Purgatory (Butters X Kenny)

Chapter 10

Kenny sat down silently next to Firkle. The rest of the goths just stared back and forth between the two. Henrietta was the first one to speak up. "What the fuck is this?" Pointing with her cigarette at Kenny but speaking directly to Firkle. Michael the leader of the group chimed in "Ya what's with the conformist poser?" Firkle's eyes darted around and Kenny could sense his distress.

He sighed pulling off his hood. "I already told Firkle this morning that I was going to need another cigarette when I bummed one from him." He glanced in Firkle's direction. "Thanks again Kindergoth." He sighed raising the cigarette to his lips and inhaling deeply.

The goths knew Kenny well. He hadn't come by since he started dating Butters. They didn't particularly enjoy the bright sunshine energy he put off. They just never expected McCormick's return to the smoking area what with Butters hating smoking. Kenny sighed rubbing the back of his neck staring out at nothing in particular. Just taking in the world and drags on his cigarette. The burn in his lungs was a nice contrast to the one in his eyes.

"So. We're just not gonna talk about this?" Henrietta's monotone pierced through his endless wave of thoughts "No." Kenny replied. "I guess not." He threw the butt out into the snow in front of him. They all just watched Kenny silently. Glancing between eachother and the forlorn figure before them. "What do you know about death?" Kenny asked the group still staring off into the distance. He leaned back on the steps of the school.

He suddenly had all of their attention again. "Uh every thing. Duh!" Pete snapped to him. They had discovered his secret a long time ago. The cult his parents were in worshiped the same god as them. They were the only ones who might have any information on what he was looking for. "Is this about your whole I can't die thing again?" Michael asked rolling his eyes while lighting another cigarette and taking a drag.

"No it's about afterward." Kenny started. "I've been to heaven and I've been to hell. What would cause some one to get lost in purgatory?" The goths just looked between eachother. Confused why was this usually cheery conformist asking them anything let alone being uncharacteristically gloomy. He turned his gaze to them. They saw the deep bags under his eyes and the empty ess that lay beneath.

"Uhhhh unfinished business." Pete scoffed flipping his hair. Kenny thought to himself. What could that be? Was it their relationship. Was Butters worried about him? Suddenly the whisper spoke. "I miss you Kenny." Kenny smiled lightly. Laughing to himself. They just stared at him waiting for whatever he thought was funny to come out of his mouth. "How can I stay dead?" He looked straight at them when he asked it.

The goths we're shocked. "What?" They all said in unison. Kenny rolled his eyes. Guessing he needed to explain. "I have been killing myself every single day for weeks. I never stay in purgatory for longer than half an hour. I need it to last longer." He said flatly. Pete choked on his smoke. "Dude that's so goth!" Kenny just rolled his eyes again and stood up. "Ya thanks for all the help." He muttered walking away from the goths.

Firkle was the only one to get up and go after him. The other goths watched in surprise. When was Firkle so social? Kenny heard the little goth crunching through the snow behind him and stopped. He looked down to Firkle. "Thanks for not telling my secret." Firkle let out a small smile. As he said it but it quickly faded. "No problem." Kenny said patting him on the head. Getting a scowl from Firkle that made him chuckle. "Look we will help you, just give me time to convince them." Kenny walked away shouting "thanks" and waving off the kid behind him.