Build me up, Buttercup.

Chapter Two: we've been here before

POV: Kenneth McCormick

It's always the same, each time in it's own different way. I've gotten used to it by now.

My legs swung off the side of my bed as I stood in front of my subpar-mirror. I'm still in my parka, still in my jeans, and my boots. How the hell did I sleep with boots on? Then again, how the hell did I wake up?

I tilt my head in a few different angles and to no avail I seem perfectly fine. Freckles and handsome features, if I do say so myself, all in tackt.

Atop the mirror, covering some cracked pieces, sat a brightly colored paper. I peel it off and feel my heart melt.

ₜₒdₐy'ₛ gₒᵢₙg ₜₒ bₑ ₐₙ ₐₘₐzᵢₙg dₐy! ~ Bᵤₜₜₑᵣₛ

( ＾◡＾)っ ♡

He must have placed it without me knowing sometime yesterday. I caught a glimpse of my reflection as I placed the note back. It's been a while since I've seen myself smile.

---

The iced-over grass crunched under my boots. Another long day ahead of me, I really wish I would just.. Take a break sometimes.

"Hey Kenny." Kyle greeted me as I made my way to the bus stop.

"Hey Kyle. Sup Stan."

My friend Stan turned his head towards me faltering for a second, "Hey Kenny. You alright?"

Please God, does he remember even just a little? "Hmm, why?"

"Just askin." Never mind. Screw my luck.

Wind whistled by as we stood, other than the greetings previously exchanged, no one spoke. Not even Cartman, which is surprisingly uncharacteristic for him. I wonder what happened before I got here.

"Goddamn asshole's gonna make me miss the bus." And there it is.

Kyle, frown painted across his face, shot back "Yeah, out of anyone here you are the LEAST likely to wait for Butters. Or anyone for that matter."

"I need someone smart enough to do my math homework on the bus. You'd think Jews would be good with numbers."

"Fucking shut up, Cartman."

The silence returned. Nothing but the rustles of branches on trees could be heard. Soft blows of wind brushed past my face.

I pull my phone out to check on the time. 3 more minutes. With no idiotic conversations to entertain me, I might as well play some game on my phone.

I scroll through my home screen, passing by each app with extreme exhaustion riddling my very essence. It was a long night, alright? Slowly but surely, I heard footsteps rushing towards the bus stop. Turning my head up, I see Leo.

"Well hey there fellas!"

My phone goes back into my pocket before I pick my hand up to wave.

"You were almost late."

Why can't this fatass shut up? I mean he managed it a few minutes ago.

"Oh boy, Eric, I know but I did make it didn't I?" Leo's face was flushed, and he was slightly out of breath. He must've woken up late again. I hope he's alright.

Loud creaks of bus tires stop my train of thoughts and Stan starting to get on the bus helps my body catch up.

Passing the aisles, I find my seat and sit down. Eric sat in the seat across from me. Is he really fucking pulling out his homework? He catches me staring and I send a glare his way. That seemed to scare him enough.

Leo made his way down the aisle and slid in next to me. The bus started yet Butters sat still, staring out the front window. I suppose it is a slow morning for all of us.

"Good morning." I smiled at him, though he hadn't even turned my way. His eyes still followed the line of trees out the window.

"'Mornin, Kenny."

Something seems off but it's alright honestly. When is it not off in South Park, Colorado?

The whole bus ride, no other words were spoken by Leopold Stotch. At one point he simply smiled and handed me one of his bagels. I really appreciate it, honestly I do, I'm just preoccupied with other thoughts.

I think something happened and I think I'm worried about him. Now, as the bus finishes pulling into the school parking lot, I nudge my elbow gently at Butters's side.

He just stands up and starts walking towards the front doors. My face twists quizzically. What's going on with him?

"Hey Leo, you okay?"

No response.

I followed behind him and out in front of the bus. Getting ready to ask again, I saw him turn around and face me.

"Sorry I didn't hear ya; it's so loud on the bus."

Giving a shrug I tell him it's alright and repeat the question. He seems to ponder on this for a second then assures me he's okay. Taking note of the time, I poke fun at him and he tags along. I really like how kind he is, he's easier to hang around with than.. Well.. My other friends. Sure Kyle and Stan had their moments, but they weren't my Super Best Friends. Though he'll never know: Leo holds that title.

Jesus. Who made me such a poet today? I guess that's what dying does to you over time. That or my messed up sleep schedule.