the blond… he didn't know what say. He felt anxious, confused, vulnerable and angry all at the same time.
Butters stopped dead in his tracks and looked around them curiously. Eric saw the expression on the small blonds face fall. "….w-we passed it..." He admitted sad-tears instantly beginning to well up in his large eyes like it was the most tragic mishap that could have happened. His family would ground him for a week!
"God sakes …" Eric grumbled, rolling his eyes. "Don't cry. Which way?" He asked uncomfortably. HE didn't do well with crying people in general, but for some reason… the blond of the verge of tears made feel angry, frustrated, and ….kind of over-protective?
The blond meekly pointed down the street, "You don't … have to come. It's fine" He looked away, trembling a bit as he tried to stop himself from shedding any tears.
Instead, Eric shook his head and grabbed Butters hand in his own- leading the small teen back down the street toward his house.
"Come on." He mumbled. He tried to keep the blush from rising in his cheeks-but he wasn't doing a good job. Thank god it was dark outside. Why did he have to take Butters hand? There was no reason for it; why didn't he just let the blond go home. They were close enough, and he could walk by himself. Whatever the answer, Eric knew he didn't want to leave Butters just yet. It was like this unknown, invisible magnet was drawing him to the blond.
Butters, on the other hand, were engaged in his own internal debate. As strange as the whole situation was, he liked the feeling of Eric's larger hand over his small one.
"Um this is it..." the blond pointed out, stopping in front of a particular walkway.
Eric reluctantly stopped as well, and took a moment to study Butters house. He wanted to remember what it looked like, in case there was a next time. " Oh" Hesitantly, he released Butters hand and let it fall back down to his side.
"T-Thanks for-um walking me home…" The blond stammered, as he shifted his eyes back to look into Eric's.
To his surprise, the tall, chestnut haired teen was already staring down at him. For a few minutes, the two were content to just stare at one another; Eric's gaze was firm, piercing and deep…while Butters was wide, curious, and vulnerable.
"Wanna hang out?" Eric found himself asking.
Butters frowned his brow and blushed. "W-well gee, my folks will ground me if I stay out that late…" He admitted, glancing at his watch.
" Not now, dumbass" Eric sighed; rolling his eyes a bit, " Just … later, sometime" wow, that sounded awkward. Eric couldn't believe he was actually ASKING someone to hang out with him and in a nice way. He never asked people; People just ignored him. Why he felt inclined to ask this small blond was beyond his comprehension.
But despite every alarm going off in his system, despite how weird this scenario was, and despite how he was going every natural instinct in his body. Eric wanted to spend more time with Butters.
"U-um… I-I.." Butters stammered as his cheeks continued to get redder and redder
Eric took a step toward him and sighed annoyed. "For fuck sakes just say yes!" He growled uncomfortably.
"Y-Yes." The small blond repeated quickly.
Nodding, the chestnut-haired teen turned and headed down the street-facing his back to him. The further away he got, the more inclined he was to glance back to see if Butters was still there. To his surprise, the blond WAS still standing outside; he was closer to his door now, almost halfway in, but seemed to be watching Eric walk away.
But when he noticed Eric looking back at him, Butters quickly ran inside and out of sight.
Looking back ahead, Eric kept his head down as he walked…
He was able to keep himself composed-to keep himself stoic when he talked to butters. But he wasn't able to stop a small, bare smile from spreading on his lips as the blond's mesmerizing eyes popped back into his mind.
Both Butters and Eric didn't speak much to each other at school, nor did they really see each other, aside from the occasional class together-or passing in the hallway.
But both were certainly thinking about one another.
Butters fascinated Eric; how can someone who get's picked on so much, just go about smiling? Why was he always helping people? And why had he never noticed him before now? While Eric Normally preferred things his own way, Butters was the growing exception. Butters, in a similar fashion, couldn't help but entranced by the chestnut teen. He'd found out more and more about Eric's reputation from several people-and most were rather hateful. They said he was annoying, loudmouth, temperamental and even selfish. But despite all that, Butters still found himself to look past all that and see the good inside of Eric.
While at locker between classes, Butters was alarmed when he shut it-and came face to face with the tall bully. "Oh! Jeez...h-hi can I help you?" He asked.
Eric glared at him "Tonight" He ordered
Butters tilted his head in such way that Eric couldn't help but think was adorable. "To-tonight?" He repeated gently.
"We're hanging out" Eric told him firmly. "My house"
The blond nodded quickly, not bothering to try and hide the blush spreading on his cheeks. " Um alright, E-Eight?" Butters asked shyly.
Butters turned and couldn't help but follow his frame as he walked down the hall; other students moving aside for temperamental teen-careful to avoid getting in his way. The blond admitted Eric's apparent power; his influence… and wished he could be so strong.
With butterflies in his stomach, Butters went to his remaining classes that day-unable to concentrate on much else, except the fact that Eric would be coming over. It was poetically a risky situation. What if they had nothing in common? What if Butters habits and talking, pissed him off, and he beats him up?
The blond shuddered and tried not to let his fear get the best of him. For once, He was going to listen to his heart…
And his heart was pulsing toward this tall chestnut haired strong teen.
When he got home, the blond had a shower and tried to pick out something nice to wear. Butters did have dinner with his parents, but they left shortly after leaving butters home alone. The thin teen was bit nervous about the whole thing but the knowledge he would soon see Eric calmed him.
Standing in front of his mirror, the blond looked himself over. He hated the way he looked; He'd always thought he was ugly…even when he was younger. No one had ever been interested in him.
He'd never even had a boyfriend or a girlfriend. He was alone…
"Why…why am I doing this?" Butters asked himself aloud, already feeling some tears welling up in his eyes. Why would anyone want to be friends with him?
And really, what was he thinking going over to a stranger's house? The more he thought about it, the more he realized how risky it was. What if he got beat up? What if this was just some kind of joke? The heart couldn't be trusted…so why was Butters being so foolish about this? That 'love muscle' had steered him wrong before, and the blond had trusted people he shouldn't have. Besides, his heart was also the thing that been acting up lately: aching, like it was missing something.
It was that sinking feeling, like you'd forgotten something important and can't recall what.
Before he knew it he was at Eric's door, the sound of the door opening brought him out of his thoughts, Eric stood looked down at the small blond, who smiled up at him.
" Um Hi-Hi" Butters tried to give a small smile
"Sup" He greeted already seeming annoyed
He stepped aside, and allowed the smaller teen to enter. Butters lightly walked inside, curiously nibbling on his lower lip while looking around the house.
"This is very ni-nice…" Butters rubbed his knuckles together, he watched as Eric slammed the door shut. "S-So um what do you wanna do?" Butters asked nicely as he followed Eric into the living room.
The tall strong chestnut haired teen shrugged and plopped down on the couch, as if he'd already been there a hundred times, and this WASN'T awkward. "Well um wanna watch a movie?" He stammered, when Eric drew his icy colored eyes up to Butters.
I sighed "fine, but I pick the movie!" he ordered.
The smaller teen nodded and picked out a movie for them to watch: Scream 2. Both sat at opposite ends of the couch as it started, though Butters kept getting up to either throw up or make more popcorn. He couldn't help but notice, however, that each time he came back to sit-Eric was a few inches closer to him. This continued each time Butters had to get up and leave …and soon… they were sitting so close that the fabric of Eric's jacket was almost touching the fabric of Butters blue sweater.
The blond found himself growing increasingly shyer, but he did his best to keep his mouth shut. When the part of the film arrived when woman gets stabbed to death. Butters couldn't help but let out a small scream and grabbed hold of Eric's arm.
He heard Eric release a long sigh, a hand wrapped around his body and tugged him close. Before Butters knew it-Eric had his arm around him in an uncharacteristically 'sympathetic' display, and was holding him protectively. "It's just a movie, remember fag?" He reminded him.
"I-I know" Butters looked away from the screen. "But-but I can't help it… how-how could anyone just kill someone they love…" He asked in a cute, meek voice.
Eric shifted his eyes down the blond he was snuggled up to his chest. "If I had to protect other people and myself… then yes." He answered honestly.
This felt nice; it was oddly comfortable, despite Eric's initial fear that he might be crossing the line into more 'dangerous' territory. But despite butters nature... Eric could honestly say: There was something soothing about consoling this blond when he got upset.
When the movie was finished, both Eric and Butters had slipped in to a more conversation: general knowledge about each other which included their best and worst classes, favorite, movies, etc. In fact, they seemed to be having such an easy time talking to one another, that they barely moved from their previous position- Eric's arm was still cradling Butters close and the blond seemed content just resting on Eric's chest. He worried briefly that his endless talking would annoy Eric, but unlike everyone else, Eric didn't seem to mind; every time he talked, Butters would feel the chestnut haired teen thumb gently rubbing his shoulder, like he was absentmindedly trying to soothe him.
For the first time in weeks, both teens were content; that feeling of emptiness, or the idea that something was missing briefly vanished. In fact, as the warmth and serenity of the moment flowed through Eric body and heart… he suddenly felt uncomfortable. Why the fuck was he so relaxed around Butters? They didn't know each other that well, and yet; he'd just spend the last hour chatting with him about what he liked, and what he didn't like.
It took YEARS for people to find that stuff out about Eric Cartman. He never allowed anyone to get too close too fast. But for whatever reason… this blond brought something out in him. And Eric's natural defense told him he shouldn't be so open…
So, around eleven o'clock at night, Butters smiles and sighed " I-It's getting late, I should probably go…" He mumbled regretfully, sitting up and away from Eric. "W-we have school tomorrow" Frankly, he felt scared. He wanted to leave before something bad happened but he stopped and looked at Eric before opening the door.
"I um would like you to c-call me, please" Butters admitted, giving Eric a small smile "…would you d-do that?" He asked with a tone of hopefulness leaking into his meek voice.
Somewhat impressed by the blond's sudden, bravado at outwardly asking him to call, Eric nodded- and handed his phone over to Butters. As he began to put his number into the tall football player's phone. Eric couldn't help but dance his eyes bemusedly over the blond's face. He recalled the dream he'd had where he and Butters had been beneath the blankets… and couldn't help but notice the blond looked just as angelic and sweet now as he had in his dream.
Why did he feel so fucking vulnerable around this kid?
When he was finished, Butters handed the phone back to Eric, and he stuffed it into the pocket of his jacket.
"I…I really would like that…thank you" Butters repeated again; he really didn't want Eric to think he was just being polite.
Slipping out of Eric's front door, the two exchanged a lingering look, before Butters headed down his walkway and started off down the street. It had started to rain; the small drops fell and landing on the small blond's hair as he headed home… alone with nothing but his thoughts of Eric.
Back with Eric, He too was lost in thought, He was plagued by what he had just experienced with the cute blond so much…that he went to bed earlier than usual. He was practically bounding up the stairs and into his room. Shutting the door, Eric flipped opened his phone like a man possessed. He didn't know WHAT had gotten into him…
All he knew was that something inside him was twisting in pain. He wanted so badly to play it cool.. But he just couldn't help it. Clicking the button, he held it to his ear; holding his breath slightly as he listened to it rings….
A voice came from the other line" Oh boy, that-that was fast"
Eric could only smirk at the sound of Eric's voice.
"Do-do you miss me…" He asked cutely.
Eric relaxed back on his bed and he started at the ceiling. "Oddly enough, I do…" He admitted in his monotone voice with a small smile.
"y-you said 'I do'…" Butters pointed out on the other end. "do-does that make us married?" he awkwardly tried to joke
Again, the tall football play was unable to keep the small smile off his lips as he chuckled. "I guess so"
For the first time in weeks… Eric felt the tiniest bit…happy…