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Butters invited Kenny over for a sleepover at his house, which has recently become a normal occurrence. They've been dating for around a year and know close to everything about each other. Kenny never realized how little he truly knows about Butters's parents, though.
When Kenny arrived at Butters' house, he noticed that Butters seemed a bit off. Butters was usually very talkative and excited to have him over, but today he was quieter and more reserved. Kenny wondered if something was bothering him, but decided not to push it and instead went along with Butters' plans for the evening.
They played games, watched movies, and ate junk food, just like they always did, until it was midnight and came time for bed.
"Hey, Ken?"
"Hmm?"
"I'm gonna put on my pajamas. Do you want some or are you sleeping in your clothes?"
"I'm alright in these."
"Okay! Close your eyes, please."
"Um, Buttercup? You know we're dating?"
"Yup!"
"And that I love you? And I would never judge you?"
"I know that too. It would just make me feel better."
"Alright."
Kenny shifts his body to face that wall and rests his head on his hand. Shuffling sounds behind him.
"Don't peak.."
"Mmm."
Why doesn't he want me to see? It doesn't really matter...well maybe it does. Ugh. Just a glance. That's all.
Kenny swings his head around in Butter's direction and his blood runs cold. He knew something was off about Butters when he arrived, but he never expected this. Butters is looking in a drawer for a top, his back covered up and down with bruises and cuts.
"What the fuck?"
Kenny jumps off the bed, quickly walking in Butters direction. Butters pulls the shirt he's holding up to his chest and turns around.
"Butters, who the fuck did that to you?"
Butters slips on the pajama top and holds his hands up in defense.
"Hold on, Kenny, it's not a big-"
"I swear I'll fucking kill them, Butters!"
"It's okay, Ken, I'm okay."
"You're okay? Really? Cause' this doesn't look fucking okay!"
Kenny starts pacing back and forth around the room.
"It doesn't matter, Kenny. This is why I didn't want you to see them..."
"Why don't you understand this isn't okay!? You can't just pretend those aren't there!"
"Ken, stop...please.."
"I can't even fucking - I'm going to kill them - holy shit!"
He pounds his fist against the far wall, turned away from Butters.
"STOP IT!"
Kenny jumps around to see Butters's hand clenched around the neck of his shirt, and tears welled up in his eyes.
"i...kenny...i.."
"I'm sorry.."
"I never even did anything to him..."
Kenny steps forward slowly, opening his arms.
"Come here," he whispers
Butters collapses into him, burying his face into Kenny's chest, his body shaking with sobs. Kenny runs his hand through Butters' hair and brings his arm up around Butters's shoulders, careful to avoid the sea of bruises.
"I don't know if I can do this anymore."
"Who was it?"
"..my parents. Mostly dad."
Kenny's heart drops at Butters' words. He knew Butters' parents were bad people, but he never imagined they could go to these lengths of harm on their own son.
"Oh God, Butters, I'm so sorry," Kenny says, holding him tighter. "You aren't going to deal with this alone anymore. I'm right here. Always."
Butters nods, his tears soaking Kenny's shirt. "I know," he whispers. "I just don't know what to do anymore."
Kenny rubs Butters' neck gently. "I'll figure something out. He is never going to touch you again."
Butters pulls away slightly, looking up at Kenny with a mix of fear and hope in his eyes. "Yeah? You'll help me?"
"Of course," Kenny says firmly. "I'll do whatever it takes to keep you safe."
"What exactly are you going to do?" Butters asked with a worried look on his face.
"I'm going to make sure that your dad never lays a hand on you again," Kenny said firmly, his jaw clenched. "No need to worry about it."
"Thank you, Ken."
Kenny nodded with a gentle smile and pulled Butters over to the bed. He pulled back the blankets, allowing them both to crawl into bed. He put on some soothing music and held Butters close as he drifted off to sleep.
As Kenny lay there, he thought about how lucky he was to have Butters in his life. Despite everything he had been through, Butters was one of the kindest, most caring people he had ever met. And Kenny knew that he would do anything to protect him, no matter what.
****
The next morning, Kenny wakes up early and slips out of Butters' house. He knows what he must do, and he's not afraid to do it. He goes back to his own house and retrieves his Mysterion outfit, then heads back to Butters'.
Stephen is sitting in the living room, and he looks up when the door opens.
"What the hell?" Stephen mutters from the couch.
"Listen here you piece of shit, I know what you've done to Butters, and if you ever dare to lay a finger on him again you're going to need to come through me first."
"What happens between me and my son is none of your business."
"You made it my business the second you hurt somebody I care about."
"Who the hell even are you? Who do you think you are, all high and mighty, coming into my home to tell me what to do?"
"I'm the guy who's not going to stand by and watch you hurt him."
"What? You think you're so tough? I could take you down right now."
"Try me."
They glare at each other before Stephen gives up and hangs his head.
"All right, whoever you are, I won't touch him again. Just, get lost."
Kenny walks out and sneaks in through Butters's window, stuffing the Mysterion outfit into his bag.
"Ken?"
"Yeah?"
"Where have you been?"
"Don't worry about it, alright? Everything is fine now. He isn't going to hurt you again."
Kenny walks over to the bed and slides in, Butters leaning his head against Kenny's.
"What if he doesn't stop?"
"I won't let him. I'll do whatever it takes to protect you."
"Okay. I trust you."
Kenny wraps his arms around Butters, holding him close. "I love you, Butters. I always will."
Butters smiled, snuggling into his embrace. "I love you too, Ken."