Medicine( A South Park fanfic)

Chapter 2

[[Chapter Specific TW: Abusive Relationship, alcohol abuse, S/H Mentions]]

By the time Heidi arrived, Kenny and Kyle had already bopped. I looked at the two ties in my hands, comparing the colors and not seeing much of a difference. Deciding on the lighter shade, I walked out of my room and saw Heidi standing at the bottom of the stairs.

"We're going to be late, Eric!" She already seemed upset and I wasn't ready for it. Sighing and swallowing my pride, I walked down to her. "What the fuck? I told you to wear the jade tie, that's clearly chartreuse."

I looked down at the tie hanging from my neck. "There's a difference?" As soon as the question left my lips I regretted it. The look in Heidi's eyes shot daggers through my entire being. "I'll go change.."

A small smile crept on her lips as she nodded. "Good boy. But hurry. I'm not going to be late because of you again." Turning quickly, she walked to her car to wait for me.

After finding the correct color tie, I joined her in the car. A comforting silence filled the empty space, which would have normally given me anxiety with anyone else, but silence is better than screaming. It stayed that way until we arrived at the Testaburger's house.

Wendy was already outside setting up some lights with Stan. When she saw Heidi's car pull up she rushed over to greet her best friend. I glanced at her, then at Stan. He was stuck holding the lights that Wendy had abandoned.

"Heidi! I'm so glad you're here!" Wendy hugged her as soon as she got out of the car. Wendy mumbled something in her ear and I saw both of them glance at Stan then me. I could feel my anxiety creeping up on me.

"Eric, sweetie, why don't you and Stan go make sure the backyard is all set?" The sweetness of Heidi's voice was always alarming, but I did as she said.

I walked to the backyard, looking around. Stan followed after, muttering. "We already got it all set back here. They wanted us out of the picture while they finish up." I nodded, looking at him. His expression was unreadable, as it had been back in elementary school.

"Well, guess that's less work for us then, huh?" I tried to make light of the situation, shining a small smile in his direction.

"Yea, I guess.." He seemed awkward. Or perhaps that was me. Or just the whole situation.. Regardless, it was awkward.

"So..uh.. How have you been? It's been forever since we've talked, dude." I looked at him, genuinely interested in figuring it out. For some reason he has been on my mind a lot lately.

"I've been..." He left it there, as if it were a complete answer. I noticed he kept playing with his sleeve. My worries were quickly halted as he rolled it up and his skin was clear of marks.

It was silent for a few agonizing minutes before Stan walked over to the drink table. "Want a beer?" He asked as he opened one for himself.

Knowing I was already in for a night, I accepted. "Thanks." I mumbled before taking a chug of the beer. You don't notice the taste as much if you just drink it fast. Before I noticed, the can was empty.

Stan held out another to me, a slight smile on his lips, though happiness did not dance behind his eyes. Rather, I could see a pained expression hidden behind the cool blue orbs. I didn't question it, however. Why should I care if he's upset? I already asked him and he didn't say anything then.

Taking the beer from his hand, I drank it quickly. The temptation of being drunk and not feeling for a while was too strong to deny. By the time I glanced at the table, I realized Stan and I had already drunk a 12 pack between us.