The "Artsy" secret

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The morning bell echoed through the halls of South Park Elementary, signaling the start of another day filled with the usual chaos and camaraderie. As students filed into their respective classrooms, Kyle Broflovski adjusted his green hat, the familiar weight of his backpack sitting heavily on his shoulders. He caught a glimpse of Eric Cartman waddling down the hall, his eyes glinting with mischief as he spotted Kyle, as he rolled his eyes at the sight of him.

"Hey, Kyle! Did you take a bath this morning, or are you still trying to wash off that terrible fashion sense?" Cartman shouted, laughter spilling from his lips as he approached.

Kyle rolled his eyes, shaking his head with a sigh. "At least I don't look like a walking dumpster, Cartman. Do you even own a shirt that fits?"

Cartman clutched his chest dramatically, pretending to be offended. "Ouch, that hurts! I thought we were friends! Friends don't let friends wear ugly clothes!"

"Seriously, though, Kyle," Cartman said, a mischievous grin on his face, "how do you manage to look so miserable all the time? It's like you were born with a frown."

Kyle shot him a glare, but a small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "At least I'm not the one who's always crying for attention. That's your specialty."

As the morning dragged on, the cycle of classes and lectures passed with the same rhythm. In history class, Cartman made faces behind Mr. Garrison's back while Kyle tried to focus on the lesson, shooting Cartman warning glances that only made him chuckle more.

During lunch, they met up with their friends at their usual table. Stan and Kenny were already deep in discussion about the latest video game, and as Kyle and Cartman settled into their seats, the jokes resumed.

"Dude, did you see the way Cartman flinched when that bird pooped on his head last week?" Stan laughed, recalling the incident.

"Hey! It was a surprise attack!" Cartman protested, gesturing wildly with his hands. "I thought it was a flying monster coming to eat me!" He said sarcastically.

Kenny snorted, muffled laughter escaping him. "At least you got a good hair product out of it!"

"Oh, shut the fuck up kenny, you poor piece of shit." Cartman shot back, crossing his arms defiantly. "And Kyle, don't think you're safe just because you're sitting next to me. I can always roast you too!"

"Like I'm worried about your weak insults," Kyle shot back, grinning. "Your comebacks are as stale as that sandwich you're eating."

The lunch period flew by, filled with laughter and more playful jabs. As the final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, Kyle felt a sense of satisfaction wash over him. Their teasing was a language of its own, one that spoke of camaraderie and the comfort of familiarity.

"See you tomorrow, Kyle~!" Cartman called as they parted ways in the hallway.

"Later, fatass!" Kyle replied, chuckling as he headed toward the exit, already planning his afternoon.

However, Cartman had other ideas. Instead of following the crowd outside, he turned down a hallway that led to the art room.

For weeks now, he had been sneaking off here, discovering a hidden sanctuary filled with art supplies and sketches left behind by students who actually enjoyed creating things. It was a place where he could escape the pressures of school, a refuge from the constant need to maintain his bravado.

Once inside, the scent of paint and freshly sharpened pencils enveloped him. The walls were adorned with vibrant artwork, each piece a testament to the creativity of his classmates.

Cartman sighed, feeling a sense of calm settle over him as he approached a table stacked with sketchbooks.

He pulled out his own secret sketchbook from a bottom drawer cabinet, and flipped to a blank page. He had always secretly loved to draw, even if he never admitted it to anyone. Cartman thought it was a weak trait to have and if he ever told his friends he knew that he would never hear the end of it. As he started sketching, the pencil felt smooth in his hand as he began to draw a figure, losing himself in the strokes and lines.

Minutes turned into what felt like hours as he immersed himself in his artwork, the world outside fading away. Just as he was adding details to the dragon he was drawing (he is really into fantasy as well), he heard the creaking of the door. Startled, he looked up to see Butters Stotch standing there, his big blue eyes wide with surprise.

"Oh, hi, Eric!" Butters stammered, a nervous smile on his face. "I didn't know anyone else came in here- I thought I was the only one who came to the art room after school!"

Cartman's heart raced, a mix of embarrassment and annoyance flooding his chest. "You- YOU like art...?! What are you doing here?!" He already thought likening art was weak but now him and butters shared a hobby, and now he knew Cartmans secret.

Butters stepped further into the room, his curiosity evident. "I come here all the time! I love drawing! I didn't think you liked art, too..." His words trail off as he walks closer to see the detailed drawing of a dragon on Cartmans sketch book, nearly completed.

"HEY-!" Cartman yelled pretty loudly as he covered the book with his hands and stood up angrily. "It's just another thing for people to make fun of me for...especially if you DARE tell anyone!" He yells angrily at Butters who is still cheerful.

Butters' eyes lit up with excitement. "But art is great! It's a way to express yourself! I mean I don't think that's something to be disappointed of-" He gestured to Cartmans dragon drawing, as he angrily grabbed butters by the shirt and pinned him to the wall.

"I swear to god if you EVER even THINK of telling anyone about this I will make sure nobody finds your body, YOU GOT THAT?!" Cartman yells in anger, at Butters horrified face.

"O-ok! I got it Eric! I won't tell a soul!" Butters weakly replied crossing his fingers, terrified of Cartman.

"Ok...good." Cartman said, dropping Butters and stepping back a bit. "But if you tell anyone I'm in here, I swear I'll make your life a living hell."

Butters held up his hands in surrender. "I promise, I won't tell a soul! This can be our little secret!"

Cartman sat down on one of the stools and they both sat in silence for a few minutes, before Cartman broke the silence.

"You know," Cartman said, his voice softer now, "I've always liked drawing, but I never thought it would be something I'd do in front of anyone. It just feels... weird."

Butters nodded enthusiastically. "It's super nice! It's like a way to show people what's in your head without using words! Y-you know...?" He says happy that Cartman was calming down and, even opening up to him.

Cartman looked at Butters, feeling a connection he hadn't expected. "Thanks for not telling, Butters. It's cool to have someone to share this with." He says truthfully.

"Of course, Eric! I think it's awesome that you're drawing." Butters grinned, his excitement infectious.

"Just remember what I said. You tell anyone I break your balls." Cartman said half joking, as he turned back to his sketchbook.

As they continued to sketch and share their thoughts on art, Cartman realized that he had found an unexpected ally in Butters. This small sanctuary, filled with creativity and understanding, became a space where he could explore a side of himself he had long kept hidden.

And for the first time, he felt that being vulnerable wasn't so scary after all, and hoped that he could do this all the time without being made fun of, that is until the next day.

Notes:

I swear there is more Kyman in the next chapter pls 🙃

Oh and their freshman in high school! :)

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