Crankiplier One Shots

Shit Friends, And A Not So Shit Friend

"Un-fucking-believable," Ethan muttered to himself through chattering teeth as he walked down the wet and cold street. The freezing rain came down hard and stung his face. Water had seeped through his sneakers, making his feet even colder than his ice-cold hands. He wouldn't be out in this God-forsaken weather if he didn't have such shitty "friends".

He felt like an idiot for not seeing the red flags sooner. His desperation for connection had blinded him. Ethan was never good at making friends. People always ostracized him. Most of the people who gave him the light of day just kept him around for laughs. The rest either grew tired of him or just thought he was outright weird thanks to his habit of oversharing. A wonderful trait of his ADHD.

He thought this friend group would be different though. He had met them over a gaming Discord after all. This wasn't supposed to play out like all his years of Highschool. But it did. It happened again. His so-called "buddies" used him. They only wanted him for his money. He hadn't even realized it until today, when they ditched him at the Mall after he had to refuse to buy them all lunch, again. They were his ride. So now he was stuck walking in shit weather, miles away from home.

He had his phone on him. He could have easily called someone to pick him up. But he was a bit stubborn due to his fear of being a burden.

It wasn't until a large truck passed by and splashed him from head to toe did he give in. He gasped as the ice-cold water ran down his back and soaked just about every part of him. He plopped down on the nearest bench in tears and called up the one person he trusted most. He chewed at his now blue bottom lip as he listened to the line ringing.

"Yellow?" A warm voice greeted.

"Hey..." Ethan sniffled.

"Ethan? Are you okay?" Mark asked in a softer tone.

"Um..." He had to pause to hold back his tears that threatened to overflow. "Not really..." His voice quivered.

"What's going on bub?" His friend asked in a concerned tone. Ethan knew it was genuine too. He really did care about him.

"My friends ditched me" he mumbled. "Well, I shouldn't say friends. They all wanted me to buy them lunch, again. I had to say no. I was tired of them pushing me around. Next thing I know...they're all yelling at me-" He couldn't help but break out into sobs as he continued. "They called me selfish...And now I'm walking in this cold and I'm so far away from home. And I'm sorry for asking you this but can I get a ride if it's not too much trouble?"

"Oh my gosh, Ethan. I'm so sorry" Mark said sounding heartbroken. "Of course I'll give you a ride. Where are you?"

"Uh..." Ethan looked around his environment. "Somewhere on the highway from the Mall. I'm sorry, I suck at directions and I don't know this part of town too well".

"Hey, it's okay Eef" Mark assured him. "I'll find you. There's only one road that leads to the Mall from my street. Just stay right where you are, okay?"

"Okay," The brunette whispered. "C-can you stay on the phone with me?"

"Yes, I can do that. I'm getting in my car now. Chicas with me for emergency cuddles". Ethan couldn't help but giggle softly. Mark always knew how to lift his spirits at least a little. "Oh, and I grabbed a towel and a sweater for ya. They're in the back".

"Awe, Mark, one of your sweaters?" Ethan blushed.

"Yeah, might be a little big but it's better than a wet one. I can give you a pair of pants when we get to my place. Er- unless you want to go home" Mark stuttered.

"No, no, your place sounds great actually" Ethan shivered. "Thank you".

"Anytime Eef. Are you near any buildings by the way?" Mark asked.