South Park: Dragging Me Down

Acceptance

Pip stared nervously at the four goths, sort of expecting them to turn on him for no reason. He was used to people pretending to be nice and civil to him, only for them to turn on their heel and start being horrible to him. He didn't want that.

Now that Mysterion had gone, he figured this would be the case.

"Ah, eh." he squeaked, covering his mouth. "S-Sorry, I-" he froze, temporarily terrified and looking like a deer in headlights.

"Hey, calm down."

"Yeah, what's got you like this?" Henrietta asked, looking over to Michael for help.

"G-Groups of people and I... d-don't mix." Pip forced out, rubbing his hands behind his back.

"Because they usually beat the shit out of you, right?" came Firkle's honest reply.

Pip nodded enthusiastically. "And break my arms. O-Oh wait, or was that... N-Never mind." he suddenly remembered where he was and flushed scarlet. "Er, sorry, I kind of... zone out sometimes. I-I'll leave." he turned on his heel, only for a firm hand to secure itself on his shoulder. He flinched violently and closed his eyes, hoping this beating wouldn't be too bad.

"Calm down." calm Michael's soft voice. "Seriously, you're going to have a heart attack or something. Even I don't want a death on my hands."

Pip turned to him shakily and gripped the bottom of his sleeves hard. "I'm sorry."

Michael took pity on the shaking boy. "Look, sit down and have some tea."

Pip shook his head, trying to keep his overwhelming panic at bay.

"We're not going to hurt you. I promise." Michael attempted to make eye contact to show he was sincere. Pip refused to look at him.

Michael sighed. "Do you want us to leave yo-"

"No!" Pip cried. "I'm sorry, I... don't really want to be alone right now." he guiltily rubbed his arm.

"It's not like we're going anywhere." Henrietta shrugged.

"Okay..." Pip murmured, taking a seat. "A-Am I allowed to sit here?"

"Of course you are. Do you want another drink?"

Pip managed to calm himself enough to speak coherently. "Y-Yes... please?"

"Sure. Tea?"

Pip nodded.

"Get to it, Firkle."

The shorter boy growled at Michael as he made his way over to the kitchen.

Michael slid onto the seat next to Pip, causing the teenager to automatically flinch.

"I'm sitting next to you. That doesn't mean I'm going to hurt you. Calm down."

Pip hugged himself, "S-Sorry, I'm still trying to get used to it..."

"Nobody treats you well. I get that."

"Mysterion does!" Pip quickly piped up.

Michael rolled his eyes. "Obviously."

Henrietta took a seat next to Michael and Pete sat next to Pip. Pip gripped his hands tightly, trying to get used to the goths' company. Already they were making him feel constricted but he knew that was only because he wasn't used to people sitting by him. He had to learn to deal with it. He had to learn to deal with good company.

"U-Um... so... have you... read any good books lately?" he offered shyly.

"Poe."

"Poe."