Kenny woke to the blaring o his alarm clock. He groaned ungratefully at the disturbance of his rest. " Wy do we have an alarm set? We are on vacation," he sighed as he threw the blanket over his head.
" It' probably because you have to leave to catch a plane," Butters' voice said from somewhere in the room. His voice sounded sad, almost like he may cry. Kenny pulled himself out from underneath the covers.
Tweek was placing clothes neatly in suitcases while Butters watched sadly from the chair in the corner. " YOu alright, Butters?" he questioned as he pulled his feet off the side of t bed.
Butters eyes drifted up to meet Kenny's. " I finally feel happy and safe. And now you guys are leaving. It's like the universe sent you here to tease me with what could be. It's not fair," he spoke as he began to sob. Kenny was on his feet and at Butters' in seconds.
Kenny placed his hands gently on Butters knees. " Butters, look at me and listen closely," Kenny said firmly. Butters looked at him, tears streaming down his face and nodded.
" If you think this meant nothing to us, I'm insulted. We are going t be here with you every chance we get." Butters nodded again but the words didn't seem to appeas ehistears. BUttes reached out and clung to Kenny, his fingers digging roughly into his comforters upper arms.
" What if he finds me, Ken?" Kenny looked up at Tweek with concern. Butters was having an obvious panic attack. He pulled the boy close and whispered softly in his ear.
" If that ever happens you come tous as fast as you can," Butters shook uncontrollably. Kenny looked up at Tweek for help. Twee smiled sadly at him and put his hand on Butters head.
" I'm finished packing, Ken. Can you take the luggage down to the car?" A loud cracked sob escaped Butters when he heard Tweek speak. Kenny looked up at Tweek questioningly. Tweek smiled softly at him and mouthed at him to go.
Kenny got up and threw on his cloths Tweek had laid out on the bed for him. He watched as Tweek took his place comforting Butters. He felt slightly guilty that he could't comfort him enough.
He shook his head and grabbed the suitcases. A crowd had gathered in the living room, he assumed to send them off to the airport. He grinned widely at everyone, even Craig, who stood sheepishly in the corner. " He Eric, can I talk to you for a minute?" Kenny asked at the door.
Eric gave him a quick nod and excused himself from his current conversation. H followed Kenny to the car helping load the suitcases. " Well what do you want poor boy?" Cartman asked after the task was finished and words had yet to be spoken.
Kenny blew out a puff of air in thought. " Butters' ex? Is there any way he could find him?" he finally asked. Eric shifted uncomfortably as the subject came up again,. His eyes drifted out to the street and his hands sank into his pocket.
" It's a possibility," he said firmly. Kenny's heart sank at the thought. " He comes through town occasionally asking after him. The town knows what happened so we say he took off, hasn't been seen. But if he ever saw Butters wandering around town… " Eric's eyes snapped to Kenny's with fierceness. " I won't let that happen, Kenny."
Kenny gripped Cartman's shoulder firmly, his breath evening out. " I believe you. Maybe we can move him out with us after a while. Then he will be safe. For now though, thank you for taking care of him." Cartman grunte as an answer and turned back towards the house.
" Let's knock this mushy shit off anget gng." Kenny took the stairs two at a time and peeked through the doorway. Butters was still wrapped around Twee, his fingers digging desperately into his skin. Almost like he could keep him there, anchored down with his grip.
" Boys, it's time to go," he said softly meeting Tweek's eyes. They were sad with the knowledge that they were leaving Butters in this state. Butters slowly withdrew from Tweek, his movements dull wi emotional pain. " Give us a week or two Burs and we will fly you out to see us, okay?"
Butters nodded slowly and followed them down the stairs. The dre to the airport was eerily quiet. Something ab the whole thing t felt entirely off. Kenny thought it oer as he watched the landscape pass quickly by the window. The first time Tweek and Kenny had left they wanted out of the tiny backwards twn. Everything about felt wrong back then. Nw they had reasons to stay. They had people who need them now, people who loved them. The things they felt like they didn't have before.
Hugs were exchanged as they waited for their plane. Craig stood nervously in the background hesitant to make himself known.
Tweek squeezed Kenny's hand and shot him a glance tt spoke a thousand words, Kenny smed softly and nodded.
Tweek approached Craig quickly. Craig opened his mouth to ask but was cut off when he was pulled fiercely into a hug. Craig froze at the contact and lifted his eyes to Kenn. Kenny gave him a crooked smile and a shrug. H really had no idea why Tweek did half the things he did.
" Craig," Tweek said pulling back o look him in the eye. " Be happy. You deserve to be happy. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Not even you" Craig stared into Tweek eyes looking for something only the two of them knew.
A small smile formed on taller boys lips after a few seconds. " Alright, Tweek. Thank you," Craig finally said. Tweek gave him a beaming smile anmade hiway back over to Kenny. He slid and arm around his waist and snuggled into him.
" Keep in touch this time would you, Poor boy. I can't listen to all the whining again," Eric said stuffing his hands into his pockets, as he was prone to do when he as uncomfortable.
" Will do fattass. We will be ba as soon as we can. We will miss you guys. Butters? Will you walk with us to the gate?" Butters shuffled forward, a sad smile on his face.
" Sure, fellas." They walked in silence, Kenny and Tweek on either side of Butters. Their gate ame into view and the to boys felt Butters fingers digging into their wrists.
" We will be back as soon we can Butters. Don't worry, okay," Tweek sa as he kissed hi cheek sweetly.
" We love you so much Leopold Stotch," Kenny whispered in hi other ear. Butters nodded as a tear fell down his chek.
" Go before you miss your plane. Call me when you land so know you're se. I love you guys." Kenny and Tweek waved as they entered the gate hand in hand.