Chapter 20

"They're dancing in the shadow like whispers of love, just dreaming of a place where they're free as doves. They'll never be allowed to love in this cursed cage, it's only the fairytale they believe"

In the days that followed, Cartman made sure that Kyle and Ike did their breathing treatments as Dr. Wyatt had advised; Cartman followed his orders and did them as well, but made sure the brothers were taken care of first. Who would have ever thought he'd be so selfless over not one, but two Jews?

Kyle had asked Cartman several times about the New Years party and the "important" announcement from the Führer, but Cartman just wasn't ready to tell him. He knew Kyle was stubborn and really wanted to get the information out of him, but he was grateful that Kyle knew when to back off and respected that he wasn't quite ready to tell him. He wasn't exactly ready to tell his Jewish lover that the man he followed and worshipped for years, was planning to wipe out his entire culture and his people. How do you even start a conversation like that? It's not really something you talk about casually over dinner.

"Sir, a letter has arrived for you," Clyde said handing him the envelope. All eyes in the room turned to him. Kyle, Ike, and Tweek were playing cards in the sitting room, while Cartman and Craig were playing chess a few feet away. He ignored their stares as he read over the letter and when he finished he went pale, but he saw red.

"Craig, my office, now." He didn't shout, but he did say it firmly so that Craig knew to not argue with him. Craig stood immediately and followed him without uttering a single word. When Cartman left the room he could feel Kyle's eyes on him without even looking back. "Close the door," Cartman ordered as he walked behind his desk. Craig did so and then turned to the Commandant.

"What did it say?" he asked in a tone that sounded as though he already knew they were in serious trouble.

"Read it for yourself Lieutenant," Cartman sneered sliding the letter across the desk, with a little too much force because it slipped off and Craig had to catch it in the air.

"Are you fucking kidding me?!" Craig shouted after he read the letter. "How did he even find out about the fire?" Cartman crossed his arms and glared at Craig with eyes full of hatred; but if that hatred was directed at himself or the Führer, Cartman himself didn't know.

"I told him."

"You what?! Cartman, why the hell would you do that?!" Craig didn't even try to be quiet, or hide his anger with the Commandant.

"I'm the Commandant, Craig. My orders are to report everything that goes on in my camp," Cartman sneered as if daring him to keep arguing with him. Craig, seeing red, ripped up the paper and threw the pieces at the Commandant.

"Oh and I suppose you've told him you're helping a Jew and his family right? Or better yet, that you're sleeping with a Jew. You've told him that right?" Cartman swore his blood was on fire from the rage in his chest, but he knew he couldn't let his anger get the better of him.

"That's enough Lieutenant!" Cartman yelled in warning, slamming both his hands down on the mahogany desk. "I don't need you to recite to me my acts of treason, Craig. Believe me I am aware of each and every one, but now is not the time to be a spiteful asshole," Cartman said as calmly as he could manage, even having to clench his teeth half way through.

"No, you already did that when you told the Führer about the fire, Eric," Craig had the guts to say with venom that sprayed straight through Cartman's skin to his heart. Yes he told the Führer about the fire because it was his job, but even more than that what would happen if he didn't tell the Führer? The consequences of withholding evidence could be more severe than anything, it was an act of treason in itself. And if Cartman was being honest, deep down he had hoped more supplies like blankets, pillows, bedding and even food would be sent because of what happened. He should have known it would backfire.

"God dammit Craig! Will you shut your mouth and get back to the real issue? The Führer wants us to move ahead of schedule and send prisoners to the gas chambers as soon as possible. How do we-?" Cartman then heard movement outside the door and he and Craig went quiet. God damn stubborn Jew. Cartman sighed and hung his head in defeat. "Just get in here Kahl," Cartman ordered. He expected Kyle to swing the door open and start yelling, what he didn't expect was seeing all the color gone from his already pale face and fear in his eyes when he stepped through the door.

"Eric, what's going on?" Kyle asked with a shaky voice. Cartman met Craig's eyes and he looked away, knowing it would have to be Cartman who explained things to Kyle.

"Kyle, you might want to sit down," Cartman suggested, gesturing to a chair in front of the desk.

"Cut the crap and start explaining, fatass." Well there's my fiery Jew. Cartman nodded and he started to tell Kyle everything, starting with what they had learned at the party. "He-he plans to-to what?" Kyle stuttered in disbelief.

"It's what he is calling his Final Solution," Craig said putting air quotes with "Final Solution" and then rolling his eyes.

"It's mass genocide! He's a complete psychopath!" Kyle yelled, he was quickly rising to a hysterical level.

"Kyle, calm down so we can-" Cartman started, reaching out to place a hand on Kyle's shoulder, but he yanked away and stepped back from the Commandant.

"Calm down? You just told me the man in charge of Germany wants to exterminate my entire race, my people, as if we were nothing more than mere insects! How the hell do you expect me to calm down?! I bet you want this don't you? It's what you wanted all along isn't it Commandant?"

"Kyle! Enough!" It wasn't Cartman who snapped at the Jew, it was Craig. But Craig didn't shout this in warning with a fear the Commandant would lash out, he said this in Cartman's defense because he knew Kyle had triggered Cartman.

Kyle, respecting Craig, shut his mouth immediately and stared Cartman down. The Commandant wasn't seething as was expected, rather he looked distraught, defeated. Kyle had really struck a nerve with him, and hit him where it hurt. Yes, Kyle's words had really pained Cartman to the core, but he also knew that he had been hysterical upon hearing the news of his people and lashed out because of what he had learned. It was a normal human reaction. How many times had he done the exact same thing? He wasn't about to hold it against him, he didn't have the heart nor the right.

Cartman let out a heavy sigh and then sat down on his chair behind the desk. He put his elbow on the desk and rested his temple to a fist while turning his chair away from the two slightly. "Tell him about the letter, Craig," Cartman ordered calmly, he didn't want to dig himself a deeper grave with all this information.

Craig stared at his superior for a moment, as if he felt the sudden need to comfort the man, but then turned all business and faced Kyle. "Originally we were to get orders at later dates to send away the prisoners, but because of the fire and the over population in the barracks, they want to speed up the process. There is a train arriving in a few days to take away a heavy number of people from this camp." All the color drained from Kyle's face when he heard this and he swayed on the spot.

"Son of a bitch," he cursed finally sitting down before he passed out. Since Cartman still wasn't talking, Craig continued.

"We thought we would have more time to discuss a plan, but where the hell would we even start? Kyle," Craig said walking up close behind his chair and placing a hand to his shoulder. "Despite what you may believe, we don't want this, neither of us." Kyle looked up at Craig's blue eyes that begged him to understand, understand that Cartman was a new man. Kyle did understand and he smiled.

"I know, but what do we do? We're kinda boxed in here," Kyle said biting his lip.

"There might be a way, it's risky, but I think it might be our only choice," Cartman finally spoke up, turning his attention to the two. Craig and Kyle looked at him curiously, ready to listen to every word of this idea. "I know a man, a man who will do anything for the right price."

"You mean The Mole?" Craig asked and Cartman nodded.

"Who is The Mole?" Kyle asked in wonder.

"He's basically a freelance man for hire," Craig informed Kyle and then looked back at the Commandant. "But we can't exactly trust him, can we?"

Cartman sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "We can't, but as long as we pay him what he wants we won't have to worry about that. I know my plan won't come cheap at all." Kyle and Craig had to know, but it was Kyle who asked.

"What exactly is your plan?" Cartman's expression became serious, more serious than either of the two in the room had ever seen.

"I want The Mole to take over the train that is coming here. When it arrives we will load up as many prisoners as it will occupy, and instead of sending them to their deaths, I want to send them straight to freedom, into allied territory."

Neither Craig nor Kyle could speak yet, they were both shocked by the Commandant's plan. Did they think it was madness? Probably. Because he knew it was and it was such a risk, but really what other choice did they have? If this worked, the prisoners would be free and it would look as though the allies captured the train. It was their only choice, their only chance.

"Let's do it," Kyle finally said, determination etched all over his face. That was all Cartman needed to believe in his plan, Kyle's support. He nodded and looked at Craig for his answer.

"I think you're nuts, but I approve," Cartman smirked.

"Make some calls Lieutenant, when you find out The Mole's location come and get me and I'll call him personally."

"Yes sir," Craig said with a nod and then left the room, leaving Cartman alone with Kyle.

After a few moments of awkward silence, with each other not knowing exactly how to proceed, Kyle spoke first. "Did you know, about the gas chambers?" Kyle asked wearily, as if he was scared of the answer, but at the same time Cartman felt like he already knew the answer and he wasn't about to lie to Kyle.

"Yes Kyle, I knew." He saw Kyle's face sadden, perhaps in disappointment, he couldn't be sure. "I haven't lied to you Kyle. I have told you before that I never wanted Jews to die, I wanted them to suffer. The only reason I killed that man my first day in the camp was to make an impression on the prisoners, so they would fear me. I regret that each and every day, I still see his face at night when I sleep, Kyle." Cartman said sadly, stepping out from around his desk and approached Kyle. "I want you to know that I was offered a position at a camp with a gas chamber, but I turned it down, it wasn't something I wanted to be part of. I never imagined the gas chambers would be used for this, Final Solution. I assumed they were a last resort of torture. Kyle, you have to believe this wasn't something I wanted, ever, even as the monster I was before I fell in love with you." He kept his gaze locked on Kyle, as if begging him to believe him. His heart was put at ease when Kyle closed the gap between them and cupped his cheek with his hand.

"I know Eric, I'm sorry for what I said. I wasn't in my right mind and I know I hurt you. I know you're doing everything you can to change and I believe what you've said. I do, Eric." Kyle moved his hand to rest on the back of Cartman's neck and he pulled him down slightly so their foreheads were connected. For several moments they remained quiet, eyes closed, enjoying the peaceful moment of forgiveness in each other; Kyle rubbing the back of Cartman's neck with his thumb the whole time.

Finally Cartman was the first to speak. "Are you sure you're okay with this plan? You know there are risks involved." Instead of answering right away, Kyle craned his head and pressed his lips firmly against Cartman's who obliged him without hesitation. When he pulled his lips away from the Commandant he smiled and looked deep into his amber eyes.

"Have the risks stopped us from loving each other, Eric?" Cartman said nothing, he didn't need to. "Do you know why?" Cartman again remained silent, millions of thoughts in his mind, but unable to form any verbally. Kyle took Cartman's hand in his and nuzzled his cheek against his knuckles. "Because this is right, Eric. Despite the risks, despite the consequences, it's right and worth any risk. Just like your plan. It's the right thing to do and I'm so proud of you." Those words, those five words meant more to Cartman than any declaration of love. Kyle was proud of him, of him, Eric Theodore Cartman! He had finally done something right in his unfortunate and miserable life. But Kyle wasn't done putting his emotions into overdrive. "Irisviel, would be proud of you."

Before Kyle could see the tears in his eyes, Cartman yanked him against him and embraced him as if he were a tether for the emotions that were trying to overpower him. Cartman wanted to thank him, to tell him how much everything he had said meant to him, but instead he whispered against Kyle's blazing curls, "Stupid Jew." And cried silently into his hair.

Kyle said nothing as he smiled and embraced his lover back, offering him all the comfort in the world, letting him know that he would always be at his side, even through the darkest of days.

/

"Gah!" Tweek snapped awake from a nightmare and panicked when he realized he was restrained and couldn't move. Oh god! He panicked more when the restraints got tighter around his waist.

"Tweek, it's okay." Oh. Craig. That's right, I'm in bed with Craig. Tweek took a few deep breaths to calm down and touched Craig's arm that was around him as if to validate it was really him.

"Ah. Sorry Craig," Tweek apologized and Craig answered with a grumble.

"Go back to sleep, Tweek." Tweek smiled and wiggled out from underneath him.

"I need a drink, my throat is killing me." Tweek's ears were met with soft snores and he knew Craig had fallen back asleep.

Tweek left the room and quietly made his way into the kitchen, keeping one hand flat against the wall and one out in front of him to feel his way through the dark villa. "Tweek is that you?" Tweek could have sworn he jumped ten feet in the air and that his heart stopped all in the same moment.

"Oh j-jesus M-Mr. Broflovski y-you scared me," he tried to say as quietly as he could despite being so traumatized.

"I'll turn on a light," Gerald said and then turned on a small night light in the room. "Are you okay Tweek?" Gerald asked in concern for the boy.

"Y-yeah. Thirsty." Gerald smiled and stood from the small table in the kitchen that only sat two.

"Sit down Tweek, I'll get you something, but it won't be coffee." Tweek couldn't help but chuckle at this when he sat down in the chair across from where Gerald was sitting. Gerald poured Tweek a glass of orange juice, and one for himself, and then joined Tweek at the table.

"Th-thank you. H-how did you kn-know it was me? It was really d-dark." Tweek mentally cursed his stutter. He could speak to Kyle and Craig without stuttering, but dammit not Kyle's father just yet.

"You shuffle your feet when you walk. Kyle is so light on his feet you'd never hear him, and Ike might as well be wearing boots he's so loud." Tweek had to blush at this, not just because it was funny, but because it meant Gerald had paid attention to him and his mannerisms. He didn't even know he shuffled, but it didn't surprise him at all since his anxiety was so high.

The two entered into a comfortable silence while they nursed their juice; Tweek's nightmare long since forgotten. Eventually, Gerald was the first to break the silence. "Say Tweek, when this war is over, what will you do?"

Tweek didn't expect this question, not from Gerald, and not in the serious manner in which he asked it. Kyle and Tweek would often talk about what they would do after the war, but it was more talk of hope, to keep their spirits up from day to day. Hell, Tweek once told Kyle he'd ride a horse and he was terrified of horses. For some reason Tweek knew Gerald wasn't talking hypothetically, he really wanted to know what Tweek would do. "I-I don't know." He didn't lie, he really didn't know what he would do.

"What about your family, Tweek? Will you look for them? Go back to them?" Gerald asked sincerely and the question actually made Tweek smirk.

"My fam-family? My family put me into the c-camp. They never loved me. I don't want to s-see them and I don't want to f-find them," he said in probably the sharpest tone he ever heard come from his own mouth. He intentionally kept Craig out of this conversation for the simple reason that Craig is on the wrong side. If the war ended with the allies winning, he didn't want to think what would happen to Craig. "I guess when it's o-over I'll be an orphan," Tweek said as if it was no big deal, which surprised him because normally such a thought would insight his anxiety; guess his parents betrayal hit him harder than he thought.

"What if you didn't have to?" Gerald asked suddenly and Tweek snapped to attention.

"Wh-what what do you mean? I told you, I don't w-want to see my family," Tweek snapped in defense. Gerald just smiled, keeping calm while Tweek was starting to panic.

"But you see your family everyday Tweek, you've realized that haven't you?" Tweek gasped softly and he stilled, his panic turning to anticipation.

"Mr. Broflovski, what are you g-getting at?"

"I'm asking if you would allow me to adopt you, as my son?" It was a good thing Tweek was not currently holding his glass because he would surely have dropped it after hearing that from Gerald.

"Wh-what?" Tweek had to ask, just to make sure he heard him right.

"My sons love you Tweek, they see you as their brother, and I love you as my own. Would you approve if, after the war, we made it official?" Gerald had a very bright and proud smile on his face that told Tweek he was completely serious. He wanted to adopt Tweek into his family, as his son.

"B-but can y-you do that? E-even though I have parents?" Tweek asked in worry, not wanting to get his hopes too high.

"All of our personal documents were lost, I know they were destroyed before we came to the camp, technically we don't have any identification. After the war we will need new documentation, it will be simple to claim you as my own. But only if you want to, if it's something you want."

"It is! I mean yes! I mean-" he knew he sounded way too excited so he tried to tone it down; he especially didn't want to wake up the whole villa.

But Tweek really did want this, more than anything. Tweek had always dreamed of having a family who actually loved him and cared about him, and he had that with the Broflovksi's, but this was so much more. He was being welcomed into the family with opened arms as one of them. Nothing in this world could ever mean more to him, not even Craig. "It would be an h-honor to become part of your f-family Mr. Broflovski."

"Gerald is fine, Tweek. Maybe one day you'll be comfortable enough to call me papa, but I won't rush you by any means," Gerald said with a smile. He stood and took both their glasses and placed them in the sink. "You should try to get back to sleep Tweek, I know how difficult it is for you."

Without warning, without hesitation, Tweek stood from the table and ran into Gerald's arms and held onto him tightly. "Thank you papa." He knew there was nothing else he could say, that he needed to say, he knew it was enough for what Gerald had offered.

Gerald returned his embrace as a father would, warm and tender, with so much love that Tweek could definitely feel. When they pulled away, Gerald gave Tweek a soft pat on the cheek and smiled with tears of adoration in his eyes. "Good night my son."

/

When Dr. Wyatt had cleared Kyle and Ike of their breathing treatments, they returned to working in the camp the next day, along with Tweek. Cartman had of course protested, even went so far as to say he didn't care if the entire camp thought them to be dead. But Kyle was stubborn and he had said he wasn't about to sit back in a comfy villa while his people worked themselves to the bone, because at the end of the day he was still a prisoner. While Cartman wanted to argue further, even order him to remain at the villa, he knew Kyle's mind was made up and it was be useless to argue with him.

Luckily it took less time than he thought to get in contact with The Mole. The Mole listened to Cartman's plan on the phone, and then named his price. If the mission wasn't so important and critical, Cartman would have laughed at him and told him to shove his price, but the mission hinged on The Mole doing his job so Cartman agreed to his price; luckily being the Commandant paid handsomely.

The train arrived sooner than expected and Cartman prayed The Mole had enough time to take control of it as planned. Nearly all of the prisoners that were housed in the barracks that had burned down were gathered near the train; Cartman wanted as many loaded as he could in hopes they would be freed if this plan worked. Cartman, with Craig at his side holding a clipboard and briefcase, waited on a platform near the front of the train. A moment later a man with rough looking brown hair, a black shirt, and black fingerless gloves stepped out puffing a cigarette between his lips.

"You got the money?" It was all he said, not even a hello, it was all business. It was The Mole, he got the train. Craig handed the briefcase to The Mole and he took it without looking inside, apparently trusting that Cartman had indeed put the money in there. After all, Cartman was the one with too much to lose with this deal, he wouldn't cheat him. "Good. Load em." The Mole turned to get back in the train.

"Load em up!" Cartman ordered his men who stood waiting for his orders. The soldiers did as commanded, and with brute force, shoved the prisoners into the cars.

"Sir, I need you to sign these few papers regarding our orders with the train," Craig told Cartman, offering him the clipboard and a pen.

"Yes, fine," Cartman only looked at the papers and where to sign, he read nothing else. After doing so, he looked back at the prisoners being loaded into the cars. Some of them looked fearful, but most of them looked like they had given up a long time ago and were just waiting for an inevitable death. Cartman could only hope this worked for their sakes, so they could have their hope back; something Kyle never lost.

He had offered for Kyle and his family, even Tweek to leave on the train, but to his surprise each and every one of them refused. They had said they were family and that they wouldn't stand to be separated and Kyle had made it perfectly clear that he wouldn't leave him, Cartman. Kyle had chosen him over a chance at freedom. He really didn't deserve Kyle.

After the train was loaded it immediately took off and Cartman turned to find Kyle staring at him from his work station. Even from as far away as he was, he didn't miss his lips forming the words, I'm proud of you.

/

Cartman was growing restless, waiting to hear from The Mole about the mission several days later. "Cartman, you're making me anxious dude. Just chill," Craig said getting annoyed from Cartman's endless evening pacing.

"I can't help it Craig. If you haven't noticed I've actually done something good for once and I'm kinda worried it's gonna blow up in my face." Yes he said it, said it aloud and felt absolutely no shame. He half expected Craig to tease him, but he didn't, he merely returned to the book he was reading at the dining room table.

"Eric, Rome wasn't built in a day," Kyle said wisely from his place on the couch with Cartman's quilt over his lap. Kyle may have returned to work in the camp during the day, but at night he still came back to Cartman.

"Yes it was. The saying is Rome was built in a day!" Cartman argued. Kyle glared at him.

"No it isn't fatass. It wasn't built in a day. How the hell can you build a whole city in one day?"

Cartman through his hands up in the air and shrugged. "Magic? Didn't Rome have gods? I don't know. Whatever Kahl!" The two looked away from each other and the room fell into silence. Such silence that Cartman nearly jumped out of his skin when the phone rang. The room went silent as Cartman darted towards the phone to answer it.

"Commandant Cartman," he said when he answered so the other person knew who they were speaking to.

"Dorothy has returned to Kanas," was all the person said and then hung up.

He was frozen, unable to put the phone down, his heart beating rapidly. There were people talking to him behind him, but he couldn't make out what they were saying. It wasn't until he felt a hand on his shoulder that he put the phone down and turned to see Kyle looking worried. "What happened, Eric?"

"It worked. The allies liberated the train. They're safe, they're free," Cartman said as if he didn't believe it if he didn't say it aloud. He was still in such shock that his plan had worked that he didn't see the relief on Kyle's face before he flung his arms around Cartman's neck and hugged him tightly.

"You did it Eric! You did it!" He was happy, he was genuinely happy. Not because Kyle was so proud, but because it felt good to do the right thing and it actually work out. He did the right thing! All of those people, were now safe and it filled Cartman with so much relief and happiness. Who would have ever thought.

/

When he spoke of his plan the first time with The Mole, he had suggested that if the plan worked the first time, they would try again. The Mole would phone Cartman, because he was never in the same place, and they would discuss the details of the next incoming train. It was not part of the agreement to discuss how The Mole did his job, just that he made sure it was done.

So here they were again, loading more prisoners onto the train and Cartman hoped it would work a second time. He refused to think negatively, when it came to this mission, he made himself be optimistic.

Days later he got the call that "Dorothy had returned to Kanas." They had succeeded again.

/

Cartman had received word that on January 16th, the Führer had returned to Berlin and was staying at the New Reich Chancellery. In the month of February, each train that arrived in the camp was driven by The Mole and was successfully rerouted from the death camps, straight into allied territory. Cartman had no idea how The Mole got away each time a train was liberated, but he didn't need to know so long as the plan worked and he kept coming back.

The news on the radio only continued to grow worse for Germany. The allies were closing in around them and he got word of some camps being liberated. Some soldiers were killed, others taken into custody. Cartman was no fool. He was the Commandant of the camp, if they were liberated, he wouldn't live through this.

"Mr. Broflovski, a moment please, in my office," Cartman told the man who was in the middle of dusting the living room. It was the middle of the day, Kyle was out in the camp working, so he knew he wouldn't overhear him this time.

"Yes sir?" Gerald asked, closing the door behind them. Cartman stood off to the side, with his arms crossed, facing Gerald, determination burning in his eyes.

"Let it be established right now that I do not wish to argue nor do I wish to start a long conversation over this. I will be blunt Mr. Broflovski, Germany is losing the war and it will be over soon, perhaps in a matter of weeks. Many camps have already been liberated," he informed Gerald, sounding indifferent.

"If I may say so sir, I think that's wonderful news." Cartman smiled, almost laughed even.

"Of course it is. However, with that said. Mr. Broflovski, as you know, I'm the Commandant. I'm responsible for this camp. Do you know what that means Mr. Broflovski?" Gerald remained quiet, with a quizzical look on his face, but after a moment he put it together. "That's right, there is no way I'm making it out of here alive. I know you'll protect Kyle and be there for him, so asking you to do so is a mute point. So rather, my request to you Mr. Broflovski." He paused and met Gerald's eyes, his amber were filled with a seriousness, but also sadness, maybe even regret. "Don't let Kyle watch, please. Do all you can to get him away," he begged and he wasn't ashamed to. He knew Kyle, he knew he would fight, but he didn't want him hurt and he didn't want him to see Cartman face his death. "Can you do that Mr. Broflovski?"

"You have my word," Gerald assured the Commandant, who lowered his shoulders in relief.

"Thank you, you may go," Cartman ordered, moving around his desk to sit behind it. Gerald turned to leave, but when he reached the door knob he turned back to Cartman.

"I want you to know, I would have welcomed you as my son-in-law." And then he left before Cartman could answer. Not that he could, he was in too much shock.

/

The end was coming, Cartman could sense it, he didn't know how, but he did. Very soon the camp would be liberated and the remaining prisoners who didn't make it out on the trains would be free. Kyle and his family would be free, but Cartman knew he wouldn't. He was going to be killed for his crimes, why shouldn't he be? Just because he's done a few good deeds doesn't erase the years of bad he's done. Karma was coming for him, and he hoped it was in the form of a bullet. Quick and painless, that's what he wanted. As if he could choose.

In the early hours, before the sun was to rise, Cartman woke up from a restless sleep. He smiled down at his lover next to him, who was wearing one of his pajama shirts that was much too big for him. Kyle stirred next to him as if he sensed that his lover was awake. "What's wrong Eric?" he asked in concern. Cartman simply smiled and caressed Kyle's cheek.

"Nothing Kyle, really," he tried to assure him, but he knew Kyle wouldn't buy it.

"Try again fatass," Kyle said resting up on his elbow, looking up at Cartman with tired eyes.

"Dance with me, Kyle." Kyle was taken aback.

"This early? You can't be serious fatass," Kyle said in disbelief, then yawned loudly.

"Oh I'm seriously Kahl, please. Dance with me." He wanted to add, this last time, but he wasn't about to. Something told Cartman that this would be the last night he had with Kyle, and he wanted to spend their last moments together doing the one thing that brought them together. Dancing.

As if he sensed the distress in Cartman, he obliged him and they both got off the bed. They met at the foot of the bed, in the center of Cartman's room, and came together. They stood close, arm around each other's hip, the other hand laced together in the air, and they slow danced together in silence. The dance wasn't technical, just simple swaying and Cartman wouldn't have it any other way.

"I was just thinking, when the war is over, I'd like to see you dance. You said you went to contests, could I come and watch you?" He had to say something positive, he didn't want to talk or even think about dying with Kyle here with him.

"It would mean so much to me to have you there," Kyle said bringing his head out of the crook of Cartman's neck so he could see the smile that spread across his face.

"Good." And then he pulled Kyle closer against him, wrapping both arms securely around his body. "I love you Kyle, I love you so much more than you could ever know."

"Eric-"

"Please Kyle. Just this once, shut your mouth." And Kyle did, locking his arms under Cartman's so his hands could rest on the back of his shoulders. If this really was to be the last moment he had with Kyle, he didn't want to spend it arguing or talking about anything depressing. He wanted Kyle to know just how much he loved him, how much he changed him for the better. He couldn't welcome death if Kyle didn't know or feel it.

"I love you too, Eric." They continued to dance, to sway together, and Cartman made sure to etch this moment into his memory so even in death he would remember dancing and loving Kyle Broflovski.

/

March 30th, 1945

The camp was liberated.

It was chaos and hysteria the likes of which Cartman had never seen. Not during the raids, not even when the fire happened. This was worse. He almost couldn't tell where his soldiers began and the allied soldiers ended. He heard Kyle screaming for him, but he wouldn't go to him. Gerald had to keep his word to keep Kyle safe and away from him.

Many of his soldiers were fighting against the allies, as a result guns were fired. Any soldier putting up resistance was shot on sight, but that didn't mean some allied soldiers weren't shot in the process. There was death all around him. During the skirmish between soldiers, more allied soldiers were leading prisoners out of the camp, but not all the prisoners wanted to immediately leave. Some wanted to fight the soldiers who held them captive and who could blame them.

Suddenly there was a man speaking through a megaphone, in German, standing on the platform with the gallows behind him. "Who is in charge of this camp? Come up here now!" The man wasn't German, but he could speak it.

Cartman bent his arms at the elbow to show that he wasn't about to fight as he stepped through the crowd. Many of the prisoners shoved him forward, some even spit on him; he knew he deserved it. When he entered the front of the crowd, Craig came forward and stood at his side, holding his hands up in surrender as well. He wished Craig would have stayed back, but he was touched that he was at his side.

The Commandant and First Lieutenant made their way up to the podium. "On your knees, facing the crowd," the man ordered, pointing his gun straight at them both and followed them with the gun as they moved to kneel in front of them. A public execution? How lovely. He was just blessed Kyle wasn't around to see it.

"Wait stop!" Kyle. Kyle?! Cartman snapped his head up and looked towards the crowd. Kyle was pushing his way through and he could see Gerald running behind him with Tweek and Ike at his side; clearly he had gotten away from him. "You can't shoot them!" Kyle screamed at the front of the crowd. The allied soldiers looked around each other, they couldn't understand him, only the man holding the gun pointing at them could understand him.

"Are you mad kid? These men are the reason you're in this camp! Think of what they put you through! Think of all the death they caused! They deserve to die! They are monsters!" That last word made Cartman wince, it had always been a trigger for him.

Cartman met his gaze, his amber eyes pleading, begging as if saying No gay speeches Kahl! But Kyle, tears formed in his eyes, shook his head and looked back at the soldier behind them.

"There has been enough death here. Don't add them to the body count. Don't be like them, spare them. Let them stand trial, let them face their crimes and let them live with them!"

It was as though the world stopped, everything and everyone went silent. Had Kyle really gotten to him? Would he and Craig actually make it out of this? Cartman looked again to Kyle, he saw his beautiful smile, and that was when the gun went off.