Eric Cartman stared blankly at the snow covered ground, his thoughts were all over the place. Kenny McCormick, was sitting on a swing next to him, slightly worried over his friend's silence. He kept glancing over from Cartman to the playground over to Cartman once more. Kenny sighed and finally went over to him.

"Are you worried about Butters?" He asked going right to it.

Cartman nodded slowly and kept his gaze into the snow "He's been sick a lot lately."

"It's strange," Kenny said "I never knew he was a sickly kid."

"Yeah," Cartman said and sighed, looking blankly at the pure white snow ahead of him.

"Do...Do you think that there might be something else that's wrong?" Kenny suggested as the idea popped into his head.

"Like what?" Cartman asked turning to his best friend. He looked slightly worried.

Kenny shrugged "I dunno maybe he's just under a lot of stress lately or maybe he could have family visiting?"

Cartman shook his head "No Butters would've told me that he is under a lot of stress and everyone would know if someone was visiting, since it's such a small town."

Kenny sighed, knowing that Cartman was probably correct "I guess." He said with a sigh.

"Maybe he really is sickly," Cartman said though not really to anyone in particular "I mean he is small and stuff."

Kenny didn't seem convinced but nodded anyway. He thought Cartman was a bit different, well not because of his sexuality but how he was acting. Cartman usually was in good spirits and confident of himself. Though Kenny saw his best friend, sort of dying inside.

"Are you okay bud?" He asked worry clearly there.

Cartman sighed "I don't know," He admitted honestly "I mean, Butters means the world to me and I don't know how much longer I can bare this."

"Oh," Kenny said "Yeah, I know what you mean." He told him "I hope that whatever..." He trailed off, having a horrible idea. A slightly scared expression on his face.

"What is it?" Cartman asked, with no expression.

"Never mind." Kenny said quickly "Hey, maybe we should go visit him?"

Cartman shrugged "I tried, he doesn't wanna see anyone." He sighed.

"Oh, come on, I'm sure he wants to see you!" Kenny told him.

"No Kenny...I..." Cartman stopped talking when he saw Token and his lackies up to them.

"Hey it's fatass faggot, where's you boyfriend bitch?" Token asked smirking.

Cartman rolled his eyes and ignored them. Kenny glared at Token, he hated him for being such a jerk to Cartman and Butters.

"Haven't you done enough jackass?" He snarled walking up to Token "Wasn't carving faggot into Butters enough?"

Token laughed, loudly "The world doesn't need faggots!" He exclaimed "They are as good as dirt!"

Cartman clenched his fists and tried to ignore Token and his lackies.

"Shut up dumbass!" Kenny remarked "You're a fucking idiot! What if roles were reversed and gay was the norm and straight wasn't?" He crossed his arms over his chest.

"But life isn't like that dirty Kenny. No wonder why you talk gibberish anyways, you can't afford anything!"Token said.

Despite not making that not making any sense, his lackies laughed anyways.

Kenny rolled his eyes and flipped token off.

Cartman couldn't handle the anger that boiling itself in him. "Why don't you just go and fuck yourself! No one needs you anyways!"

"I'm going to finish you off!" Token threatened and walked over to Cartman. Cartman felt himself actually shiver, he was afraid of Token and was so embarrassed to admit it.

"Don't hurt him," Kenny snarled and grabbed Tokens arm.

"Get off me you poor piece of shit!" Token yelled and hit Kenny in the gut.

Kenny doubled over in pain.

Everyone laughed. Except Cartman.

Token went over to Cartman and started punching him.
Kenny got up and then tackled Token to the ground, where the two fought.

Kenny punched Token in the face until he heard something crack under his knuckles and saw blood rushing out of Token's nose.

Token glared at Kenny and then kicked the boy in the head.
Kenny yelled in anger and threw Token deep into the snow. Token sat up slowly feeling dizzy. He flipped him off and stood up, he led his lackeys away, defeated.

"Ha! You better walk away!" Kenny laughed "Fucking cowards!"
Cartman sighed and stood up, he felt tears stain his cheeks. Everything was too hard and he couldn't take it anymore.

"Kenny.." He sobbed.

Kenny's eyes widened and he quickly ran to his friends side. "You okay buddy?"

Cartman couldn't hide it anymore. He sobbed and shook his head. Kenny hugged the brunette and Cartman hugged him back, crying.

"It's okay Eric, everything will be okay. Don't let those bastards get to you, you're much stronger than them." Kenny said, soothingly.

"I-I just...I'm scared." Cartman finally admitted.

"I know." Kenny said. "But I'll protect you."

"No." Cartman said. "I - I can't let you get hurt again just because of me."

"It's no big deal though." Kenny assured him. "I can't die, remember?"

"Yeah I guess so." Cartman said though still seemed sad.

"Aw c'mon." Kenny said giving him a small smile. "Be happy, Butters wouldn't want to see ya sad."

"Yeah, true that." Cartman said and sighed.

"Let's go see him, I think it would be good for you." Kenny said, already leading the way.

Cartman wasn't sure what he felt just then. He felt a mixture of feelings. He was relieved that he was going to see his boyfriend. Angry at Token and his gang. But most importantly, happy that he had such a good friend as Kenny. He followed the blonde haired boy all the way to the Stotch residence.

Cartman stared at the door for a few minutes, not doing a thing.

Kenny looked at him and sighed. "Should I knock?"

Cartman nodded and Kenny knocked softly onto the door. They had no response for a little and Kenny decided to knock on the door again.

Finally the door was opened and Butters answered.
Cartman gasped at the sight of Butters. The poor boys right eye was practically swollen shut and he had bruises and cuts all throughout his body.

Cartman hugged Butters gently. "Baby, what happened?" He asked concerned the maybe the boys at school did this to him.

"Whoever did this, I'm gonna kick their ass!"

Butters sighed and grimaced. He wasn't expecting Cartman and Kenny to be by knocking on the door and hadn't really put much thought into it to care if someone else saw him all hurt.

But he didn't want to his boyfriend to see him look so fragile.

"Butters you okay?" Kenny asked, extremely concerned.

"Yeah, yeah. I'm fine." He lied.

"Who did this to you Butters?" Cartman asked, pulling away from the hug and staring into his the blonde's beautiful eyes.

Butters quickly looked away. "Uhh....I fell down the stairs." He lied terribly.

"Stop lying to me!" Cartman said his eyes full of hurt. "Why don't you fucking trust me!"

Butters started to shake, he heard his father coming downstairs and he was supposed to be grounded.

"Eric can we talk later." He said quietly trying to leave the fear out of his voice.

"No!" Cartman retorted "Tell me everything now!"

Kenny tilted his head, to see some of the inside. He saw a glimpse of Mr. Stotch and he looked pissed.

"Butters!" He scorned "Come over here now!"

Kenny pulled at Cartman's sleeve "Eric...not now, we should probably go..."

"No....I.." Cartman started but then looked back at Butters "Baby.."

"Don't call me that.." He said coldly "Not here."

Cartman looked taken aback. "But..." He trailed off.

"Guys, I really have to go." Butters told them and with that, he slammed the door in their faces.

"Well." Kenny started "That was rather odd."

Cartman looked heartbroken. "It was like he didn't want me." He sniffed.

"Oh, buddy. I'm sure he didn't mean it." Kenny reassured the brunette and put a soothing hand on the husky boy's shoulder.

Cartman shook him off. "He seemed like he meant it."

Kenny shook his head. "I think that something is up in that household, and I don't think Butters is safe."

"But that's his house." Cartman pointed out. "It's his home Kenny, of course he's fucking safe in there!"

"But he's all beaten up!" Kenny stated "Plus his dad is scary and it's obvious, Butters is scared shitless!"

Cartman shook his head in disbelief "No! No I don't believe you!"

"Eric!" He scorned "How could you not!?!? It's obvious his father is...."

"Don't say it!"

"Abusive." Kenny finished. Cartman just stood there, in silence and disbelief.

Kenny sighed. "Let's sneak into the house and find out..."

"Yes!" Cartman said without truly thinking "Then we'll see that you're wrong."

The two walked away from the front door and carefully broke into the back, making sure they weren't heard.
They quietly snuck around the house. Mrs. Stotch was making some coffee and quietly humming to herself. The boys made their way upstairs and then they heard screaming and pleading.

Cartman gulped.

"See, you can even hear them!" Kenny whispered, harshly.

"It's probably just the TV." Cartman whispered back, shaking slightly.

They continued to Butters room, where they heard Butters crying. Kenny slowly opened the door a crack, and that's when they saw it.

"Dad please I'm not...I..." Butters was standing in the corner of the room, holding onto his own hands tightly.

"Leopold." Mr. Stotch said sternly "Boys and Boys don't belong together, it's boys and girls."

"Y-yes sir I know that." Butters said trying to stop his tears "I-I know this!"

Mr. Stotch gave him a cold glare before walking a little closer. "Then why, my son, attracted to boys!?!?"

Cartman covered his mouth. Did he know the truth? Was it somehow revealed to Stephen Stotch that Butters and him were a thing? He felt himself hyperventilating silently, knowing that if that was the case, all this was his fault.

"I'm not!" Butters said trying to defend himself but was slapped hard in the face.

"Bullshit!" Stotch yelled. "You have men's underwear catalogs under your bed! How the fuck did you become a faggot!"

Butters was too afraid to answer, which earned him another punch.

"Tell me boy!" Mr Stotch yelled at his own son.

"I.....I don't know dad please!" He sobbed. "Please stop this!"

"Tell me the fucking truth!" Mr. Stotch said, just before he kicked Butters side.

"I found them in my locker at school!" Butters lied, hoping his father would stop hurting him.

"We have to do something." Kenny whispered to Cartman.

Cartman was frozen from shock. He couldn't believe his eyes, he refused to. Yet, the scene was playing out, and he was witnessing it.

"Eric!" Kenny whispered angrily. "Snap out of it!"
Cartman just continued to watch the scene. He knew he should've done something but fear overtook him.

"You lying piece of shit!" Mr. Stotch yelled and threw the thirteen year old onto the ground "How could you be so damn disobedient!"

Butters started crying, hard. "I - I-I....I'm so sorry dad! It won't happen again! I promise!" He sniffed.

"Damn right it shouldn't!" Mr. Stotch yelled and kicked Butters yet again, in the ribs.

Butters felt immense pain. His father had beaten him before, but not like this. Not as bad as this. He wanted to curl up and die, just so that he wouldn't be able to feel all this pain. He yelped for help, but of course, no one came. Not even his coward of a mother would stand up for him.

Kenny nudged Cartman. "Eric, come on dude! Snap out of it!" He whispered annoyed. But Cartman just stood there, completely still.

"Eric!" Butters yelled desperately, he knew Cartman wasn't there, but he was the one he loved the most and trusted more than anyone. "Eric! Please help me!"

Cartman's eyes widened even more. He felt a sensation of immense hurt run through his veins. Butters was calling out for him but he just stood there. He wanted to help but he just couldn't. He was too selfish to even lift a finger.

"Shut the fuck up!" Stotch yelled kicking Butters hard in the gut, causing him to cough up blood.

That's when Cartman finally snapped out of it. He felt hot tears roll down his cheeks. "What do we do?" He asked Kenny. He still felt hurt, and anger. But also lonely and helpless.

Kenny looked around. "We need to get in there and...No, oh! How about I'll distract Mr. Stotch while you help Butters out of the house and bring him to your house."

Cartman nodded. "Alright, let's just get this over with." He sighed.

Kenny nodded and took out a small pebble. He grinned and threw it at a lamp, causing it to shatter.

Mr. Stotch stopped and looked around "What the hell..."

"Go!" Kenny whispered to Cartman and basically ran for it.

Cartman nodded and soon as Stotch was far away from Butters, he ran over to him.

"Butters!" He whispered frantically "Please answer me!"

Butters looked up at Cartman and a weak smile played at his features. "E-Eric?" He stuttered.

Cartman nodded. "Yeah, it's me Butters. I'm here to get you outta here, come on do you think that you can walk?"

Butters tried to stand up, but just kept falling. Cartman sighed then lifted the small blond  into his arm. He rushed out of the house, as fast as he could, and keeping Butters close to him. He ran all the way to his house and didn't stop until he ran upstairs to his room and placed Butters on his bed.

"What do you need?" Cartman asked Butters, worried. "How do you feel?"

"C-can I have some water?" Butters asked trying to smile.

Cartman nodded vigorously and stood up. He walked downstairs and rushed into the kitchen.

"Damn that was.." Kenny said walking inside the house, panting "I almost didn't make it out."

Cartman just stood in the kitchen shivering. He held a small mug that was supposed to be Butters's water, he just stood there frozen.

"Eric, are you alright?" Kenny asked as he walked into the kitchen and spotted the brunette. "You don't look so good, you seem pale."

Cartman shook his head, snapping out of it. "Yeah, yeah I'm fine. It's just....That...." He trailed off.

Kenny walked over to Cartman and unexpectedly hugged him. "I know, that was just awful."

Cartman just nodded.

"Let's make a deal unless it's really important, we won't talk about it, does that sound good?"

Cartman gave Kenny a stiff nod and smiled feeling slightly relieved in a way.

"Now let's go help Butters, alright?" Kenny said and walked with Cartman upstairs.

Cartman walked in first, with the water in his hands. Kenny walked over to Butters and wrapped him in the blanket. He smiled as he made the damaged boy feel comfortable.

Butters had fallen asleep as soon as he drank the water, leaving the two boys to just stand there.

"I just watched him Ken." Cartman said sadly. "Just watched him get hurt even when he was calling out for me."
Kenny looked at him. "You were scared, so was I, nothing to be ashamed of."

Cartman shook his head. "No he's my boyfriend and I just stand there! The whole thing was my fault!"

Kenny looked confused. "Now how the fuck is Butters's dad being a complete homophobic asshole your fault?"

"Because I made him realize this disgusting thing." Cartman retorted "If it wasn't for me, Butters would still be with Heidi and he would be normal!"

"That's just..." Kenny started. "Really dumb..."

"No it isn't!" Cartman said. "It makes complete sense! I'm such an idiot!"

"No you're not Eric. A lot of people would be just frozen like that." Kenny pointed out.

"No they wouldn't!" Cartman said angrily "I shouldn't have. I'm not like a lot of people Kenny! I'm just a sad excuse for a human being!" He exclaimed and fell to his knees. "This is all my fault." He sobbed into his hands. "All mine."

Kenny sighed and then hugged Cartman yet again. "Look, Eric. You are different than most people, but you're still a good person. So what if other people don't think so? They just never gave the time of day to actually know you and realize how awesome of a dude you are."

A small smile played at Cartman's lips as he heard those words.

"You really think so Ken?"

"Think so?" Kenny said "I fucking know so!"

Cartman now cried tears of joy and happiness as he hugged his best friend. "Thank you Kenny, you're the best."

Kenny chuckled "Yeah I know I am."

Cartman hugged him tightly and relaxed just a little. Kenny decided to stay at Cartman's for the night, just to keep an eye on him. Even though Cartman claimed to be all fine Kenny knew his best friend was still on the edge.

"Trust me Ken." Cartman said laying on the couch. "I'm okay, don't worry too much."

Kenny looked unconvinced but sighed and laid down on his sleeping bag. "I hope you're not lying, please don't do something dumb like that."

Cartman rolled his eyes. "I'm not lying Kenny," He said then smiled. "Goodnight dude thank you so much."

"No problem man." Kenny said closing his eyes.

Cartman did the same, but soon wished he hadn't for shortly after he closed his eyes, he had a horrible nightmare.

Cartman was in a pure white room. "Where am I?" He asked in his dream as he looked around. He saw Butters and ran over to him. But Butters wasn't the loveable little blonde boy he was used to and loved. This Butters was slightly different. Yes, he had the same face, but he was smirking, what seemed to be mischievously.

"Butters!" Cartman said and ran over to Butters. But Butters side stepped and caused Cartman to fall.

"Oomph!" Cartman exclaimed as he fell on his face. "Butters can you help me up?" He asked him.

Butters was laughing at him.

"Butters?" Cartman said confused and stood up himself. "Are you okay?"

Butters grinned from ear to ear. "Oh, Eric." He said "You know, I never really liked you. To be honest, I've always wanted to do this!" And with that, Butters started to beat up Cartman.

"Wh-what the fuck Butters!" Cartman said as Butters punched him. "Why are you doing this!"

Butters laughed though it wasn't his laugh, it was scary and mean.

"You are such a pussy, you used to be all so great and strong but now looked at you! You are getting beaten up so fucking easily!"

Cartman felt very hurt didn't know what to say to that.
"No...No!"

Butters growled and hit him harder. "God Damn, how fucking stupid are you? You are so scared of almost everything and not to mention, just a huge idiot, you used to be feared and even sometimes respected! But now you are an outcast at school and well you caused your friends to be as well."

Butters just stayed silent, everything he was saying was just, too true.

"But what's worse is.." Butters said actually for once sounding sad. "You couldn't even save me, not even once..."

Cartman's Eyes widened "I - I'm sorry Butters!" He said tears staining his cheeks. "I'm so so sorry!"

"Yeah well." Butters punched Cartman again. "You should be. Do you even know how much pain I've suffered through for my entire life? Of course you don't! You're just a sad fat faggot and no one can help you!" Butters hurt Cartman more harshly.

Cartman was to shocked to do anything except take it and cry.

"You sorry sad fuck!" Butters said and was about to kick Cartman in the ribs, when another voice was heard.

"Cartman, wake up buddy!" Said a soft angelic voice.

"The hell?!?" Butters said, then slowly drifted away as Cartman slowly woke up.

Kenny was right by a sweaty and feverish looking Cartman, as he slowly woke up.

"Bud you okay?" He asked Cartman after shaking him awake.

"Wh-what happened?" Cartman asked, looking puzzled.

"I think you were having a nightmare, wanna talk about it?" He asked.

"Kenny I need some time." Cartman said and grabbed his hoodie.

Kenny looked confused as Cartman put on some warm clothes.

"Time for what?" He asked "What happened? Where are you going?"

Cartman put on his shoes and walked over to the door."I just need some time to think, I'll be back soon."

Kenny was still very confused as he saw Cartman leave the house. Cartman took a deep breath and started to walk aimlessly. He felt the cold night air, sting his face as he continued.

Kenny wasn't sure what to do. He heard some pained moaning coming from upstairs and rushed over to Butters. Butters was awake and was trying to get out of bed.

"Whoa, Butters, calm down. You need to rest." Kenny told the small blonde.

Butters shook his head. "N-no. I just saw Eric, walking out of the house and it's dangerous to walk at night." He said and tried to get up again.

Kenny gently pushed Butters back into bed. "He just needs time to think." He said "Give him a little time. He should be back soon."

Cartman was cuddling himself up, for it was very cold outside. He knew he needed to find some place warm before he obtained frostbite. Though he hadn't realized he had walked to a farther side of town, that oddly he didn't recognize.

"Damn it Eric." He swore to himself "That's the last time you get lost in your thoughts."

He kept looking around frantically trying to find a house he recognized but was unsuccessful. So, he just stood there like an idiot, shivering violently.

Cartman looked around, for someone he might recognized, but no one was even there. It was like a ghost street.

"It's been an hour already." Butters told Kenny, as they were sitting on Cartman's bed.

"I know." He sighed.

"We need to go and find him." Butters tried yet again to stand. But Kenny gently pushed him back down again.
"I'll go look for him. You stay here. You're hurt and you need your rest."

Butters sighed but obeyed. "Alright, but you better be back here with Eric soon." He told him.

Kenny nodded. "Don't worry, I'll be back soon. Before you even know it!" And with that Kenny went downstairs, leaving Butters alone.

Kenny quickly got ready for the winter's chills and then headed out. He started his search for the missing Eric Cartman.

Cartman held his scarf close to him, feeling his hands start to numb. He was starting to get a little nervous about knowing exactly where he was and kept looking for something he remembered.

"Okay what street am I on!" He asked himself looking at a sign above him. "Peterson Street..."

For some reason that name stood out to him. He remembered hearing it before, though not remembering where.

"Wait isn't this where Mr. Mackey lives?" He finally realized. "Yeah, I guess I need to find him."

Kenny held his coat to him, muttering about how much he missed his parka.

"Okay Kenny, gotta find Cartman, now where the hell did he go?"

Cartman spotted Mr. Mackey heading out of his car and walking over to his house. Cartman was so happy, he rushed over to Mr. Mackey.

"Mr. Mackey! Mr. Mackey!" Cartman said.

The adult looked at him. "Oh, hi Eric." He said.

Cartman smiled. "I'm kinda lost, can you please help me back home?"

Mr. Mackey nodded. "Sure, but I need to get something from my house. You're welcome to come in and warm up."

Kenny hugged himself trying to keep warm as he searched and searched for his good friend Eric. "Ugh! Where can that kid be?!" He asked himself.

Cartman nodded and walked with his councilor into the house. He wondered into the living room and stood there, admiring it. It was plain but had a nice look to it. There was large couch and two mini comforters. Cartman looked down at the carpet and thought the purple color was pleasant.

"God when did I become so gay." Cartman chuckled to himself. "Well it's okay if I have some stereotypes."

Kenny walked all the way to Peterson Street and saw Mr. Mackey's house. He knocked on the door and waited for someone to answer.

Cartman had just sat down on the couch when he heard someone knock. "Oh Fuck." He muttered then opened the door.

"Oh hey Kenny." Cartman said emotionless.

"Oh hey Kenny." Mr. Mackey said walking into the room. "Is anything wrong mmkay?"

"No sir." Kenny said smiling kindly. "I'm just here to get Eric home, you ready man?"

Cartman nodded but then shook his head. "Actually Mr. Mackey, is it okay if I talk to you about something?"

Mr. Mackey looked confused but nodded "Um sure Eric."

Cartman nodded and walked to the couch, sitting down.
Mr. Mackey sat down as well. "What is it Eric?" He asked.

"Well it's just that..." He trailed off.

"Umm, I'll leave you two alone." Kenny said feeling awkward and walked out of the room.

"M'mkay, go on." Mr. Mackey said.

"Well look, I know I never really liked you or trusted you but I need your help here and fuck...you promise to keep this to yourself?" Cartman asked rather rudely but he was distraught.

"I promise, now what's the problem m,mkay?"

"Well, uhh....Let's just say that I know someone who's umm, being bullied by their parents. What should I do?" He asked.

"Hmm well that's a hard one." He said "It can often be hard for people to believe something like that, no one ever wants too."

Cartman nodded. "Yeah, I mean I witnessed it and I couldn't even believe it myself just seeing it, besides I can't tell anyone."

'Why's that Eric?" He asked.

"Because his parents would hurt him more!" Cartman said which wasn't a lie, it was true that the Stotch's would probably kill Butters if they found out anyone found out about the abuse but there was something else that was in the way.

"Is that all?" Mr. Mackey asked.

"No." Cartman admitted. "I'm afraid, I'm afraid of everything including myself."

"But why?" Mr. Mackey said. "I mean you aren't the little bastard you were before, you're a good kid m'mkay."

"I know but," Cartman sighed. "I'm not really. I couldn't even stand up for Butters."

Mr. Mackey nodded. "Sometimes it's really hard to be an upstander opposed to a bystander, m'mkay."

"I know, but everyone knows that I stand up for myself, but I just couldn't stand up for the love of my life." Cartman sighed. "I just don't know what to do, other than hate my own guts."

"No one should hate themselves, Eric." Mr. Mackey exclaimed. "And even if you do, you have the power to change that."

"But I'm not Eric Cartman!" He said slapping a hand onto his chest.

"Why yes you are." Mr. Mackey slightly confused.

"No." He retorted "Eric Cartman, would be brash and strong, he wouldn't give a damn of anything, anyone did or said, if someone hated him, then well good he could use the punching bag!..he was awesome and kewl! Someone I loved being!"

Mr. Mackey just looked at him, slowly understanding what he was saying.

"He might've been dumb at times but it was okay, he'd do something awesome later! He wouldn't act like a coward if people called him a fag! He wouldn't just stand there and watch his boyfriend get beaten the shit out of him!"

He stood there proudly and smiled as if he was talking about the greatest thing in the world. "Eric Cartman was the greatest and just my hero...but he's long gone..dead."

Mr. Mackey shook his head. "You're wrong Eric, terribly, terribly wrong. That Eric Cartman that you just described is still in you. Maybe he's just hiding, taking a small break. But you, you can take that Eric Cartman once again and be him."

Cartman silently wondered if that was true. "How though?" He finally asked. "How can I become the bad ass I once was?"

Mackey looked at him and then smiled kindly. "That's for you to figure out but I'd be happy to help."

"Really?" Cartman asked and then Kenny entered the room.

"Sorry to interupt, but Eric and I really should be going now." He said.

Mr. Mackey nodded. "Alright, it's getting late, I'll see you two tomorrow m,mkay?" He said to the two boys.

"But I have so much questions and so little answers." Cartman said but knew he had to go. He sighed defeated and turned to the door.

"C,mon Eric let's go." Kenny said kindly slowly walking to him to the door.

"Wait." Cartman said smiling. "Please Mr. Mackey, can we do this again? You said you'd help me, please I really need too."

Mr. Mackey nodded "Of course Eric, anytime you need to."

"Thank you so much." Cartman said and left the house with Kenny.

"So, how was your little talk?" Kenny asked.

"Good." Cartman answered smiling slightly to himself. Replaying the words that were exchanged in Mr. Mackey's home.

Soon the boys were back at Cartman's house. Cartman walked upstairs to Butters with Kenny right behind him.
Butters smiled when he laid eyes on Cartman.

Cartman went over to Butters and gently hugged him.

"Feeling any better B-Butts?" Cartman asked his boyfriend.

"Now that you're here, I am." Butters smiled.

Cartman smiled and slowly sat Butters up. He sat next to him and Butters leaned on his shoulder.

"Butters things are getting bad.." Cartman said not really looking at him.

"Y-yeah." Butters said sadly. "But it will get better, won't it?"

Kenny looked at the both of them, but couldn't think of what to say.

Cartman was silent for a few minutes and finally cleared of his throat after putting an arm around the smaller boy.

"Well to be honest." He said "I'm not sure baby, I mean things will probably stay crappy and we don't have much power of it."

They were all silent, taking in the situation and everything that happened and would happen in the future. Butters was probably going to be abused more by his father. There was no way that the bullying was going to end for any of them and the whole situation was awful. Though Cartman thought maybe it was the attitude of it all that could change things, like Mr. Mackey had said.

"I know." Butters sighed.

"Uhh,I'll leave you two alone." Kenny said, feeling the need to. He just walked out of the room and down the stairs.

"I just hope that things will get better." Butters told Cartman.

"Me too." Cartman agreed. He rubbed Butters's back and slide a hand slightly up his shirt, finding the 'fag' that was marked into his skin. He gently brushed his fingers around it, just feeling the word.

"Eric, it's okay, things will get better." Butters tried to assure his boyfriend.

Cartman didn't realize it until he felt Butters's hand on his cheek, that he was crying.

"I just don't want you to get hurt baby." He sighed.

"I really like it when you call me that." Butters said crying and blushing. "Makes me think this isn't so bad."

Cartman looked confused and hugged Butters closer. "What do you mean 'not so bad?'"

"Well." He said wiping his eyes. "When you call me baby, it makes me feel loved and even safe and well being gay with you isn't wrong."

Cartman just continued to feel the scar, not knowing how exactly how to respond to that. Did Butters think that being together was wrong? Was he having doubts? Would he leave him?

"Of course I wouldn't leave you." Butters said reading Cartman's thoughts. "I love you, it's just."

"It's just what?" Cartman asked curious.

"Everything has become so real." Butters admitted "Like when we first came out last year, we had no idea what problems would be caused or how much pain we'd go through."

"Yeah." Cartman agreed. "It's kinda like a movie or something. It's kinda like we're living some sorta weird cliché although, it kinda also isn't."

"It feels more than real then that though. Much more." Butters said.

"True." Cartman sighed. "I just wish we could be happy together and not go through all this sucking shit, just because we're not like everyone else."

Butters nodded and hugged Cartman. "I wish that this was normal." He muttered. "You and me, two boys in love with one another."

"I love you." Cartman said hugging Butters back. They both cried silently in each other's arms. Wishing and hoping that life didn't have to be so cruel and hard.