It was few years later, when Butters had turned 13 that he came out telling Cartman he was gay, it wasn't surprising to Eric but somehow he was happy to hear but of course he wouldn't tell butters that because he was still trying to finger out how he felt about Butters, if there was any feelings that is "well duh! It's not like we didn't see this fucking coming" Butters however was crying ,coming out was harder then he thought it would be but he was also Happy he came out to the person he was close too, Eric was the first Person he told, Butters knew he would get made fun of by Eric but for some reason he didn't care "now stop with the waterworks, I don't want you getting my sweater all wet with your gay ass tears butters!" he barked, Butters whipped his tears away , he looked up and smiled it was like he didn't have a care in world, which is what Cartman guess he liked about Butters Scotch the fact that no matter how much the boy went though, he always had a reason to smile and in a way Cartman found himself wondering if he could have the same happiness, the two did everything together, Cartman finally sighed " whatever, just don't let me catch any of your gayness" Butters just smiled " um I won't I promise Eric!"
When summer came around Butters had gone up missing, it was even more weird how the blond didn't tell anyone where he went, that hurt Eric the most he was pissed at the fact Butters didn't tell him where he went but he was mostly upset at the fact that Butters was gone, needless to say that his family could care less, they didn't even bother to look for him, only Eric bothered to look everywhere with no luck. It wasn't in till the middle of summer when rumor broke out saying Butters had run away with some guy, which was a really bad and untrue rumor at least Eric hoped it was.
It was the last few weeks of Summer, when Kenny found out about Butters and told the others, it turns out Butters did run away but not with a another man, he just wanted to live with his Aunt taking time away from South park, Cartman wasn't the only one who hated south park, But what still bothered him was, why didn't Butters tell Eric. The group walked down the street; "it wasn't that funny fat ass" Kyle glared at Cartman, who glared at Kyle "AY! Don't call me fat! I'm big boned damn it!" Cartman barked at him, Kenny removed his hood as he smirked "that's what they all say" he rolled his eyes flipping off Kenny "fuck you Kenny" Kenny just let out a laugh, the group walked into City York, Taking their usual booth, the group wasn't as close as they used to be, ever since they joined the football team nothing much had change only there looks, Stan had gotten taller since he left 4th grade he had join the soccer team and was working his way up to begin Chapin, he was still super best friends with Kyle, who had had a very small fame, he was not as tall as Stan but close he had lost his Jew afro and now had short red hair, However Kenny hardly ever wore his Hoodie anymore, he had made a self image of himself of becoming the man whore of south park , he was very proud of it as well and lastly Cartman , he was known for his bad temper, he was also on the football team, it was pain but he enjoyed it either way.
Eric ate his food, even though it wasn't really good it was free, thanks to Kenny who had 'sweet talked' the lady who ran the front desk to give away free food, that's when someone entered, Kenny looked up from his food and smirked " well I'll be" he hit Cartman in the shoulder " hey look who just walked in" Cartman was about to snap at Kenny but stopped when he saw the blond at the front desk making his Order " butters…" was all he could say when he saw Butters, the years had been kind to Butters shape and size, his hair was little longer he lost all his baby fat , he know had a small frame with long feminine legs and what he was wearing really did make Eric blush, Butters light V neck shirt that went with his shorts that hugged his hips just right, Butters smiled as the lady at the front desk gave him his order of sweet and sour chicken, Eric couldn't take his eyes off him he just couldn't belive it this good looking boy ? Was the little weak butters?! Butters walked past Eric's Booth without even noticing them, he sat in the booth a few table's a head "Dude, you're going to start drooling at this rate" Kenny spoke though his Smirk, Stan chuckled "Cartman just go and fuck him already, we all know your gay for him" Cartman glared at Stan "how many times do I have to say it! I'm not gay! I-I just happen to think butters looks-"Kenny cut him off "fucking hot?"He smirked as he watched Cartman's temper start to rise up, Eric blushed then shot a nastily glare at Kenny "I was going to stay Different you fucking moron" Kyle just shook his head "who's to say he would even go out with you fat ass?" "What you say?!" Cartman finally snapped at Kyle, who just sighed as he took a sip of his water before looking at Cartman "have you seen Butters? He looks as Kenny put it 'fucking hot' and you? Your just you, and why do you care fat boy? You're the one who said you're not a fag?" that did really did get to Cartman, He sighed annoyed "fuck you, you greedy Jew" "fuck you too Cartman" Kyle said getting annoyed, He slammed his first on the table "fine if it will get your asses off my back!" Eric barked as he left the booth "don't have too much fun with fucking Butters!" Kenny called, in return Cartman flipped him off before heading to Butter's Booth, who was busy enjoying his Sweet and sour chicken, 'he's just so cute' Eric blushed hard as Butters looked up and smiled warmly "Eric!" Butters without warning jumped and hugged him, this caused Eric to blush rather Deeply "could you g-get off me" Butters finally let go of him and rubbed the back of his neck "sorry Eric, old habits die hard you know?" He let a smile play across his face, he sat back down in his seat and Cartman sat with him "so, your back in town...You didn't even bother to call" he was happy to see Butters was safe and sound but was still pissed off and so confused! "Well I-I wanted it to be a surprise! But it is good to be back, even though my folks did get me a good talk and two but still it sure was great to get out of South Park" Butters spoke cheerfully not noticing how annoyed Eric looked "Great? You just thought it would be okay to go up and leave! Without even telling me for that matter-" "n-now hold on Eric! It's not like that! And pl-plus you're the one who said you didn't Care about what I did or where I went! So you re-really can't talk to me like that" Butters covered his mouth, blushing "I-I'm sorry I didn't mean it Eric, I was just mad that's all" Butters spoke softly as he rubbed his knuckles together" you were mad?! So that makes it okay to run away! And not even tell me or even ask if I wanted to come! I thought we were friend's butters..." He crossed his arms looking away from Butters, "we-we are, its y-you and me fo-forever" he smiled as he placed his one hand on Eric's arm, this Calm down Eric as his Look soften, Butters soft touch caused him to blush, he remove it " sure-sure whatever, so what was it like , living with your aunt, did it suck ass?" Butters shook his head as in no "it's not as bad I thought it would be, my aunt is a very nice lady and I got to meet new people, do new things and meet boys my age!" as butters went on, Cartman felt a little anger grow inside of him, if anyone had touch butters then he would break there arm! He tried to remain calm to not upset Butters "but I did really miss you fella's while I was gone, mostly you Eric" He spoke softly, Eric Blushed hard "I –I missed you too " " but that's enough about me ! Let's talk about you and the guys, you have er gotten stronger?" it was best way he could put it without implying that Cartman was once fat. He smirked at Butters "well I am part of the football team, thank you for noticing!" Eric acting smug, Butters gave a fake smile "what about Stan and the others?" Butters raised an eye, Eric layed back in his Chair " still assholes " " Eric, who isn't a asshole in this Town" the two let out laugh, Butters was still butters in a way " so you still going to move back with your asshole family?" "tha-that's not very nice Eric and yeah I kinda have to ,they are still my family" he spoke looking down at his Food, Eric felt sorry that Butters had to live with a family that grounded him with every chance they got, he rubbed the back of his neck and chuckled "it really has been boring without you around " Butter blinked he didn't see that coming" oh really? " " yup, um you wanna ditch this place and go play some video games or something?" it wasn't like a date or anything, just two friends hanging out At least that's what Eric kept telling himself, they were just Friends. Right? "Okay sure Eric!"