Iodine ch.4: Morning jogging and flowers.

I don't own south park or lyrics used in this chapter.

Next day after waking up Eric still felt awful. Despite fact that he told his mother truth- at least part of it anyway. There still were parts he preferred to keep hidden. Sitting on edge of bed he looked at clock. 6.24 am. still bit early but it was okay by him. Stretching he decided it's time for a jog. He still got no clothes fitting South Parks weather, but he was sure he won't be cold while jogging, and it was summer anyway so even here it wasn't all that cold.

Liane was still sleeping so he did his best to not wake her up. Once out he let out breath he didn't know he was holding ad started playing music on his phone after putting on his earphones.

Towns layout hadn't changed almost at all. Just new shop or house here and there. Someone repainted house or other things his memory wouldn't overlook. Taking deep breath Eric ran off. It was pleasant morning. Fact it was bit chilly. But he's got worse.

Morning chilly wind did good job waking him up. And so did sight he encountered after ten to twelve minutes, namely Stan Marsh and Wendy Testaburger. "You hippies still together?" Eric greeted running bit faster to catch up.

"So you're really back?" Stan asked as they all stopped. "Kyle wasn't joking when he said you've changed." he added taking closer look at his old friend. "It's been some time." he said shaking Erics hand.

"It sure was." Cartman noted. "Romantic morning jog?" he asked smiling smugly. Both Stan and Wendy blushed. What a hippies. "I'll be going then. See you around Marsh."

"See you too Eric. And Eric run off leaving them behind. He was somehow glad that Stan was still there but couldn't help thinking that he shouldn't anger him. Well Stan was always Kyles good friend and would never let anyone hurt ginger Jew if he could. Having Stan as enemy was bad thing. And if Kenny lives with Butters at Hawaii, well not many other people could stop Stan from being worse psycho than Sheila when it was about Kyle.

After half hour he decided it's time to go back. Liane was still sleeping. Eric wasn't shocked. His story must've keep her awake for some time. Trying to be as quiet as he could Eric went to take shower.

Taking off his clothes he involuntary looked at at mirror. He just smiled sadly. He was aware that he was a bit too thin, but it was only way, either this or fat ass forever. Sighing he just walked under hot stream of water.

Sometimes he hated how he looked. Well that was pills were supposed to stop. All this insecurity and hate towards himself. And scars on his back. Just thinking how he got them made him shiver in disgust.

He was getting nervous about this whole dinner that was to come. Like something he wouldn't like was about to happen. Shaking thought of he finished showering, dried himself and got dressed to go to kitchen for quick breakfast.

When Eric was chewing his toasts lost in thought, Liane came, still wearing her night gown. "Morning, popkins." she greeted her son.

"Morning, mom." Eric responded smiling a bit. He was still a bit out of it, lost in thought. "Can I get flowers somewhere today at this time?"

"I think there is flower shop near church that's open whole week." she said. "Why do you ask?"

"I thought it would be nice to buy some for Kyles mom. And I'll get something for his dad too..." Eric said slowly sipping his black coffee with no sugar of course.

I do this to myself
I do this to myself
Stop blaming someone else
We do this to ourselves

Hearing far too familiar lyrics of his favourite song Eric rushes upstairs. It means he's got a message. Looking at his phones screen he grins. Finally good news.

We're almost there. 'll Call you l8,

N&S.

"Those bastards." he grins throwing thing down on his bead and then taking his medicines. Felling better he puts on his leather jacket and runs downstairs. Time to get flowers. "I'll be going out for a while."he shouts and quickly leaving.

It was still cold.

Stroll to flower shop wasn't long but still pleasant. Especially people slowly recognizing him. He was happy to see confusion on their faces.

After getting flowers – daffodils and one single red rose, he went to convenience store, which conveniently was open despite Sunday. Got some whiskey he hoped Kyles father will like and went back home. His mother was already preparing for dinner despite how much time was left till they got to leave. Eric guessed she just wants to look best. And it all because he told her about his feelings that will never get answered. Noticing its already 10 am and setting presents on coffee table he went to get dressed himself.

Red shirt, black suit pants. Hair combed up and gelled so they stay there. Titling his head to side Eric decided to put his vest on as well. If it's formal dinner he may as well do his best to look good. And it may improve his image in Broflovskis eyes. He chuckled slightly at thought. There was no chance for it, but trying won't hurt. If it appears it may be good.

Happy with his appearance, Cartman grabs his jacket and goes downstairs.

"You look like real gentleman, popkins." Liane said seeing her son. She wore simple black dress and fitting jacket.

"Really?" Eric smiles "Shall we go then?" It was proper time and they were ready, so why not? Taking presents Eric and his mother left.

Ride took just minute. Looking up at sky Eric noticed ominous black cloud. He immediately thought it's going to rain. When Liane rung doorbell Sheila opened in just a few seconds. "Line, Eric. I'm glad to see you two." she greeted her guests with smile. Liane smiled back at her and Eric presented her bouquet of daffodils.

"Little present." He said with his most charming smile.

"My favourite flowers." Sheila noted. "How did you know."

"Lucky guess, I think." Eric smiled. He always knew Sheila liked those.

After this Sheila let them in and led them to living room. "My friends son visited us unexpectedly. Meet Jack." she introduced Cartmans to tanned, black haired man around Erics age.

"No need, we already know each other, right Eric?" Jack said.

Eric was unable to say anything. Of all possible people it had to be this ass hole. "I guess we do. And I don't remember ever being so friendly with you." He finally said. It certainly was going to be interesting dinner.

"Crazy" is, I believe, the medical term
When we wanna recover, but we don't wanna learn
Keep breaking what's been fixed a thousand times
And gimme some more of that iodine

Main part of dinner next time. Expect some awkwardness and prepare for drunk Eric.

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Lyrics are from Iodine by Icon for Hire.