**Sorry this one is so short. After the setting and characters are introduced, they'll be longer.**
"Come on Butters! We have to get there before they leave!"
"I don't know Eric. My parents are going to be awful sore if I'm not back by dinner. Where are we going anyways?" a passive blond boy asked as Cartman dragged him across the road.
"We're joining the Schutzstaffel," the plump boy announced determinedly.
"Oh, w-w-well I can't. I'll get grounded," the blond explained, his eyes enormous with worry.
"Gottverdammt, Butters." Butters struggled to catch his breath as Cartman stopped in disbelief. Once his breath slowed, he looked into the brown eyes of the disappointed boy. There's that look. He always manages to make you feel guilty, no matter how innocent you are.
"Besides, aren't you already in the Hitlerjugend?"
"Yeah, but there's never really any action; all we ever do is train. I want to get out there and do something, y' know?" Cartman looked past Butters dreamily. The naïve boy let out a soft sigh.
"B-but isn't that… dangerous?"
"Well, if you're going to be such a Schwuchtl, I'll go by myself," Eric announced as he marched away. Butters watched nervously while he contemplated whether or not he should follow.
"Warte! I'll go, just don't go alone, please." Butters couldn't help but smile slightly at the sight of Eric's lit up face.
"Sweet, come on!" When Eric pulled excitedly at his wrist, he did not stir. Cartman looked at him in confusion as he tried to pull more forcefully.
"I'll go if-"
"Butters, we don't have time for-"
"-if you promise we'll stay together."
"You know I can't promise that, Butters. I don't have any control-"
"Versprich!" Butters repeated intensely. He returned Eric's befuddlement with decisiveness.
"I promise." Unconvinced, Butters held out his pinkie.
"Seriously?" Butters watched as Eric rolled his eyes in annoyance. "Weak." When Eric wrapped his finger around Butter's, he made a guarantee that made the skinny boy feel safer. He knew Cartman wouldn't really take it seriously, but he would. He would make sure to never separate from his best friend's side. Never. He wasn't scared for his own sake, but for Cartman's. If he weren't there, the irrational boy would end up hurt or dead. I promise, Eric. I'll protect you, no matter the means. You'll be safe and sound when this war is over. I won't let you die. I won't let you.
