The Bet

Day 22, Part 3

After too short of a time, Butters came back. He now had a backpack full of clothes, personal hygiene products, and other various personal items.

They had an awkward moment of trying to figure out where he would sleep but ended up settling on Tricia's old room. It hurt a little letting someone other than his sister use it, especially when everything was decorated waiting for her arrival. Their mom was always a strong believer that she would return in no time. Which became sometime, which became eventually.

Craig knew better though. His sister found a good life that might not be perfect but she adored all the same and he can't fault her for that. Especially knowing her life before she ran away. It still stung though that she had no problem leaving behind him and their mom.

Craig was mostly over it now though. So he allowed the boy to use the room. Then he heard a knock come from downstairs and he almost screamed in frustration. He contemplated not answering but Butters was looking at him expectantly so with a huff he stormed downstairs.

He threw the door open and any anger he felt evaporated when he saw Tweek looking at him hesitantly. "I was wondering if we could go on a date if that's okay with you?"

Craig mildly imploded, "I would love to, but I have to help Butters get set up."

Tweek looked confused as he stepped into the house, "help Butters set up what?"

"His bedroom, he's living with me now."

Tweek bit his lip gently, "how come?"

"He's got his own issues, just like the rest of us," Craig hoped he masked the fact that Butters staying only made him annoyed.

"Oh, that's too bad."

Craig just shrugged.

The silence rang loudly in his ear and then suddenly Tweek's face lit up. "Can we help decorate?"

Craig was going to say no. Only because he didn't want to be suckered into being even more helpful but Butters took that moment to walk downstairs. "You want to help me?"

Tweek looked between Butters and Craig before saying, "w-why not."

Craig stomped the entire way upstairs silently letting his opinion be known to everyone. Although that didn't stop him from helping and enjoying the time with Tweek.

They spent the rest of the afternoon setting up some of the things Butters had brought with him. It wasn't until later that night while the three of them were eating dinner that something happened.

It started with a knock on the door that Craig had to answer yet again. Since when was he this popular anyway? He once again was surprised when Kenny was on the other side.

Kenny quickly pushed past Craig without saying a word and entered the house. At first, he looked around frantically trying to find who knows what. Then he stopped and rushed over to Butters.

Craig stood there in shock dumbfounded. He stole a quick glance at Tweek and discovered that he was also in shock.

Kenny fell to his knees in front of Butters and grabbed his hand. "I'm sorry."

Butters absolutely melted. He stopped looking like the person Craig had come to know him as and became that innocent kid who fell for everything again.

Then Butters stiffened. "It's too late. I'm sorry." Craig wasn't expecting Butters' response but neither was Kenny based on the face he made.

Everything went dead silent. He could tell that Butters was becoming uncomfortable and out of the corner of his eyes, he could see Tweek biting his nails raw.

So he decided to speak for the both of them, "You need to leave."

Kenny looked exasperated. He glared intently at Craig before saying, "fine." Then he stormed out with a huff.

Butters was about to say something but Craig interrupted him. "Let's just go to bed you've had a rough day."

Without saying a word Tweek left and Craig nodded in his direction as he did so. Then he followed Butters upstairs to sleep.