KENNY MCCORMICK NEVER CHANGES
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Link to Masterlist/Previous Chapters => HERE
Timeskip Chapters :
- Kyle
- Kenny <= (You Are Here)
- Stan
- Cartman
- Clyde
Extra :
- Mysterion (Pt1)
- Mysterion (Pt2)
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Summer vacation before the last year of high school was as hot as it could get in the mountain town of South Park, Colorado. On this scorching day of July, ten years after the Coon and Friends adventure, (Y/N) still found herself being a pivotal part of the boys’ group.
Back then, things hadn’t exactly worked the way she wanted with Kyle, every now and again warranting an awkward comment about it from Cartman- but otherwise, things around South Park had been relatively normal as of late. Their childhood relationship was already so far behind that everyone had thankfully long gotten over it, except for Eric, of course.
After spending so much time together, the four boys almost felt like brothers to her at this point- with Kenny McCormick still being her closest friend, even to this day.
He was older, taller, still foul-mouthed- but still the same old, ever playful Kenny who showed up at her doorstep on a nearly daily basis.That hadn’t changed.
That night, the four boys were slouched in Cartman’s living room, the faint sound of a Terrance and Phillip rerun playing in the background. It was like an unspoken tradition at this point, it wasn’t like they really needed to go out and do anything fancy. Just being huddled in the same place doing their own thing was more than plenty enough for the four friends.
Stan was half-asleep on the couch, dozing off in the middle of an episode, while Kyle was just absent-mindedly scrolling on his phone. The sounds of both Cartman loudly munching on chips and the TV playing were just blending together after some time.
‘’So where’s your girlfriend Kenny? She should already be here by this time. Did she ditch you or something ?’’
‘’She’s not my girlfriend, fatass.’’
‘’Wait, Cartman’s right….Wow. I never thought I’d say that. But yeah, how come she’s not showing up tonight ?’’ Stan asked, genuinely curious about their absent friend.
All eyes turned to Kenny, like the three boys were expecting him to know.
Which he did.
‘’....She’s out shopping with Wendy and Bebe.’’
‘’She used to never break tradition, man. Friday nights have always been the weekly hangout at Cartmans.’’ Stan pointed out, a slight hint of disappointment in his voice, Kyle supporting him.
‘’Yeah dude, she’d never miss boys' nights usually.’’
‘’I don’t know what to tell you, man. We’re older, we smell like armpits and disappointment. I can’t exactly blame her.’’ Kenny joked in response.
‘’Wait wait wait. Hold up.’’ Cartman cut them off, holding a singular chip between his fingers. ‘’How come she only told Kenny she wasn’t gonna show up?’’
“She’s been my best friend since forever, fatass. Of course I would know. She holds a special place for me in her heart, after all.’’ He almost bragged..
‘’And you’re totally fine with her not coming tonight?’’ Stan asked.
“Why wouldn’t I be?”
Cartman rolled his eyes like the answer had been obvious the whole time and he shouldn’t even have to explain. “Well duh. Because she’s hot now ? What if she meets another poor boy like you out there with the girls? You’ve been practically living at her house all summer like a parasite.”
Kenny made no moves to either confirm or deny Cartman’s words. He simply shrugged, reaching for a nearby can of beer and opening it with a loud ‘’psssscht’.
“I just sleep on her floor sometimes. It’s no big deal.”
It made Eric laugh, like Kenny had said the best joke in the world at that very moment.
“You sleep on her floor ? Oh my God! He totally likes her. Kenny likes her, you guys. Not just 'I wanna see her boobs' like. You like her like a little bitch, you poor bastard! Hahahahaha! Wow. You know girls don't care about dirt-broke miserable assholes who can’t provide anything for them like you, Kenny, riiiight ?’’
The blonde simply groaned and flipped him off, refusing to partake in his dumb argument. But it caught Stan’s curiosity.
“Dude, seriously. You can tell us. Is there something… more? I know you guys are real close but…’’
He never finished his sentence, as if expecting his friend to complete it for him.
“We’ve been friends since forever. Like… back when she’d just moved here. I don’t know. She’s cool. We’re always together, that’s all. I know she’d get too bored without me around.’’ The blonde chuckled at his last words.
Kyle and Stan exchanged a knowing glance. Cartman snorted again, still harboring a mocking grin on his face, but the latter cut him off before he could add anything more.
‘’Yeah dude. We noticed. You guys have been like, inseparable since fourth grade.’’
‘’Hasn’t she turned you down like, 3 times by now?’’ Kyle asked.
‘’That’s because he makes it way too easy, you guys. Maybe if you stopped acting like a dirty sex-depraved rat around her, she’d finally let you get into her pants one day.’’ Eric commented unashamedly.
Kenny simply brushed off the last part, taking a quick look at his watch. They’d been hanging out at Cartmans for about three hours now, (Y/N) was just about to get back home. He stood up abruptly, not letting the host of the hangout nag him any longer.
‘’Whatever. I told (Y/N) I’d stop by when she’d be back. Later, virgins.” He smirked as he stepped out the door, hearing Stan and Kyle protest in the background for leaving. ‘’Come on Kenny, not you too? Seriously!’’
‘’She’ll totally break his heart you guys, I call it.’’
Kenny couldn’t care less about Cartman’s comments right now. As he made his way to his best buddy’s house just a few blocks down the street, he noticed her from afar, sitting on the porch’s steps and drawing on an iPad she was clutching in her hands- ever so faithful to her old hobbies.
She’d been waiting for him.
When he got closer, he spotted a drink next to her, likely a homemade iced coffee of some sort. He swiftly grabbed it as soon as he made it to her door, holding it out of her reach just like any annoying little brother would do.
“This is mine, by the way! I didn’t make you one because I know you’re always late” (Y/N) finally looked up, putting her tablet away.
She stood up on her feet in order to try to grab her glass, in vain. He was too tall. She huffed, giving up quickly.
The two didn’t need polite greetings, nor light-hearted conversations to break the ice at this point. He was simply showing up unannounced most of the time and she could have chosen to kick him out at any point, but never did. She usually just rolled with it- like Kenny was a daily but very normal presence in her life by now.
“Heh, I’d rather have a beer anyway” He grinned, still holding the coffee hostage. “Got any in your dad’s garage fridge ?”
“Yeah- and a shovel to bury your body when he catches you stealing his precious IPA.”
“Oof. So violent. That’s why I like you.” He laughed, sitting on the steps next to her. He nicely put the kidnapped drink back down and stretched his legs, nudging her foot with his own in a repeated manner like he was almost trying to be annoying at this point.
“You know, if you weren’t already so in love with me, I’d be deeply offended by the lack of hospitality you’re offering me”.
“In love with you, McCormick ? I’ve been trying to get rid of you since fourth grade!” She played along, trying to hold a smirk while sipping on her now returned coffee.
“Yeah, but I’m like a bad rash- I’m persistent and I show up when least expected.”
She nearly spat her drink at the comment and smacked his shoulder with the back of her hand.
“You’re so disgusting sometimes”.
“Maybe, but you miss me for sure when I’m not around to be disgusting.”
“Only because my house gets way too quiet without your inappropriate jokes and constant need to be fed.”
“Can’t help it.” He shrugged. “You’re the only friend who lets me eat her snacks AND lets me crash overnight. Even Kyle doesn’t let me do that.”
“That’s just because I feel bad for you, dude.”
“You don’t. I know you like having me around.”
“Maybe. Sometimes. But don’t push it.” She warned with a grin that betrayed her.
They both stayed still for a moment, looking ahead across the street. She couldn’t help but appreciate these little moments of comfortable silence, something she could never have with Cartman and the others around. Maybe Kenny was borderline annoying sometimes- but, despite that fact, he had always been a reassuring presence to be around. He was a very loyal and caring boy, despite the constant pestering.
When (Y/N) suddenly got up, heading to the garage without saying a word, Kenny didn’t even question it. She shortly returned with two beers in hand and he lifted himself up from the steps as well, excitedly cheering ‘’You’re the best!’’ when she handed him one.
“Come on, let’s go” she nudged him and he followed along on a casual walk through the neighborhood - a weird tradition the pair had started a few months back.
Just like all the others before, their little stroll was filled with light-hearted conversations, kicking random rocks on the way, as well as making fun of the townspeople’s lawn’s decorations- their favorite part.
“I still think that garden gnome weirdly looks like Mr. Garrison”, Kenny had pointed out when they walked past the Stotch’s residence.
“I’d pay money just to see how insulted he would get if he knew that” The girl responded as she took a slow sip of her beer. Kenny had already finished his, crushing his can with his foot and chucking it at the ugly garden gnome.
“You really shouldn’t litter.’’.
“Can’t make trash more trashy” He simply brushed off as they kept going, picking the conversation back up right as they walked past the house.
“....You know, I’m friends with people who wouldn’t even give me a glass of water” He said, obviously pointing fingers at Cartman. “But you? You provide drinks, entertainment AND air conditioning. That’s wife material right there.”
“I’m just a decent human being, Kenny. Something you wouldn’t understand.”
“Dude, I understand plenty. Like the fact you’ve kept me around for ten years despite the sexual harassment lawsuit you could have filed a long ass time ago.”
“I could just be building my case. Waiting for you to say something truly incriminating.”
“Something like “if I died and got reincarnated as your toilet seat, I wouldn’t even be mad about it ?” He said, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.
“You need Jesus, Kenny McCormick.”
He grinned. “No, I need a good meal and a girlfriend who tolerates my bullshit. You’re dangerously close to being both” He quipped, getting a laugh out of her.
Her friendship with Kenny had remained unchanged throughout the years. It was playful bickering,constant jabs, weird hangouts in the neighborhood when he was too broke to afford going out anywhere. They didn’t need fancy outings, their close complicity made up for everything else they could have done with the right amount of money.
And just as the two walked past Big Gay Al and Mr Slave’s house, they both noticed obnoxiously bright pink yard flamingos placed haphazardly on the front yard. They exchanged a knowing look, before Kenny spoke first.
“That’s the ugliest thing I’ve ever seen. They look like they’re judging me for all the sins I’ve committed.”
“They probably know about your browser history, dude.”
“Joke’s on them - I always use incognito.”
“ You so do not. I’ve seen your computer before, Kenny. It’s like you’re trying to make it obvious.”
“Heh. You’re right. What can I say? I like to live dangerously. You know me.”
Later on, when the sun started disappearing behind the trees, the pair took it as a cue and slowly started strolling back to her place. The motion-detected porch light flickered to life automatically, providing much needed light in the late evening of the mountain town.
Kenny took off his usual orange parka and chucked it at the swing next to the door. He claimed a seat on it, using as much space as possible on the cushions like he owned it.
(Y/N) turned quiet for a moment. She rarely ever saw him without his jacket, even after all this time. Half of his face and hair were usually neatly hidden under his thick hood and right then, she couldn’t lie to herself : He was undeniably good-looking without it, with his wild, messy blonde hair now sticking out in different directions.
“Soooo… I’m guessing you’re staying if you’re already stripping in front of my door?” She joked around, forcefully pushing him so he’d scoot over to leave her some space.
“Unless you’ve got a hot date tonight. If you do, I won’t intrude. Or maybe I will, you never know.”
She grabbed a cushion, clutching it in her arms while slowly rocking the swing back and forth.
“Actually- I do. He’s tall, blonde and he annoys the shit out of me sometimes. Need I go on?”
“Wow, so you’re actually giving Butters a shot huh? Good for him, that’s brave of you.”
She threw the cushion right in his face, her front of exasperation betrayed by a faint, amused smile. After chucking the poor, innocent pillow at each other for far too long, she pushed herself up from the swing and invited him inside, away from the late night summer bugs that had been pestering them for some time.
In the living room, the lights were dimmed, making it feel as cozy as can be. (Y/N) started rummaging around, looking for the TV remote as well as some snacks - while Kenny simply flopped on the couch, making himself right at home. He draped a nearby blanket over his lap, propping his feet up on the table and right when she got a hold of everything she needed, she handed the remote to him, taking a seat next to her friend with a bowl of popcorn she was already munching on.
“Okay, serious question” he asked. “Horror movie where you can hide behind me if you’re too scared- or something so emotionally devastating we have to pretend we’re not crying ?”
“I swear to god, Kenny- we’re not watching The fucking Notebook again”.
“Hey! It’s a classic.Ryan Gosling’s a goddamn gift. How dare you”.
They browsed for some time and after debating for far too long on what genre they should pick, they finally decided to settle on something light- a trashy action comedy Kenny had randomly selected on the movie streaming app. Barely ten minutes in, he was already at it, poking her and clearly not paying attention to the screen anymore.
“Dude. Yeah. The movie just started. What’d you expect ?”
“I’m bored. This is boring.”
“Dude. You picked the movie.” She reminded him.
“Yeah, but I didn’t think it’d have plot. I wanted explosions, and guns, and Ryan Gosling, plus- I haven’t even seen one titty out yet. Boring.” He exclaimed, throwing his arms in the air like it had been a tragedy.
She elbowed him in the ribs hard enough to make him laugh. A contagious laugh she couldn’t stop from returning.
“Hey. You know what would make this movie better? ………Making out.”
“You are SUCH a menace, dude. Do you ever stop to think sometimes?”
“Yeah but I’m YOUR menace. I’d never be that annoying with anybody else. You should be flattered.” He bragged.
She threw a piece of popcorn at him in response, which he skillfully caught in his mouth, to her surprise.
“That’s ten points. Just so you know- I take cuddles as a reward for any shots I can score after this.”
“Delusional AND insistent. Don’t forget about that.” Kenny corrected her, subtly shifting just a little closer to her.
Later on, (Y/N) was gradually dozing off when the teasing and the pestering had slowly started to die down. Kenny had been right earlier - the movie truly was boring. Her eyes started getting heavier by the second, despite fighting against it and before she knew it, her head fell softly on his shoulder.
He froze at the sudden contact. The sight of the pair was a stark contrast. Him and his usual rough, raunchy exterior- and her, soft, calm, looking more vulnerable than ever. She almost looked delicate for a girl who was nearly as foul-mouthed as he was. He hadn’t been a good influence on that girl, he knew that much, but really, he couldn’t care less. Right now, he couldn’t take his eyes off her when she was so close to him.
He quickly melted into it, trying not to wake her up for now- as he leaned his head down against hers, without her ever knowing.
*****************************
A couple days later, Cartman had called a spontaneous hangout with the boys. The boys, debating on what to do, eventually settled on chilling at Tweek’s parents’ coffeehouse that afternoon. When they arrived and pushed the doors open, the place was nearly empty, somewhat quiet for a mid-summer day. Lounge music was playing in the background and some occasional, nervous groans from their barista friend Tweek could occasionally be picked up from behind the counter.
The four teens sat at a table in the far end corner next to a window, talking and half-arguing like in their old, normal habits. Except for Stan, none of the others were drinking coffee, instead opting for hot chocolates despite the warm weather outside. The three boys all believed coffee tasted like dirty mud water anyway.
“So, Kenny, you’ve been hanging out with (Y/N) a lot lately, huh?” Stan pointed out first, interrupting a traditional Cartman/Kyle heated argument in the process.
“Like usual, dude. We always hang out.”
“Yeah, maybe- but now you’re doing the extra hanging out. Like, you’re trying really fucking hard to be “hangin’ out with your pants off and wiener out when she’s around.” Cartman snickered.
Kyle frowned. “Don’t make it weird, dude. Kenny obviously likes her.”
“Okay, okay- But seriously you guys. I’m wondering how long it’ll take before she realizes he can’t even afford gas station flowers.”
“What? Look, I’m just saying. Girls don’t date guys who live in collapsing meth huts. That’s not me being mean, alright ? That’s just facts, Stan, Jesus.”
Normally, Kenny would be the first of the three to defend himself, especially when Cartman made fun of his well-known and miserable financial situation. But this time around, he simply rolled his eyes, groaning loud enough for everyone to hear.
“Well, well. Did I strike a nerve, Kennyyyy?”
Stan spoke up instead, giving his blonde friend a chance to compose himself. “Better than striking out with literally every girl ever, fatass.”
“Oh, shut up, Stan.You know that nerd dated Kyle anyway, so, clearly- you know she has no standards.”
“Seriously dude? Grow up. It’s been ten years already. I’ve been over it forever- you’re the only one still digging the past all the time.”
But quietly, Kenny got up and tossed his paper cup in the trash without a word. He flipped off Cartman one more time for good measure before storming out the coffee shop. He had had enough of him constantly being up his ass for today.
The other two both watched their friend go, slightly concerned.
That same night, Kenny was sitting on (Y/N)’s house’s front steps. He hadn’t knocked or called her to let her know- he simply figured it would be the best place to be right now. Outside, alone- and most of all, not at his own house. He just needed some temporary peace and quiet.
It was (Y/N)’s mother, who had come downstairs to turn off the TV- who first noticed the boy through the living room window, sitting on the porch.
“Honey? That McCormick boy is here.”
“Your friend Kenny. He’s here at the door.”
The girl raised a curious brow. Usually, Kenny just sneaked in through her window, or at the very least knocked to make his presence known. But he was indeed just sitting there, with his head in his hands.
“Don’t stay up too late, okay?” Her mom warned, before walking up the stairs and heading to bed.
Intrigued, (Y/N) grabbed the handle and slowly opened the front door. The teenage boy hadn’t even turned around, despite acknowledging her presence behind him.
“Hey” he finally spoke up. “Sorry-didn’t know where else to go.”
”Bad everything” He huffed in response. “Fucking Cartman’s been up my ass all day, Stan and Kyle wouldn’t mind their business... Parents still fighting. My drunk ass dad yelled at me earlier to sleep outside if I didn’t like it.”
He groaned at the last part, rubbing his face- not because he had been crying- but because he was simply just tired, his patience running thin after such a long day.
“You wanna talk about it ?”
“Eh.. nah. I’ve bitched enough. But I like hearing your voice. You can talk.” Kenny shrugged, resting his elbows on his knees.
So that’s what she did. She talked about nothing at first- dumb, ordinary topics. She talked about a squirrel she had seen digging through her trash earlier. About a weird drawing she’d made this week. Even about a weird dream she remembered having - where Cartman was a sentient ham threatening to destroy South Park.
He couldn’t help but snort at the last part, slowly breaking into a contagious laughter in disbelief of that absurd story. Quieting down, he turned to his best friend next to him with a smug grin that quickly replaced his earlier brooding expression.
“You’re like, dangerously comforting. I think I have a problem.”
“…Yeah, you do. Like the problem you have when you make sexual jokes every time I try to be nice to you.”
“Nah. This one’s worse. This one makes me not want to leave.”
“Then, don’t.” She simply responded, immediately putting him at ease.
Just like that, he stayed a little longer, with the girl gently rubbing his back to comfort him.
He chose to sleep on the floor of her room that night. He never minded. Anywhere was better than home.
Especially when he knew she was caring enough to throw him extra blankets.
A few days had gone by and (Y/N) was invited again to hang out with the boys that Friday. Kenny hadn’t failed to tell her that when she was out last week with Wendy and Bebe- instead of hanging out at Cartmans- the guys had nearly caused a scene. Stan and Kyle had been texting her all week too, as if to make sure she wasn’t gonna break their weekly tradition once more.
Cartman’s backyard looked like the aftermath of a long-forgotten war- Old, torn remnants of a banner, back from when they had played the Stick of Truth as kids. A half-deflated kiddie pool, forgotten at the far back of the yard. A busted grill so ancient it made everyone wonder how it was still working up to this day- among other miscellaneous garbage. In the middle of all, was a surprisingly clean fire pit, obviously used on the regular.
But yet, it felt homey. Like the passage of time had barely changed anything.
Kenny, munching on a half-melted popsicle, was already lounging in one of the camping chairs that had been set up near the fire - that Cartman was trying his absolute hardest to maintain. Next to him, Stan and Kyle, drinks and chip bags in hand, were deep in conversation, watching their fat friend take care of the flames.
“Goddammit! Why won’t this stupid fire take off higher ! I swear!”
“You know what would fix that, Cartman? “Stan chimed in. “Skills”.
“Yeah, dude. You should let someone else do it. Last time you almost lit your mom’s furniture on fire.“
“It was a casualty, Kyle! And this is my house and MY fire pit, so I’m not letting any of you assholes do my job.”
Just as Cartman uttered the last word, the backdoor slid open, making the four teenage boys turn their heads.
It was (Y/N), dressed up more casually this time to hang out with the guys- hoodie, sweatpants, hair up in a messy bun. She was carrying a tote bag filled to the brim with snacks for the occasion.
Eric spoke first before she could even manage to get a ‘’hello’’ out.
“Well, well, well. Look who remembered who her real friends are.”
She walked past him, claiming an unused chair without forgetting to fist bump the other boys as a silent greeting.
“Oh I never forgot. I just needed my weekly reminder of what bottom-tier male behavior looks like.”
“Right. You totally missed us, dude.” Stan commented, followed by Kyle.
“Yeah, it’s not like you to break sacred hangout traditions.”
She scoffed and opened herself a drink, crossing one leg over the other in the folded camping chair.
“I didn’t break tradition, guys. I postponed it. Nuance. Girl code overrides Bro code once in a while. Besides, Bebe found me this dress last week, and Wendy-“
“Oh no. No, no, no.” Cartman abruptly cut her off, throwing a ball of newspaper’s pages in the flames to ignite it further. “You do NOT bring lame girl things in this backyard of brotherhood.”
“Oh, I’m sorry, dude. I never realized your “brotherhood” involved being unable to properly take care of a fire and crying about it.” She responded with a mischievous tone.
“She’s got a point, man.”
“You shut your whore mouth, Kenny.”
(Y/N) ignored Eric, turning to her blonde friend instead, who had been nearly done with his frozen treat already.
‘’Cherry?’’ She asked about the flavour.
“Wanna find out?”
‘’Now you’re just being gross.’’
Cartman made a motion with his fingers, like their interaction was making him gag.
‘’Ugh, can you not dry-hump each other with your eyeballs for five minutes? Gross. Kenny, you’ve been glued to that nerd for ten years, like a horny raccoon that found snacks with legs. Get a fucking grip, Jesus Christ. ’’
Kenny chuckled, barely even offended by that comment, choosing to play along instead.
‘’You jealous, fatass? Want Princess Kenny to glue herself to you instead?”
‘’First- that’s gay. Second, If you touch me, I will light your balls on fire, dude. Don’t test me. I’ll totally do it.”
Everyone bursted into laughter, the fire now finally catching just enough to cast flickering shadows across their faces. Cartman confidently dumped another pile of wood in the pit, way more than necessary- while Kyle and Stan went on about a story where Eric nearly lit his hat ablaze the last time he’d tried to light up big flames in his backyard. Pyromaniac tendencies at its best.
In the middle of it all, (Y/N) reached for Kenny’s drink that had been tucked in his chair’s cupholder, stealing a sip while he wasn’t paying attention.
“You want the rest? You’ve already kissed me by proxy, might as well commit to it.” He commented when he realized she had stolen what was his.
“You wish. If I really wanted your germs on me, I’d make out with your laundry pile instead.” She smirked, warranting a “gross” comment from Stan.
“You wouldn’t survive my dirty laundry. It’s a natural selection test.”
“Seriously? Seriously you guys- You’re being fucking disgusting. Just go bang it out behind the shed and get it over with, so I don’t have to listen to this stupid crap anymore.”
“Hmm. Tempting, - but pass. This whole backyard is covered with YOUR germs, man.” (Y/N) couldn’t help but jab back. Stan and Kyle both high-fived her in support.
Laughter and banter turned to a more relaxed atmosphere the longer it went on, as the five friends basked in the familiar rhythm of trash talk and South Park summer night comfort. Eventually, curfew for each of them creeped in and Cartman threw his friends out instead of a normal, traditional goodbye, just like good-old fashioned Cartman.
“Hey Kenny! Kenny! Don’t catch her cooties, dude!" Eric shouted his warning from his bedroom window with a mocking snicker, warranting a middle finger from both Kenny and his friend, laughing at how ridiculous he was being as he walked her back home.
(Y/N)’s room was dimly lit by the soft, golden glow of a small lamp on the nightstand. Across the walls, sketches had been neatly hung, along with half-finished comic panels, anatomical studies and old stylized doodles of Coon & Friends- and a few pieces of clothing were hanging haphazardly off the back of an old office chair.
The window had been cracked open, letting in the crisp summer night air and the sounds of crickets quietly chirping outside.
At this time, (Y/N) was sound asleep, curled under a light comforter, her phone still glowing faintly from a half-finished text forgotten mid-scroll.
Then, there was a soft creak, like the window opening wider all of a sudden.
A leg climbed through, then another. Kenny, with his hoodie half-zipped up and face tense, hauled himself through the opening, with more frustration than finesse. He landed on the floor with a soft thump, immediately pacing in the shadows, rubbing his hands down his face.
The sound made her stir under the covers and she slowly cracked an eye open.
‘’Kenny?....S’that you?...’’
She blinked a few times, trying to wake herself up and get her eyes adjusted to the darkness surrounding her. Pushing herself on one elbow, she finally made out his silhouette where he was standing. His shoulders looked unusually tense, his fists shaking slightly at his sides. His voice was low, but held a rage within he tried to contain.
‘’Sorry. I-I just….. couldn’t fucking be in that house anymore.’’
It didn’t take her much more to fully wake up.Now concerned for her friend, she slowly pushed the covers away from her and sat down on the edge of the bed.
‘’Hey…what happened ?’’
He paced next to the window, breathing hard. His voice was shaking, not from fear, but from the deep frustration that made his hands tremble.
‘’They were at it again. My parents. Screaming. Throwing stuff. My dad almost hurt my sister this time. I don’t even know what the hell it was about… something about money, or drugs, God knows what. It’s always the same shit with them.’’
He ran a hand through his already messy hair, eyes flickering with something darker, before continuing.
‘’I should be used to it, right?... Same fucking thing, different week. But every time… it still feels like it’s the first time I had to sleep on the floor ‘cause there were glass shards in my bed. Or when Karen started crying and I couldn’t do anything about it. It’s like, I keep pretending I’m this cool, unfazed dude, right? Make a dick joke, flip the bird, keep people laughing. But the second I’m alone in that dump, I’m back to being some broke loser with duct tape on his fucking windows and dumbass parents who never grew up.’’
He finally plopped himself next to her on the mattress with his head hanging low.
‘’I hate it. I hate that it still gets to me.’’ He added in a quieter voice this time.
(Y/N) listened - it wasn’t her place to say anything. She shifted a little closer, hugging him sideways in a reassuring manner.
‘’You don’t have to pretend to be anything when you’re here, you know.’’
That’s all it took. Kenny exhaled, long and deep. The tension in his shoulders dropped, if just slightly. The anger didn’t vanish all the way, but it settled- like a wave crashing into shore and finally going still.
There was a pause, the only audible sounds being her fan oscillating softly in the corner and the crickets loudly chirping outside. He let himself fall on the mattress, looking up at the ceiling. She mimicked him, lying flat right next to the blond.
‘’God. I just trauma-dumped all over you….. How’s that for foreplay?’’
‘’....Yeah, you’re still an idiot. You’re gonna be okay’’ She scoffed, lying down next to him.
‘’.... But a hot idiot, right ?’’
‘’Debatable.’’
‘’I’m still in your life. And in your bed. You clearly have no standards.’’ He nudged her, gradually going back to his normal self. ‘’Also, full disclosure… this is definitely the start of a porno.”
‘’Oh my god, Kenny…’’
“I mean, window climb-in? Half-asleep girl in bed? Troubled bad boy with emotional baggage? The script writes itself.”
‘’Stop. You’re ruining your tragic moment’’ She snorted. ‘’I will strangle you with those blankets, I swear.’’
‘’Ooh, kinky. You know….. you really are the weirdest, smartest, hottest, most frustrating girl I know.” He added.
“Flattery won’t get you laid, McCormick.”
“It’s not flattery. It’s a prelude.” He corrected, confident.
She rolled her eyes, her grin betraying her. He smiled back, but there was something different behind it now. Softer. Less of a mask, more of him. The real him.
Kenny’s eyes darted toward her in the dim light. His gaze lingered as he looked at her face, her lips parted slightly holding his stare. Something shifted between them, like a lull in the teasing, like the kind of silence that held more weight than usual.
He inched closer, testing the space between them. When she didn't move or break eye contact, his voice dropped.
‘’Hey…’’
‘’Hm?’’
‘’...You sure?’’
She looked at him, really looked at him. There was definitely something unspoken in the air, humming between them. It wasn’t just simple tension. It was the weight of ten years of friendship. Trust. Late-night drawing sessions. Secrets whispered on rooftops. And now, this.
She didn’t say anything. She simply nodded.
Tentative at first, he reached out,his hand resting on her jaw, his fingers brushing back a strand of hair. She leaned into his touch. His thumb traced the edge of her cheek. She didn’t pull away.
He kissed her.
It was slow at first. Careful. Both of them testing, uncertain. But the moment she pulled him in closer with her hands gripping his shirt- it shifted. His hands curiously roamed, pulling her against him like he’s been waiting for this forever, which he had.
There was something raw, emotional about it - two kids who grew up side by side, crossing that invisible line they both knew deep down would be crossed someday.
They weren’t just friends anymore. He hadn’t slept on the floor that night.
They were something more.
And neither of them was pretending otherwise now.
**************************************
The next day, he left (Y/N)’s house with a spring in his step. Kyle and Stan had called Kenny over at Cartmans. Eric was bored -but he wanted to be bored with his buddies around. So he had agreed to join them.
He had something to brag about today - and he couldn’t wait to see his friends’ faces when they’d figure it out.
He hummed to himself when he walked in the too familiar living room. Stan was playing a video game with Kyle, while Cartman was mindlessly scrolling on his phone.
“Well well well. Look who finally decided to show up.’’
Kenny simply grinned, flipping him off. ‘’Nice to see you too, fatass.’’ He said, taking a seat on the couch next to Kyle.
‘’What’s up with you? You’re walking in like you just got a scholarship or something.” The redhead asked, without taking his eyes from the game in front of him.
“Maybe he actually found five bucks and bought himself some dignity for once.” Eric doubled.
The blonde boy just stretched, acting cool and casual before confessing the truth like it was nothing.
“I got laid.”
The whole room turned silent for a split second, before the other three just processed the information.
‘’What?’’
‘’WHAT?!’’
“Bullshit! No you didn’t! You don’t just say that like you picked up milk on the way here!”
‘’Yeah I did. Last night. At her place.’’
“Dude, you’re lying.” Stan said in disbelief, followed by Cartman.
‘’There is no way. She’s supposed to have at least some sort of standard. You have a milk crate for a nightstand. There’s no way she saw anything in you.’’
“She doesn’t mind. She lets me crash at her place when shit gets rough, so… one thing led to another.” He explained like it hadn’t been a big deal.
‘’You’re so screwing with us.’’ Even Kyle muttered.
But Kenny, proud, pulled out his phone, ready to dial her number. ‘’Fine. Let’s settle this, then.”
‘’Dude, there’s no fucking way you’re calling her right now.’’ Eric frowned, in complete disbelief.
It was too late. Kenny had already pressed the button and put the call on speakerphone, his three friends exchanging confused glances.
One ring. Then two. Then she picked up.
‘’Hello?’’
‘’Hey babe. Quick question - did we really hook up last night or am I just having really vivid dreams again?”
“Really Kenny? You’re not dreaming. Why are you-wait….. are you with the guys?” She realized from her end.
“Yup. I just needed them to hear it from the source.”
‘’....Hi, you idiots.’’ She greeted.
‘’Oh my god….’’ Stan mumbled, eyes wide in disbelief.
‘’Yeah, she totally thinks I’m hot now.’’ The blonde laughed, before she said goodbye and hung up.
****
On her end, she texted her girls’ group chat, consisting of Wendy, Bebe, Nichole and Heidi, letting them know about what had just happened.
BEBE:
did he actually just CALL you on speaker while w the boys
WENDY: omfg. you didn’t deny it tho 👀
NICHOLE:
WAIT are you guys like a thing now or what???
(Y/N):
why do I feel like I just became the main character of a bad romance reality tv show I didn’t audition for
BEBE:
because you ARE girl
HEIDI:
also bc Kenny is weirdly hot now? like?? how did we miss that???
(Y/N):
Girl, he’s always been hot, he just used to talk like a gremlin
WENDY:
so what’s going on?? is this just a “summer fling” or is this like… FEELINGS
(Y/N):
..idk. we’re close. it’s not weird. not really. He knows me. And yeah, maybe I like him. more than I thought. We uh, we did… stuff.
The typing bubbles exploded.
WENDY:
don’t let Cartman ruin it. I swear if he gets involved-
(Y/N):
already tried. we flipped him off together. it was kind of romantic
HEIDI:
you’re the new power couple. it’s disgusting. I’m obsessed.
BEBE:
pls tell me he didn’t say “I got laid” like a caveman
(Y/N):
oh he 100% did. Proudly
(Y/N) laughed to herself at their reactions, unable to fight the grin stretching on her face. She let go of her phone, letting herself flop on her bed. There was a second of stillness. Contentness.
She really fucked her childhood best friend. And she was undeniably in love with him.
