Sweet Dreams

Part 3

 Kenny suddenly sat up in his bed, his breath heavy. He looked around and recognized his room, he let out a sigh of relief then got up. He winced as he felt a numbing pain in his head and back. He rubbed them a bit before putting his parka on. He walked out and noticed his parents yelling and muttered about how irritating it was. He went to the kitchen and noticed Karen crying again, about the same thing. Now that he thought about it, his parents' argument was the same as well. He looked around and it suddenly dawned on him. This is the same day, instead of the next day coming around when he died he restarted the day. His eyes lit up, he could help Butters and keep him from burning the apartments down.

He walked over and hugged Karen, just comforting her.

"Don't worry Karen, it's okay. Want me to walk you to school? I bet we could take a detour and go get something from Tweeks" He said giving a comforting smile.

Karen wiped her eyes and nodded, "yeah, that sounds good"

He smiled and helped her up, he grabbed her hand and headed out. He wanted to run and find Butters but right now his concern was Karen, he could deal with Butters at school.

When they got to Tweeks he ordered a coffee and got Karen some type of sweet treat. He then took her to school, he smiled as she walked in and up to some friends. Then he turned and headed to school, he didn't hurry since he knew he was already late, that also meant he missed Butters.

By the time he got into the school it was quiet, he went to the bathroom to see if Butters was in there. He stopped at the door as he heard some talking, he knew it was Butters voice. The poor boy's voice was wavering and cracking. He sighed and walked in, Butters was at the sinks looking into the mirror.

"Butters are you okay?" Kenny asked, walking over to him.

Butters jumped and almost fell over, "Oh Kenny, yeah I'm fine"

Kenny knew he was lying so he grabbed Butters hand and held it gently. He made Butters look at him, it hurt to see the boy's eyes teary and his face red.

"Butters I know you're not okay, so tell me what's wrong" Kenny said softly, silently begging for his friend would tell him.

Butters was quiet and looked at the ground, he kept crying. Kenny felt a pain in his chest as he saw Butters cry and push himself away.

"Sorry Ken, but I have to go to class" Butters said and walked out of the bathroom and to class.

Kenny stood there, not sure if he should go after Butters and say something or just let him walk away. If he was right and the day was repeating then he was taking a look at his options. He knows Butters snaps at some point, but what triggers it? Is it him chasing him down and talking to him, or him doing nothing?

Kenny leaned against the wall and groaned, he ran his fingers through his hair.

"Butters why won't you tell me what's wrong" He mumbled to himself.

Kenny sat in the bathroom for his entire first period, he was trying to figure out what to do. As his mind raced he didn't realize someone had walked into the stall next to him. He didn't even realize until he heard what sounded like a bottle opening. Kenny froze for a moment and glanced under the stall.

His eyes landed on the shoes and he sighed.

"Stan?" Kenny said knowing Stan was on the other side of the stall wall cracking open some type of alcohol.

Upon hearing no response he got out of the stall and walked to the one next to him. He knocked on the door and leaned against it a bit.

"Stan, I know it's you, put down the drink and come out here" He said.

It was quiet as Stan got up and opened the stall door. Kenny turned and looked at his friend. Stan looked like he hadn't slept, his clothes were wrinkled and he had bags under his eyes. His hat was falling off his head a bit revealing his messy black hair.

"God Stan what happened to you" Kenny asked.

Stan simply sighed and said nothing. Kenny knew Stan drank, he had for a while, everyone tried to get him to stop but he just refused. After a while everyone stopped trying to convince him, realizing it was pointless. Well not everyone, Kyle kept trying, he cared too much for his friend and didn't want to watch him throw his life away because of alcoholism.

Kenny looked at Stan and just silently hugged him.

"Look I don't need to know what happened for you to do this today but know, Kyle, Eric, and I will be here to help you, you just need to ask" Kenny said, he wasn't sure if this is what his friend needed but he just needed to say it.

Stan hugged him back, "Thanks Kenny"

The two hugged quietly for a moment before Kenny suddenly realized he knew what he had to do. He pulled away from the hug and told Stan he could call him if he needed anything. He then ran out of the bathroom, he then headed towards the history classroom, he knew Butters was in that class.

Kenny waited outside the classroom until the bell rang. As soon as Butters stepped out of the classroom Kenny grabbed his arm and pulled him over.

Butters was about to ask Kenny what he was doing before he got hugged.

"Butters you're the sweetest and nicest guy I know. I don't need to know what's going on or why you were crying but I just need to tell you. You're amazing and I'll always be here for you, no matter what" Kenny said gently.

Butters was silent before burying his face in Kenny's parka and hugging him back. He wanted to tell Kenny what was wrong. He wanted to have someone he could trust. He wanted to tell Kenny why he was in so much pain, but he didn't.

Kenny stepped back and looked at Butters who was crying again. Kenny tensed thinking he messed up. As he went to ask Butters what was wrong Butters held onto him.

"Ken thank you. Hearing you say that means the world to me." Butters said and smiled up at him.

Kenny couldn't help but smile and without thinking he kissed Butters's forehead.

"Of course, I just had to tell you what I thought," He said.

Butters cheeks went a little red when Kenny kissed the top of his head.

They stood there in the hallway for a bit longer, mostly due to Butters having a tight grip on Kenny.

When the bell rang Butters still didn't let go, he just wanted to keep a hold of Kenny and never let go.

Kenny looked round and just picked Butters up, "Let's just leave, it's not like they'll notice."

Butters didn't say anything he just nodded. Kenny smiled and walked out of the school carrying Butters.