Chapter Text
Chapter 1
Cartman POV:
It is already six weeks until the end of freshman year. Honestly, it has gone by way faster than I thought. Regardless of what I thought when we all got here, I am actually glad Stan, Kyle, and Kenny all ended up in the same place as me. It was nice to have friends before school even started. Added bonus that Kenny agreed to be my roommate. I hate sharing a space with other people. Luckily, Kenny is small and poor, so he does not have many belongings to take up room. Stan and Kyle are roommates (big surprise), and they seem really happy about that. They are really fucking gay. Kenny and I have a bet going to see if they fuck before the end of freshman year.
I’m looking at them right now. The four of us are spread out on the lawn since the weather is so nice. They are sharing a blanket and Kyle is using Stan’s stomach as a pillow while reading some gay book. Stan is trying to act like he doesn’t care, but he’s fidgeting like a squirrel on crack. Kenny is on his own blanket typing away on his laptop. Everyone was surprised when he announced he was going to college. He decided after he got his first minimum wage job that he could not do that the rest of his life. In his words, “I would rather kill myself than be stuck in this shithole!”. But he kept his word. He got a full ride scholarship to college, the motivation to make his life into something keeping him going. It’s surprising, but Kenny is really fucking smart.
“Whatcha writing, Kenny?” I crawl over to his blanket and look over his shoulder.
“I’m supposed to write a creative nonfiction piece for my creative writing class.” He replies, not looking up. He isn’t wearing his parka. It’s too hot for that, even for him. The orange shield lies next to him. He doesn’t go anywhere without it.
“That sounds gay.”
“It is.”
“What are you writing it about?” Stan asks, trying to distract himself from Kyle.
“Well, it’s supposed to be on something we regret. The professor wants it to be as serious and raw as possible.”
“Hehe, raw.” I can’t help myself.
Kenny chuckles and continues. “So, I am writing about when I relapsed with self-harming after being two years clean.”
He says it so openly. Like it’s a normal everyday thing. I guess to him, it is. The rest of us, however…
“You sure that’s a good idea?” Kyle asks hesitantly.
“Yeah, it is something I regret. It’s serious. It’s raw. I need it to catch the professor’s attention.” Kenny reaches into his bag and pulls out a pair of sunglasses, he slips them on and flashes us a peace sign. He smiles widely, the gap between his two front teeth prominent.
“But isn’t it a little much…” Stan questions.
“Look, writing is supposed to be like this. You write about things people don’t usually want to talk about. My professor is an author. He wants to see stuff like this.”
“Ugh, you sound like such a nerd.” I groan, crawling back to my own blanket and lying down.
“Fuck you too, bitch.” Kenny flips me off happily.
A silence hangs over us. Not very comfortable, but not so heavy it’s suffocating. After a minute, Kenny sighs and puts his laptop aside. He looks over the three of us.
“You guys need to quit getting so weird when I mention self-harm. It was something I did. It is a part of my life.” He lectures, yet his voice is still jovial.
“Dude, it’s messed up.” Stan says.
“Yeah, I know. That’s why I quit and got help. I am doing a lot better now. I have coping mechanisms and I am happy. You don’t have to worry.”
I look over and Kenny and he meets my gaze behind his sunglasses. He quickly looks up at the sky. I don’t mention that I saw him last semester. He was really fucking sad. I came back to the dorm from my night class one night and found him on the floor, hacking at his leg with a pair of scissors.
“Okay, just know we love you Kenny.” Kyle gives him a small smile. Kenny returns it softly.
“I don’t cause I’m not gay.” I say. I tend to use my asshole nature to ease situations now. I guess I’ve matured slightly. SLIGHTLY.
“Uh huh, you say that, but I see you checking me out when I get dressed in the morning. BOW CHICKA BOW WOW!” Kenny thrusts the air.
“Ew, fuck off homo!” I shout, tossing a pencil at him. Kenny laughs. I find comfort in his laugh.
“Cartman! Don’t just yell homo in the middle of campus!” Kyle whisper yells at me with a glare.
“Alright, fine faggot!” I retort loudly. Stan pinches the bridge of his nose. Kyle sits up, face getting red from irritation.
“Knock it off, fatass!” Kyle yells at me.
“Aw, is the Jew getting angry?!” I fake pout. “Stan you better get your boyfriend before I kick him in the balls.”
“Shut up, Cartman!” Stan exclaims, blushing. Kenny laughs at the banter. There are some looks thrown our way from other students nearby. I forget that not everyone talks like us.
Kyle huffs and sits down, crossing his arms.
“I’m hungry. Let’s hit the dining hall.” Kenny shoves his stuff into his backpack and stands up.
“Yeah, alright.” Kyle moodily packs his bag. We grab our blankets and begin our trek to the dining hall. Kenny and I fall into step next to each other while Stan and Kyle lead the way, talking about something gay I’m pretty sure. Kenny takes his sunglasses off and hooks them on the neck of his shirt. I glance down at his collar bones before I can stop myself. They arch so perfectly under his skin. He has gotten somewhat of a tan since the weather is nicer. He looks like some surfer dude.
“I’ll flash you my tits for five bucks.” Kenny says, suddenly looking over at me.
“EW! What the fuck?! That’s so gross, Kenny!” I exclaim, looking away and trying to urge a blush from spreading over my face.
“And we’re the gay ones?” Stan jests, glancing back at us.
“Yes. Yes, you are.” I retort, crossing my arms.
“Yeah! Just fuck already!” Kenny shouts with a laugh.
“Dude! Shut the hell up! We’re in public!” Kyle scolds. Kenny just laughs. He laughs so easily and without a care in the world. I’m glad he hasn’t lost that part of himself.
--------- 9:30 PM-----
Kenny and I make it back to our room. After dinner we met up with Craig, Tweek, and Clyde on the lawn. We played Cards Against Humanity until it got too dark to see anything. As soon as we enter the room, Kenny tosses his parka on the floor and flops face first onto his bed.
“Wow, what am I? Your fucking maid?” I complain, looking at his parka.
“Yeah, pick it up mommy!” Kenny smirks, flipping onto his back and looking at me.
“Goddammit you are so gross!” I complain.
“Am I a dirty boy?”
“Ohmygawd shut the fuck up, you poor piece of shit!” I roll my eyes and grab my shower caddy and towel.
Kenny just laughs and sits up. He gets off his bed and walks over to the window. He opens it and leans out as far as the screen will let him. He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. Kenny always has the window open. I have no fucking clue why, but it annoys the fuck out of me.
“You gonna go shower, Sugar Tits? Want some company?” Kenny teases, looking over at me.
“Ugh, remind me not to room with you next semester.” I roll my eyes and head out of the room to the showers. I hear Kenny laugh faintly from inside and I can’t help but smile a little