"Argh I hate it!"

Eleven year old Eric Cartman sat on the cold stairs that were behind the school building. He glared at all his classmates joyfully playing in the snow. He hated how they were all so happy and he wasn't for so long. The reason for his unhappiness was right across from him, holding a girl's hand.

It had been a year since Butters Stotch started dating Heidi Turner. He seemed so happy with her and it made Cartman sick. For the young brunette had a huge crush on the blonde and wished desperately that he was the one dating him. Though he had told himself over and over again that Butters was just a friend and liking him more than that was a mistake. Though it was no use. For Cartman couldn't get his best friend out of his head.

Kyle was walking around the park, hands in his pockets. He looked around and noticed that Eric Cartman was sitting by himself, staring at Heidi and Butters. He always had a slight suspicion that the brunette that he hated so much, had a crush on Butters . He decided to walk over to Cartman to find out.

"Hey fatass," Kyle said to him

"Go away you stupid J-O-O," Cartman spat

"Woah you're angry, " Kyle said though he knew that before talking to him.

"Fuck you!" Cartman said not looking at him, he was trying to get a good view of Butters.

Kyle caught his gaze and once he did, he sighed.

"Dude we all know you like Butters," He said raising an eyebrow at Cartman

"W....what?" Cartman asked getting out of his trance "No I don't,"

"Oh please," Kyle scoffed "All you ever do nowadays is stare at him and blush besides you told me this a while ago."

"Yeah I regret that," Cartman muttered "What do you want anyways?"

"I just wanted to see what's up. You aren't in the playground as usual," Kyle pointed out to him.

"Yeah," Cartman said "Because there's no point," He sighed.

"What do you mean?" Kyle asked curiously

Cartman shook his head "Nothing, it's just......what's life when you know the one you love, doesn't share the same feelings?" He asked

"What does that have to do with not being in the playground?" Kyle said

"Cartman shrugged "You wouldn't understand, you're just a dumb dirty J-O-O."

"God Damn it Cartman!" Kyle said getting agitated "You are in fifth grade and you still can't spell Jew!"

Though Cartman didn't feel like fighting and walked away. Kyle just stared dumbfounded at Cartman's reaction. For usually the fat brunette would laugh and say something rude. This time he just walked away as if he couldn't give a damn. It strangely made Kyle worry and even feel a little sad. Not that he liked being insulted but this wasn't the fatass he knew for so long.
Kyle also wasn't so sure what to do so he walked up to Stan. Kyle told the raven haired boy what had just happened between him and Cartman.

"Wow , " Stan said once Kyle was done explaining "That kid is seriously in love,"

"Agreed," Kyle said "You could say that again. But I think something's off....." Kyle cut himself off. Why did he care so much about Cartman? Why did he feel like he needed to help him?

"Uhh dude you okay?" Stan asked snapping his fingers in front of Kyle's face.

"Uh yeah," Kyle said snapping out of it "Stan we should do something."

Stan looked confused at his best friend's words "What do you mean, do what?"

Kyle sighed not believing what he was about to say "I feel bad for Cartman and I know this sounds weird but I miss the old asshole he used to be."

He expected Stan to laugh at him but he only nodded "I know what you mean he broken in a way."

"I know right," Kyle said "It's got something to do with Butters I know it does."

Stan nodded "So what should we-," He was cut off by Butters.

"Hey fellas," Butters said cheerfully. Kyle and Stan shared a glance.

"Hey Butters!" Stan said and smiled at the short blonde.

"How's it going dude?" Kyle said

"I'm good mostly," He tailed off

"What's wrong?" Kyle asked a little concerned

"Well it's just its....." Butters stuttered

"Yeah?" Stan nudged him

"It's Eric, I mean I don't ever see him anymore," The blonde said looking down "I miss him."

Stan stared at Kyle and they both sighed.

"I mean I'm not sure what I did," Butters said truthfully "One second we are best friends and the next I never see him, I'm really worried."

Kyle nodded "I would be too," He told Butters "But you sure you don't know what it is?"

"Yeah?" Butters asked "Why? You know what it is? Can you tell me then?" He looked very hopeful.

Kyle looked down at his feet.

"Umm we don't know what it is," Stan lied "But we're also trying to figure it out, Cartman doesn't seem like his usual self."

"Yeah he doesn't and it makes me sad," Butters said a little teary eyed "He's my best friend after all."

"Hey Butters," a voice called behind the three boys "Come over here!"

Butters smiled behind him "Coming Heidi!" He called back "I'll see you fellas later!"

Stan and Kyle waved as Butters walked away.

"He's such a dumbass," Stan sighed "It's obvious why Cartman is upset, anyone could figure it out,"

"Yeah," Kyle agreed "Hey what do you say we go check on him?"
Stan shrugged "Sure, why not?"

Kyle smiled and walked with Stan around the playground but couldn't find Cartman anywhere.

"That's odd," Kyle said.

Stan shook his head "No it isn't, look."

He pointed to Heidi and Butters kissing and Cartman was watching in the distance. He ran off back to the school building, his face buried in his hands.

Kyle's eyes widened and he sighed. He looked at Stan and beckoned him to walk over to Cartman. Cartman had went into a sobbing fit, absolutely feeling nothing but utter sadness. It was as if his heart had broke and fallen deep inside him, trying desperately to get up. He didn't know how long he could live like this. Every day Cartman would have to see the love of his life with someone else. The worst part was Butters couldn't give a damn.

"Hey Cartman," Stan said walking towards him "You okay buddy?"

"Do I look okay?" Cartman spat glaring at them with tear streaked eyes "Don't be so stupid Stan!"

Stan sighed and nodded slowly.

Kyle couldn't believe what he was about to do, he hugged Cartman.

Cartman's eyes widened for a moment then he cried into Kyle's shoulder.

"Cartman you can't keep living like this," Stan said "I mean Butters I know you care a lot about him but...."

"But what?!" Cartman said pulling away from Kyle "I don't care about him greatly I'm fucking in love with him!"

Stan looked a little surprised by his sudden confidence but simply nodded.

"Why!" Cartman cried "Why do I have to be fucking gay!"

"You're gay?" Stan asked but Kyle shot him a look

"No I'm just in love with a dude," Cartman said getting more angry "Yes retard!"

Stan sighed "Right sorry," He said

Kyle slowly pulled away from Cartman "Hey listen CA - I mean Eric, everything will be better soon, I promise."

"And how do you know that?!" Cartman asked him, tears stained his cheeks "Butters loves Heidi not me!" He cried more.

"Yes he does," Kyle said "But you'll find someone else," Though the truth was he didn't know for sure.

"I don't want anyone else!" He cried harder "I want Butters my Butters!"

Stan tried not to giggle.

"Shut up Stan!" Kyle whispered but tried to hold in his laughter as well.

"Yeah its so funny isn't it," Cartman said glaring at them "After all you never had problems with people you love, I mean fuck Stan, the first girl you liked liked you back and you Kyle the one time you get a real girlfriend I messed it up!" He stopped for his tears were making it hard to speak "FOR THAT IS ALL I DO!"

Stan stopped laughing and stayed quiet. Cartman really was upset and heartbroken,and he was just making it worse "I - I'm sorry dude."

Kyle nodded

"Whatever," Cartman said standing up "It doesn't matter if you are sorry or not,"

Stan didn't know what to say and only looked at Kyle. Kyle simply shrugged. He felt useless at the situation and that never really happened especially when dealing with Cartman.

"Well, uh...uh..." Stan stumbled for words.

Cartman turned away from them and gave an angry sigh "There's nothing I can do to change this."

Stan searched his mind for something, anything to help! But he came up with nothing "I'm really sorry dude," was all he could could think of to say.

Kyle bit his lip in thought. He tried to think up of something "What if......uhh.......what if you hang out with Butters just the two of you?" He suggested.

Cartman sighed and shook his head.

"You can't just ignore him," Kyle said a little annoyed "I know you are hurt but..."

"You don't know anything!" Cartman yelled "Just leave me alone okay!"

Before Stan or Kyle could retort , Cartman had walked away back into the school building. He walked aimlessly down the hall, which was quiet for all the other kids were outside.

"There has to be something I can do," The brunette said to himself 'Something..,"

Kenny came out of the bathroom and saw Cartman. He walked towards him and waved. Cartman really wasn't in the mood for any company at the moment, so he ignored Kenny and tried to think up of something to do for Butters. Kenny looked a little confused and walked up to Cartman.

"Hey Cartman," He said, although it was muffled by his orange coat that always covered his mouth.

Cartman rolled his eyes and sighed "So much for being alone," He thought to himself.

"Hi Kinny," He said although he sounded annoyed.

"What's wrong?" Kenny asked genuinely concerned.

"Look Kinny, I'm not really in the mood," Cartman said looking at him.

"Oh why is that?" The muffled blonde asked clearly not getting the message.

"Kinny please just leave me alone," Cartman said trying not to get angry.

Kenny looked a little confused but shrugged it off "Alright, I'm going to hang with my hoes."

Cartman rolled his eyes "Whatever Kinny.....wait......hoe.......THAT'S IT!"

"What's it," Kenny asked even more confused.

"N...nothing," Cartman said a huge growing on his face "I just figured out the best plan ever....well I gotta go!"

"Wait!" Kenny called after him "Plan for what?"He asked,but it was too late, Cartman

Cartman had already run away to his locker, smiling widely the entire time. Kenny sighed then walked up to a group of girls.

Cartman quickly opened his locker and rummaged through everything "Where is it?" Where is it?!" He muttered to himself.

"Ah," He said finally taking out a picture that Butters had given him. Cartman smiled mischievously at the photo of Heidi and Butters. It seemed as if he had gotten the plan that would ruin Heidi for good.

"Now all I have to do is get a computer," He mumbled to himself looking around "Oh right..."

Cartman's plan was interrupted by the ringing of the school bell, for recess had ended.

Kids bursted through the doors, talking loudly, and laughing as they headed towards their lockers.

Stan and Kyle were talking to each other about Cartman and Butters. They both surprised themselves at how much they wanted to help the brunette. After a little Kenny walked up to them.

"Hey," He said

"Hey dude," Kyle said

"Hi," Stan said still trying to think of ideas for ways to help Cartman.

"Do you guys know what's up with Cartman! He's been acting strange lately." Kenny told them, getting right to the point. Kyle shared a glance with Stan, who sighed.

Stan wasn't sure if telling Kenny was such a good idea, he wasn't sure if the more people who knew the better.

"Well?" Kenny asked after a few minutes of silence.

"Uh...." Stan began trying to think of a lie "You know Cartman he's just being weird,"

Kenny raised an eyebrow but it was hard to see, due to his orange parka "Tell me what's really going on,"

Kyle sighed "It's Butters, Cartman has fully fallen in love with the kid and he's really upset,"

Kenny was not all fazed by this, after all he knew this for awhile now "Yeah I know but this has been going on for awhile hasn't it?"

Stan nodded "But it's gotten so much worse, we need to do something,"

"What can you possibly do?" Kenny asked "Make Butters gay?"

"I ummm.." Kyle said then sighed

"Maybe, we can try?" Stan said his mind forming an idea.

Kenny looked at the raven haired kid, confused. "And how the hell will you do that?" He asked

"I...ummm..." Stan said in thought

"Maybe we should set them on a date, but Butters won't know it and Cartman should confess?" Kyle suggested.

Kenny thought about that for a little, while Stan nodded.

"That's a great idea!" Stan explained

"I don't think so," Kenny said "Cartman hasn't confessed yet, what makes you so sure that he will now?"

"He's never been inspired to!" Kyle said smiling "We just need to give him a little push!"

"I don't think so," Kenny said sadly "Guys I know you are trying to help and all but I know Cartman, more than both of you and if he doesn't confess by himself, there's no way "pushing him" will do anything."

Stan was a little shocked by Kenny's words. Kenny has always been the follower of the group but here he was denying every idea they came up with.

"But Ken....." Stan began but Kenny shook his head.

"There's nothing you can do guys," He said walking to class "This is Cartman's battle and his battle alone."

Kyle sighed and looked at Stan. "What should we do? Do you think that he's right?"

Stan thought about it for a moment. "Who cares if Kenny knows him better than we do! We have to help in any way we can. I say we give him that little push."

Kyle hesitantly nodded. He had a small feeling in the back of his head telling him that this was a bad idea but he tried to ignore it.

"Alright!" Stan said "We just need to plan this out then...."

Kyle was about to open his mouth to respond when something banged into him.

"Hey what we you are..." He said before realizing who it was "Hey Butters,"

"Hey fellas," Butters said looking miserable "How's it going?"

"Good," Stan said

"That's good," Butters said smiling but it looked sad "I'm going to go to class,"

"Wait Butters what's wrong?" Kyle asked

"It's Eric," Butters said biting his lip trying not to cry "He completely ignored me when I tried to talk to him, he hates me and I don't know why!"

Kyle went over to Butters and put an arm around him "He doesn't hate you....it's just."

"It's just what?" Butters asked in the verge of tears "I love him, he's my best friend and he's just ignoring me! Do you know how that feels?"

Kyle sighed "It's hard to explain."

"It's hard to explain?! That's the best you can come up with?"

Butters lower lip started to quiver slightly

"Hey Butters calm down, everything's going to be okay," Stan tried to reassure his friend.

Butters shook his head and pulled away from Kyle "I need to go to class," He muttered and left.

"We need to convince Cartman to stop ignoring Butters,"
Kyle said as they watched the blonde leave.

"Agreed," Stan said "I mean does he think it will be better if he ignores Butters then he's so wrong."

Kyle nodded and looked at the clock "We should be getting to class as well."

Stan nodded and lead Kyle to their fifth period class.

THE NEXT DAY!

Everyone sat down in Ms. Quinn ' s class, though she wasn't there yet. But when Heidi entered the class everyone stopped talking and looked at her.

"It's the slut!" Someone shouted and pointed at her. She looked confused and walked up to Wendy Testaburger.

"What's going on?" She asked her

"What's going on?! You're a slut! Didn't you hear?" Wendy said and looked disgusted at Heidi

"What?" Heidi said a little confused "I'm not a slut,"

"Yeah right," Bebe Stevens said behind her "We all saw the photos Heidi."

Butters was extremely surprised to hear this "My girlfriend ain't no slut."

"Sorry to break it to you Butters," Clyde said from the other side of the room "But your girlfriend has made out with half the boys in the fifth grade!"

Butters couldn't believe his ears. "No way!" He shook his head vigorously.

"Yeah sorry buddy, but it's true," Token said

Butters went over to Heidi "Heidi," He said and looked her in the eye "Is this true?"

"No Butters it's not!" Heidi said getting a little frantic "I love you remember!"

"Don't believe her Butters," Cartman said walking into the room "She has said that to so many other guys."

Butters just looked at Heidi very confused at what to do, or what to say. No one noticed the smirk on Cartman's face as he walked to his seat.

"Butters please believe me," Heidi begged "This is some kind of mistake,"

"Uh," Butters said looking around thinking.

"Please," Heidi begged "It's a lie! I don't know who would say such a thing, but it's not true Butters! I love you!"

Butters didn't know what to do. Half of him was saying that she was lying, but the other half said that she was telling the truth.

"I - I'm sorry Heidi," Butters began "But......I think we should take a break," He regretted saying those words once they were out of his mouth.

"B-but please Butters!" Heidi said tears in her eyes.

"I - I'm sorry," He found himself saying.

Cartman had his book in front of him, covering his huge smile. Heidi just looked at Butters and ran out of the room crying. Butters looked as if he was going to cry too. He walked back to his desk and buried his face in his arms.

"Something isn't right," Stan whispered to Kyle.

Kyle nodded in agreement "Yeah," He said "Do you think....someone did that purposely? " He asked knowing that it was far fetched.

Stan shrugged "Maybe...." He said

Ms. Quinn walked into the classroom and everyone fell silent.

After class, Cartman went over to Butters. He felt a little bad he wasn't doing so well with Heidi, but greed and love covered his judgment. He was going to do whatever it took to get Butters to hate Heidi.

"Hey buddy," Cartman said putting a hand on Butters's back

"Hey Eric," Butters mumbled

"Butters I'm really sorry about your girlfriend," He lied "I never knew she was such a whore,"

Butters glared at him "She's not a whore Eric! She can't be,"

"But everyone says," Eric said a little confused "Don't you believe them?"

Butters thought for a moment and then shook his head "No they are just rumors, I was wrong for believing them, I'm going to apologize right now."

Cartman froze for a moment. He knew that he couldn't let that happen. "You shouldn't," He told him "I just saw in the halls kissing Steven," He lied

"But....." Butters couldn't believe that. "But Steven's a 6th grader."

"Oh yeah," Cartman said and tried to hide his grin "I guess she really is a slut."

Butters shook his head. "No," He said "I don't believe that."

"But Butters don't you trust me?" Cartman asked.

Butters nodded "But your information is from rumors and I don't trust rumors."

With that Butters left the room. Cartman just stared dumbfounded at what had just happened. He felt tears escaping his eyes but wiped them away.

"Alright," He sighed "I'm just going to have to work a little harder ." He took a deep breath and walked to the computer lab.

Butters looked around for Heidi "Heidi," He called.

Heidi was in the girl's bathroom, sobbing uncontrollably. She looked at a picture of Butters and cried harder. If her boyfriend didn't even believe her, then what was the point? She threw the picture down the toilet and flushed.

"If you don't believe me, then I will never date you again!" She said angrily and then a new wave of tears flooded down her cheeks.

Butters heard sobbing from the bathroom. He could tell they were from Heidi and he knocked on the door. When he got no response he sighed.

It's not polite to go into the girl's bathroom He thought But Heidi needs me.

Without another thought Butters walked into the girl's bathroom to find Heidi crying by the sink.

"Butters!" She looked shocked "What are you doing in here?"

Though Butters didn't answer before giving Heidi a big hug "I believe you I'm sorry."

Heidi hugged him back "Thank you."

Butters pulled away and held Heidi's hand out of the bathroom, not noticing Kenny watching them.

Kenny sighed at the sight of Heidi and Butters. To be honest, he kind of wished that Butters didn't forgive Heidi, it wasn't that he had anything against the girl, in fact he kind of liked her. But he also thought that Butters would be much happier with Cartman. Heidi smiled, relieved that Butters believed her and not the rumors.

"I love you Butters," She told him and then lightly kissed his cheek. "Don't ever forget that."

Butters blushed as they walked off.

"Kenny!" Kyle called running towards Kenny with Stan "Kenny you have to know something,"

"What?" Kenny asked confused.

"Those rumors are only rumors," Stan said panting.

"Huh?" Kenny said tilting his head "You mean someone was just framing Heidi?"

Stan and Kyle nodded in unison.

"Come with us," Kyle said walking to the computer lab "We'll show you,"

Kenny nodded "Alright," He said and followed them.

The three boys walked into the computer lab and sat down by the computer. Kyle typed quickly and then some of the pictures Heidi showed up.

"I don't get it." Kenny stated.

"It's under Eric Cartman." Kyle explained

"He did this." Stan said

Kenny sighed "Of course he did."

Stan and Kyle looked at him "You knew this?"

Kenny rolled his eyes "He hates Heidi, it's so obvious that he would do something like this, this is Cartman we are talking about."

Kyle nodded "But this wasn't the good thing to do."

"Of course it wasn't," Stan said "But when has Cartman ever done anything good?"

No one said a thing.

"Why are you guys here?" Cartman said creeping up behind them

"Oh shit!" Kyle yelled from shock causing him to fall on Stan, his lips smashing into the raven haired kid.

Everyone's eyes widened.

Kenny took the opportunity and quickly shut off the computer. Kyle quickly rolled off Stan, his cheeks were red from utter embarrassment.

"Holy shit!" Cartman said and grinned " Damn I should've taken a picture!"

Stan sat up quickly and wiped his lips with the back of his hands.

"We never speak of this ever!" Stan said angrily.

Cartman laughed hysterically "You guys are such fucking idiots."

Stan glared at him "Not as much as you, I mean what the fuck!"

Cartman looked a little confused and stopped laughing "What do you mean?"

"Don't act stupid Cartman," Kyle said crossing his arms "We know you framed Heidi."

Everyone expected Cartman to laugh or yell at them, claim it wasn't him but he just stared. Finally after a few minutes he sighed.

"Yeah I did but it doesn't matter, Butters forgave her, which proves even more that he'll never be mine."

Kenny shook his head "You still never know." He told Cartman.

Cartman just shook his head. "He won't, can't you tell? He loves that little bitch." He sighed he felt tears in his eyes and he didn't want them to see him like that.

"I'm gonna go." He told them and then quickly left.

Cartman walked into the hallway. He was losing all faith in himself and everything else. He needed to give up and accept that Butters wouldn't ever love him back, no matter what. Little did he know Heidi had heard the entire conversation in the computer lab.

She told Butters that she had to go to the bathroom then walked over to Cartman.

"Hey," She said awkwardly.

Cartman didn't want to talk to her "What?" He said annoyed.

"I ummmm." She looked around nervously "I know you like Butters." She said quickly

Cartman's eyes widened, he stood there, frozen and his cheeks burning up a little "Who told you?" He demanded.

"Nobody," She said "I....I kind of overheard you...."

"You little bitch," Cartman said his hands clenching "You spying on me!"

"Nope," Heidi said "I just wanted to know the little asshole who spread rumors about me,"

Cartman face flushed from anger. How dare this girl talk to him like this! After all he had been through.

"They aren't rumors you are a little slut!" He growled.

"Say that again," Heidi said as she saw Butters walking behind Cartman.

"I'll say it as many times I want to!" Cartman said not noticing Butters "You are a stupid fucking bitch slut."

"Eric?!" Butters said coldly

Cartman's eyes widened "B-Butters I..."

"Butters, this is the one who spread those rumors about me," Heidi told him, her arms crossed over her chest.

Butters couldn't believe that, he shook his head.

"Eric....No," He said "Why?"

"I....I..." Cartman fidgeted nervously. He didn't want to confess to Butters, he couldn't. Not here and certainly not now.

"Tell me truth, Eric did you say those things about my girlfriend?" Butters asked him.

Cartman felt a pang of jealousy and hurt when Butters called Heidi his girlfriend.

"Yes," He answered "I told everyone Heidi is a slut." The words slipped out of his mouth before he could catch them.

"What why?" Butters asked as if was going to cry "Why would you do such a thing?"

Cartman clenched his fists "Don't you cry! DON'T YOU FUCKING CRY!"

Butters's eyes widened at Cartman's tone "I can cry all I want, you don't know how much you hurt me!"

Cartman laughed though it was more out of hurt "How much I hurt you? You are so fucking stupid!"

Butters felt tears stain his cheeks "How the fuck am I stupid, what do you mean Eric!"

"I... you....." He glanced at Heidi then back at Butters.
"Her," He said through gritted teeth.

Butters looked at him, confused. "Huh?" What do you mean Eric?"

Cartman sighed and unbleached his fists. "Figure it out." He told them then stomped away.

"Wait Eric!" Butters said fully crying "Stop!"

"Leave me alone!" Eric said crying as well "I hate you BUTTERS!"

Butters stopped and looked extremely hurt.

"I HATE YOU AND I NEVER WANT TO SEE YOU AGAIN!"

With those final words, Eric Cartman stormed out of the school like had done so, a year ago.