A Forever Home at a Temporary Address

Kenny eyed the man sitting across from him in his living room with a measure of wariness, because he looked nothing like the mental image Kenny had formed when his brother Kevin had begged him to let his dearest friend, “Butters,” stay with them for a couple of weeks. Leopold, as the guest had introduced himself while offering a handshake and a smile, was wearing a long-sleeved white shirt and navy-blue dress pants. He was slim, a little taller than Kenny, and had light blond hair, perfectly styled. Kenny had met countless friends of Kevin’s before and, if he had to describe what they all had in common in just a few words, it would be that they were all losers. That was why Leopold’s failure to fit the mold made Kenny uneasy rather than relieved. Something had to be very wrong with him for him to put so much effort into seeming like a normal person. Kevin noticed the doubt in his younger brother’s eyes, so he cleared his throat to get both Butters’s and Kenny’s attention and said, “Well, Butters is going to sleep on the pull-out couch in my room. He’s very clean and quiet, so you won’t even notice he’s here.” He was trying hard to get Kenny to accept Butters’s presence in the apartment because, at the end of the day, Kenny was the one who paid the rent and most of the bills. Kevin contributed however he could, but the truth was that the difference in income between the brothers was obvious, and if Kenny decided it, it would not only be Butters who could end up on the street, but Kevin as well. “Oh, yes, of course,” Butters said, backing up Kevin’s statement. “The last thing I want is to cause any trouble. Kevin has already been very kind by inviting me to stay with you, and you, Kenny, very generous for allowing it. So while I’m here, if I do anything that makes you uncomfortable, please don’t hesitate to tell me. I apologize in advance for any inconvenience I might cause.” Kenny raised an eyebrow at Butters’s formality and replied curtly, “Don’t worry about that. If you end up bothering me, I won’t hesitate to say so.” “I understand,” Butters shrank slightly into the couch, clearly intimidated by Kenny’s tone and posture. “You won’t have a single complaint about me. I swear.” Butters finished speaking with a smile that, for a brief second, Kenny felt like returning. Instead, he stood up and ended the conversation with a harsh, “I hope so, because even if I wouldn’t like to kick you out, I have no problem doing it.” With that, he headed toward his bedroom. It was still very early in the morning, and he needed to finish getting ready for a busy workday. He had just opened his bedroom door when Kevin shoved him inside, nearly knocking him to the floor, and closed the door behind them. “What’s wrong with you? Butters was being very nice. If I had known you were going to be like this even after you told me you were okay with him staying with us, I never would have brought him.” Kenny grimaced and took a slow breath. “I just wanted him to have things clear. I don’t want a repeat of what happened the last time you had the brilliant idea of ‘inviting one of your friends over for a few days.’” Kevin scoffed. “I told you Butters is completely different from the rest of my friends. If you get to know him, you might even become friends too. I told you that, didn’t I? He’s the same age as you.” “And what, you want us to schedule a playdate? I’m not a kid. I don’t make friends with people just because we’re the same age.” “Whatever. Just treat him well. I know this is ‘your’ house and that I’m only here because you feel sorry for me, but you don’t have to be so rude, especially when I already told you it’s only for a few days.” The resentment in Kevin’s words was unmistakable. He felt offended because, in his mind, Kenny was rubbing it in his face that he only lived there because they were brothers and Kenny had felt obligated to take him in. “Ugh, Kevin, that has nothing to do with this. This is your home as much as it is mine. I just think it’s important to take care of it. I don’t want to have to do the same thing we did with Luis.” “God, I already told you that was a momentary lapse in judgment. He’s not even my friend anymore. And you said you trusted me.” “And nothing guarantees that ‘Leopold’ isn’t another lapse in judgment. I trust you, but not him. I think it’s better to be safe than sorry.” Kevin rolled his eyes. “Fine. Just don’t be so aggressive, okay?” After Kevin left his room, Kenny felt a little guilty for having spoken to Butters that way. He didn’t seem used to confrontation and even gave the impression that he might break down and cry if Kenny kept being harsh. Still, Kenny was determined to keep that attitude no matter what happened. He knew that if he showed even a hint of weakness, he could end up in the same situation as the first time Kevin brought a friend to live with them. Luis had arrived at the apartment looking disheveled, with a nervous smile, humbly thanking them for letting him crash on the couch while he got back on his feet. At first, Kenny had been a gracious host and overlooked the fact that Luis emptied the pantry, wanting to lend a hand when he needed it most. But when Luis started leaving dirty clothes and dishes all over the apartment, expecting the brothers to take care of him like a mother would, Kenny had no choice but to throw him out. Kevin had been angry with Kenny at first for kicking his friend out, but later he had to admit that even if he had given Luis another chance to become a model guest, he would not have taken it. The experience had been such a disaster that Kenny was genuinely surprised when Kevin begged him to take in Butters, and he ended up agreeing only because his bro and sister had always been his weakness. In the end, he was not sure whether Butters was a bad person or not, but since he could not trust Kevin’s judgment, he chose to act hostile. As he had told Kevin, it was better to set boundaries now than to regret it later. Kenny had a punishing routine that included a full-time job which often demanded overtime and last-minute travel. So whenever he came home after a long day, he barely had the energy to cook anything real and usually ended up eating leftovers from the night before. Today he had clocked out two hours late from an already exhausting shift, all because of an administrative error at the warehouse that he hadn’t even made but had, as usual, been the one to fix. All he wanted was to crack open a cheap can of beer and sleep until his body stopped aching. Food wasn’t even on his mind, so when he opened the front door, he stopped dead. The apartment, which under his and his brother’s care was usually only “tidy” in the most superficial sense, looked unrecognizable. The floor gleamed under the yellowish living room light, and there was no trace of the thin layer of dust that normally decorated the furniture. But what truly froze him in place was the smell of home-cooked food. “Oh, Kenny! You got here just in time!” Kevin exclaimed from the table, wearing a wide grin Kenny hadn’t seen in him in months. Kenny blinked, still holding the doorknob. In the small kitchen, Butters moved with quiet efficiency, a dish towel slung over his shoulder. When he saw Kenny, his face lit up with genuine happiness. “Welcome home, Kenny,” Butters said as he carefully set a huge bowl of chili in the center of the table, accompanied by freshly baked cornbread. “I took the liberty of making dinner. I hope you like it. I made sure the spice level was just right.” Kenny didn’t know what to say. He stood there, feeling oddly out of place in his own living room. “Go wash your hands,” Butters continued, gesturing kindly toward the hallway. “Your plate will be ready when you get back.” Still confused, Kenny looked at Kevin, who was already tearing into his portion with almost childlike enthusiasm, then back at Butters, who watched him with a meek, eager expression that almost seemed empty. “Thanks…” Kenny started, but his voice came out rougher than he expected. He cleared his throat and gave a small nod. “I’ll be right back.” He headed to the shared bathroom to wash his hands, not really questioning why he was obeying Butters, and moments later he was sitting at the table. The smell of the chili was so intoxicating that for a moment he forgot about the two extra hours at the warehouse. “God, Butters, this is amazing,” Kevin exclaimed, his cheeks puffed out with food. “I had no idea how badly I needed to eat something that didn’t come in a cardboard box. This is real food, man. Real.” Kenny dipped his spoon into his plate and took his first bite. The flavor was rich, comforting, and ridiculously better than anything that had come out of that kitchen in years. “It’s really good,” Kenny murmured, almost to himself, keeping his eyes on his plate. As he ate, a twinge of guilt pierced his chest. He remembered the sharp tone he’d used to warn Butters that he wouldn’t hesitate to kick him out if he messed up even once, and now here he was, eating wonderfully thanks to his work. For a moment he considered apologizing for yesterday, but he forced himself to swallow the guilt along with the chili. It was only Butters’s first day in the apartment. Letting his guard down now would be a rookie mistake. The next few minutes at the table allowed Kenny to notice something else. While Kevin continued to devour his food with rather questionable manners, chewing energetically and talking at the same time, Butters wasn’t eating much. Instead, he rested his chin lightly on one hand and simply watched Kevin. It wasn’t a polite glance. It was adoration. Butters didn’t miss a single one of Kevin’s movements, the way he smeared food at the corner of his mouth or how he laughed, as if his older brother were the most fascinating and precious creature to ever walk the earth. Kenny knew that look. He’d seen it in the few girlfriends Kevin had managed to keep for more than a month. That lovestruck, sheepish stare that made you ignore the fact that the person in front of you was making awful chewing noises. A new knot, different from suspicion, formed in his stomach. No, no, please don’t, Kenny thought, setting his spoon aside. Up until now, the fact that Butters was sleeping on the pull-out couch in Kevin’s room had seemed like nothing more than basic respect for shared living space. But now, seeing the intensity in Butters’s pale eyes, the implication hit him like a bucket of cold water. If those two had something going on, or were in the middle of some kind of courtship, the story about Butters staying “two weeks” was starting to sound like a lie. A spike of irritation flared in Kenny. A clean house and hot meals were nice luxuries, but the last thing he wanted was to become the awkward third wheel in his own apartment. If Butters planned on settling in as Kevin’s devoted boyfriend, those two weeks would turn into months, and his home would stop feeling like his. He set his utensils aside, wiped his mouth with a napkin, and fixed his gaze on the guest in his home. “Kevin told me about the explosion in the drainage pipes at your building,” Kenny said. “Sounds like the place is basically a biological hazard zone now. I assume management had to offer financial compensation or temporary housing to all the tenants, right? That’s the law. Why did you decide to come here instead of taking that?” Kenny held his stare, waiting for hesitation or a blush to confirm his suspicion that Butters was just looking for an excuse to crawl into his brother’s bed. He wanted to know whether Kevin was complicit in some permanent move-in plan or simply too stupid to notice that Butters was looking at him with the same hunger Kevin was attacking the chili with. Butters, far from getting nervous, blinked with that angelic calm that was starting to drive Kenny insane. “Oh, yes. They did offer us some money and a place to stay,” he replied gently. “But the spaces they assigned were very small. I live alone, so it wouldn’t have been a problem for me, but my neighbor is an elderly woman who lives with her two daughters, their partners, and five small children, all under three. They were in a terrible bind space-wise, and it broke my heart to see them like that.” Butters smiled wistfully, as if the sacrifice were the most natural thing in the world. “So I gave them my spot. I was planning on going back to my parents’ place since my job is fully remote and I can work from anywhere, though moving cities would’ve made it harder to keep track of the repairs. I was explaining all that to Kevin, and he saved me by offering me a place here. I really owe him one.” “Like hell you do!” Kevin cut in, pointing at him with a spoon. “It’s the least I could do after all the help you gave us at the shop.” Kenny raised an eyebrow, unconvinced, and glanced at Butters’s hands. Clean, well cared for, without a single callus. It was obvious Butters had never been under a chassis changing transmissions. Whatever help he’d given Kevin, if it was true, had to have been administrative. He made a low sound of acknowledgment. Kevin’s urgency in defending Butters and the way Butters seemed to glow under the praise led him to a clear conclusion. If those two weren’t a couple already, they were dangerously close. The feelings were there, hanging in the air like steam from the chili. The moment he got the chance, he would confront Kevin. When they’d decided to live together, even before the disaster with Luis, they’d promised each other that neither of them would move a partner into the apartment. One-night stands were allowed, but nothing more than that. After dinner, Kenny took a quick shower, letting the hot water loosen his tense muscles, and retreated to his bedroom. However, the complete silence he expected didn’t come right away. Through the thin wall separating his room from Kevin’s, he could hear the constant murmur of two people speaking in low voices. He couldn’t make out the words, but Butters’s soft tone and Kevin’s rough laughter were unmistakable. For a moment, Kenny stared at the ceiling, wondering whether his brother really thought Kenny was an idiot, or what his endgame was. If he even had one. The next morning, the smell of freshly brewed coffee and bacon pulled Kenny out of bed. When he stepped into the kitchen, he found a scene straight out of a commercial. Butters was already dressed and groomed, moving between pans with enviable efficiency. Not only had he made breakfast, but two perfectly packed containers were already resting on the counter, lunch prepared for both Kevin and Kenny. Kenny cast a quick glance at the ingredients spread across the counter. There were fresh vegetables, spices he didn’t recognize, and good-quality fruit. None of that had been in the apartment the day before. It was obvious that Butters had gone grocery shopping at some point the previous day. While they ate, the conversation drifted to work. “Today’s going to be hell,” Kevin said through a mouthful of eggs. “I’ve got to deal with the transmission on an F-150 that came in yesterday. The electronic system’s locked up and the fluid smells burnt. Wish me luck. I’m going to need it.” “I’m sure you’ll handle it beautifully,” Butters said with near-religious conviction. “You’re the most skilled mechanic I know.” Kenny let out a small huff but stayed out of it. When he finished his coffee and got ready to head to his own job, Butters stopped him with a kind smile. “Kenny, before you go… is there anything special you’d like for dinner tonight?” Kenny paused with his hand on the doorknob and sighed. He looked at Butters, who seemed genuinely eager to please him. For a second, Kenny’s hostile armor cracked. “Look, Butters…” Kenny began, a little awkwardly. “I know we took you in here and, well, sorry for being so harsh yesterday. But really, you don’t have to do all this. You don’t need to make us breakfast, lunch, and dinner. As long as you keep your area clean, don’t make too much noise, and, I don’t know, maybe don’t do things that jack up the electric and gas bills, that’s enough. You really don’t have to try this hard.” Kevin, who was finishing putting on his boots, jumped in immediately. “Don’t listen to him, Butters! Kenny loves to complain. You surprise us with whatever you want.” Kevin clapped Butters on the shoulder before leaving, and Butters saw him off from the doorway with those “love-struck eyes” that were already starting to get on Kenny’s nerves. Kenny rolled his eyes, adjusted his backpack, and followed his brother out. “Whatever,” he muttered to himself as they walked toward the street. If Butters wanted to be the apartment’s Cinderella, so be it. “It’s way too early for that grumpy-dog face,” Kevin said when they reached the elevator. “Are you dating Butters?” Kenny asked bluntly. Kevin stared at him with a look of complete and utter surprise, so spontaneous that Kenny almost believed him when he answered. “What? Where did you get that idea? Butters is like…” Kevin hesitated for a second. “Like you, or like Karen if she were a guy, but Butters is more feminine than Karen. Don’t you think? When was the last time Karen cooked for us?” “Don’t change the subject,” Kenny cut in. “We agreed. No moving partners into the apartment.” Kevin snorted. “I thought you’d already dropped it yesterday. If you regret letting him stay here, tough luck. You’ll have to be the one to tell him to leave. But let’s see if you’ve got the guts to tell him you hate him. The guy who made you breakfast and lunch, who’s planning to make you dinner, and who cleaned the whole apartment. You’ll make him cry, you’ll feel guilty, and I’ll have to move out. Because making up scenarios to kick Butters out after just one day, when he hasn’t done anything wrong, is bullshit.” After that, Kenny didn’t bring it up again. The routine settled into an unusual calm over the next few days. Kenny had grown used to waking up to the smell of coffee and coming home to an apartment that smelled of pine cleaner and spices. But on Saturday, the narrative shifted. When he stepped out of his bedroom and wasn’t greeted by the smell of food, he assumed Leopold was still asleep. But when he walked into the kitchen, he stopped short. Butters was sitting at the table, hunched over his laptop. His fingers flew over the keyboard with mechanical speed, and he muttered words of frustration under his breath as his eyes tracked graphs that seemed to update in real time. Kenny wasn’t ignorant when it came to numbers. His background in engineering allowed him to understand complex systems. But what he saw on Butters’s screen screamed high-risk finance. Probably crypto. “Oh, Kenny, good morning,” Butters said without looking away from the monitor, his tone apologetic. “I’m really sorry, I couldn’t make breakfast today. I had an emergency with the… and, well, I didn’t want to work in Kevin’s room and wake him up. He was so tired yesterday.” “Don’t worry about it,” Kenny replied, moving toward the coffee maker. “I’ve got it today.” In less than fifteen minutes, the smell of freshly brewed black coffee filled the air. He made a couple of buttered rolls, toasted in a pan, and some quick scrambled eggs with a pinch of pepper. It wasn’t a culinary masterpiece, but it did the job. “Here,” Kenny said, sliding a plate and a mug of coffee in front of Butters. “It’s nothing compared to your food, but I hope you like it.” Butters looked up, surprised, and gave him a tired but genuine smile. “Thank you, Kenny. Really, you didn’t have to trouble yourself. It’s the thought that counts the most.” He took a sip of coffee and sighed in relief. “Honestly, this is how I eat every day when I’m alone. I love cooking, but it’s hard for me to do it just for myself. Now that I’m with you guys, I cook because… well, I like sharing. I feel like every meal is an expression of love.” The moment the word left his mouth, Butters turned red as a tomato. He cleared his throat frantically, hiding behind the laptop screen. “Well, not love, not love!” he rushed to correct himself. “I mean… appreciation. Yes. That. An expression of appreciation for taking me in.” Kenny couldn’t help a small smile. It was almost amusing how transparent Butters was, and how hopelessly in love he clearly was with his brother. For a moment, Kenny watched him and thought that, for the first time, Kevin had stumbled into some inexplicable good luck. Butters was hardworking, sensible, ridiculously kind, and hopelessly devoted. By far the best thing Kevin had drawn into his life in years. “How the hell did they meet?” Kenny wondered for the umpteenth time. “What could someone like him possibly see in someone like my brother?” The likely answers slipped away when Kevin’s bedroom door creaked open. Kevin shuffled out, hair tangled into a bird’s nest, wearing old pajamas with a hole in the knee and dried drool on his cheek. He scratched his stomach and let out a yawn. “Coffee,” Kevin grunted, his voice rough and gravelly. Kenny looked at Kevin in his most deplorable state, then at Butters, who was watching his brother with the same devotion a believer reserves for a saint. Definitely, Kenny thought, love was blind, deaf, and probably lacked a sense of smell. Unlike Kevin, Kenny didn’t have to work that Saturday, so after a still half-asleep Kevin left for the shop, the apartment sank into a comfortable silence, broken only by the rhythmic tapping of Butters’s keyboard. Kenny settled onto the couch and turned on the TV, keeping the volume low enough not to interfere with the charts and numbers that seemed to consume the blond man. After a couple of hours, the sound of the laptop snapping shut signaled that the financial “emergency” was over. Butters stretched his arms, letting out a relieved sigh, and glanced toward the living room with a hint of shyness. “Do you mind if I join you?” Butters asked, gesturing at the couch. “I think my brain needs to stop looking at percentages for today.” They ended up tuning into a marathon of The Green Hornet series and movie. It was one of those productions with a strange mix of action, superheroes, and crime, seasoned with comedy so unintentionally bad it was brilliant. What started as an afternoon of watching TV turned into shared commentary and laughter, even leading them to look up online theories about a supposed continuation of the franchise. Kenny doubted it would ever happen, while Butters firmly insisted that it would. As Butters laughed at a badly choreographed fight scene, Kenny watched him out of the corner of his eye. He remembered the jab he’d thrown at Kevin about “scheduling a playdate.” It felt ridiculous to admit it, but sitting next to Butters felt exactly like that. Like being a kid again, hanging out with a friend, no pressure, no agenda. But there was something else, a nuance that didn’t belong to childhood. Butters was… pleasant. In a way Kenny hadn’t experienced in a long time. His tastes were usually more straightforward, almost purely physical. He was almost always drawn to women with pronounced curves and necklines that left little to the imagination. And yet, there was something about Butters’s personality, about his soft laughter and the intelligence that surfaced when he explained something, that was stirring a curiosity in Kenny he couldn’t quite categorize. It was a subtle attraction, but a constant one, and it caught him completely off guard. They were having such a good time that the hours slipped through their fingers. Shadows stretched across the living room, and night settled in without either of them bothering to turn on the main lights. It was Butters who broke the spell when he glanced at the wall clock. “Wow, it’s really late…” he said, worry creeping into his voice. “Does Kevin usually get home this late? Did he text you to say if he was going to be delayed?” Kenny shrugged, sinking deeper into the couch. “He’s my older brother, Butters, not my kid. Neither of us has the habit of sending location updates. Sometimes he just doesn’t come back if he finds something better to do,” he replied honestly. Then, to keep Butters’s anxiety from spiraling, he pulled out his phone. “I’ll text him, just to make sure he didn’t get crushed by a truck,” Kenny added, trying to lighten the mood. Butters flinched at the mental image. Kevin’s reply came a couple of minutes later. Went out with people from work. What do you want? When bedtime finally came and Kevin still hadn’t returned, the disappointment on Butters’s face was obvious, no matter how hard he tried to mask it with a casual expression. “Well, I guess work left him pretty exhausted and he decided to blow off some steam,” Butters murmured. “Good night.” “Night,” Kenny replied, watching him walk toward Kevin’s bedroom. Kenny went to his own room thinking his brother was an idiot for going out with his friends when he had Butters waiting at home, in his room. Then a heaviness settled at the base of his throat, because he still wasn’t sure whether there was something between Butters and Kevin or not. Kevin had denied it, and Kenny hadn’t seen any sign that Kevin returned Butters’s obvious affection. But if there was something between them, then he needed to shove a lot of thoughts out of his head. Thoughts that didn’t belong there, because they were not the kind of thoughts a good brother was supposed to have. When he reached the kitchen the next morning, he found the blond man moving nervously between the burners, preparing breakfast with an intensity that bordered on anxiety. Kenny went straight to the fridge and poured himself a glass of orange juice. As he drank, he wandered lazily toward the living room, then stopped short when he saw the couch. On the long sofa in front of the television lay a wrinkled bedsheet, a half-folded blanket, and a pair of pillows that definitely didn’t belong there. At first, he thought Kevin had fallen asleep watching TV. But when Butters noticed where his gaze had landed, he spoke quickly. “Oh, Kenny! I’m sorry. I’ll clean that up in just a second, I swear. I just wanted to get the water boiling for the oatmeal before putting the blankets away.” Kenny frowned, ignoring the apology. “Why did you sleep in the living room?” he asked bluntly. Butters looked down at the floor, lips pressed tight. His face, usually so bright, looked clouded with sadness. “Well… Kevin came home last night with someone,” he murmured. “I didn’t want to be in the way, so I thought it would be best to give them their space and come out here.” Before Kenny could fully process the words, Kevin’s bedroom door opened, and his brother stepped out laughing, one arm wrapped around a dark-haired girl who was peppering his cheek with quick kisses. “Hey! Good morning,” Kevin said brightly. “This is Kiara. We met last night at the bar. Turns out she works at the towing service office we’ve been using at the shop for years, and somehow we’d never crossed paths.” “It’s an incredible coincidence,” Kiara added, her gaze sweeping over the apartment with a self-satisfied smile. “I still don’t understand how I hadn’t noticed such a handsome man before.” “And I don’t know how I missed such a beautiful woman,” Kevin replied, completely oblivious to the icy atmosphere in the room. “Anyway, we’re going to take a quick shower. Don’t wait for us for breakfast. We’ll probably go out to eat.” Kenny and Butters nodded mechanically. As soon as the bathroom door closed behind the couple, Kenny looked at the dining table. Four places had been set. Butters hadn’t only resigned himself to sleeping on the couch. He’d gotten up early to cook for the woman who had, essentially, swooped in and taken his place right in front of him. The sight of Butters, head lowered and trying not to cry as he stirred the boiling water, made Kenny want to do anything to lift his spirits. “Hey…” Kenny started, softening his tone. “Is there anything you want to do today? We could go out. Go somewhere. Together.” Butters forced a smile that never reached his eyes and slowly shook his head. “Thanks, but… I’m meeting up with some friends. Actually, I’m going to take advantage of the fact that they’re in the bathroom to grab my things from the room and get ready quickly. I don’t want to be a bother.” Kenny ended up eating breakfast alone at the table, chewing on oatmeal that now tasted like ash. He was furious with Kevin for being completely inconsiderate and for humiliating Butters, even if unintentionally. At the same time, he felt a sharp, aching pity for Butters. In theory, the fact that Butters felt pushed aside was supposed to be a good thing. If Butters was sad, chances were he would go back to his apartment without making excuses once the two weeks were up, giving Kenny back his privacy and his uncomplicated life. He should have been happy. But as he stared at the empty plate Butters had set for Kiara, Kenny realized that the idea of that man disappearing from his routine brought him no relief at all. On the contrary, it left a hollow ache in his stomach that not even the best breakfast in the world could fill. A couple of hours later, Kenny was at Stan and Kyle’s place. The heavy smell of beer, chips, and the background noise of a video game made the perfect refuge for unloading his frustration. “…and the asshole didn’t even notice that Butters slept on the couch so he could bring that chick home. I’m going to have to talk to him, because it’s not fair for Butters that he did that,” Kenny concluded, taking a long pull from his drink. Stan and Kyle had to pause the game to listen to him properly. “Look, Kenny,” Kyle said, setting his own can aside. “Knowing Kevin, there’s a good chance he has absolutely no idea how Butters feels. If you confront him, all you’re going to do is put Butters in an uncomfortable position.” “Exactly,” Stan added. “You’ll make Butters feel exposed, and he’ll probably move out that same day out of sheer embarrassment. Let it go. In the end, it’s not your problem, right?” Kenny nodded reluctantly, though the words not your problem tasted bitter. Monday and Tuesday passed in a repetition of the previous week. Butters continued to play the role of the grateful guest. He made them hot breakfasts, packed their lunches, and kept the apartment spotless. His eyes still lit up whenever he looked at Kevin, but that light dimmed instantly every time Kevin mentioned Kiara. What irritated Kenny the most was the irony of it all. Kevin had always had meaningless flings, one-night stands he forgot about the next day. But now, with Butters living under his roof, the idiot had decided to act like a lovesick teenager. “You have no idea how good I feel, seriously,” Kevin said on Tuesday morning as he adjusted the collar of his shirt. “It’s different with her. I’ve had dinner at her place these past two nights and, I swear, it’s a struggle to leave.” Butters, who was finishing washing a pan, visibly tensed. “She practically has to kick me out. Can you believe it?” Kevin continued with a laugh. “She says she needs her ‘beauty sleep’ and that her bed is too small for both of us, that I keep her from sleeping. So here I am, missing her.” “That sounds wonderful, Kevin,” Butters said softly, his voice gentle but faintly broken. “I’m very, very happy to see you so happy. You deserve it.” Kenny felt an almost violent urge to stand up and shake Butters, or to hit him for being so desperately, painfully good. There was a limit to selflessness, a point where kindness turned into pure masochism, and Butters had crossed it miles ago. It hurt to see him like that, and it hurt even more to realize that while Butters was wasting away over Kevin, he himself was burning with anger for both of them, trapped in the middle of a drama that wasn’t supposed to matter to him. Why was Butters obsessed with Kevin when he was right there? To lift Butters’ spirits, Kenny had made the decision to leave work on time every day that week. He forced himself to finish his tasks with an almost desperate efficiency so he could return to the apartment and spend time with Butters. They would sit together and talk about anything, from Butters’ remote job to trivial anecdotes about the city. On Wednesday, just as expected, Kevin rushed out to Kiara’s place again, and the expression on Butters’ face as he pretended to watch TV and sip his beer made it impossible for Kenny to hold back any longer. “You know, Butters…” Kenny began, his eyes fixed on the screen while his mind wandered elsewhere. “Kevin is my older brother. When I was a kid, I admired him a lot. I thought he was the greatest in the world, but when I grew up, I realized Kevin isn’t all that.” Butters tensed beside him, but Kenny went on. “I mean, he has plenty of good qualities and he’s a good person, but he messes up a lot. You have to forgive him for being an idiot, but at the same time… you don’t have to cling to him. If you like him, that’s fine. Kevin is great in many ways, but there are countless great people in the world. You don’t have to keep suffering in silence over him forever just because he doesn’t like you back.” Butters froze for a few seconds, then let out a nervous little laugh. “Oh, Kenny! I don’t know what you’re talking about, I just… I don’t… Kevin and I are just friends and—” “Don’t insult my intelligence, Butters,” Kenny interrupted gently, turning to look him in the eyes. “Kevin is my brother and he’s an idiot, but I’m not. I noticed from the very first day that you’re in love with him. You don’t have to hide it from me.” The silence that followed was absolute. Butters stood there, petrified, his mouth slightly open. Then, with a sudden movement, he grabbed the can of beer from the table and took such a long drink that he nearly finished it in one go. “Geez…” Butters sighed, his gaze unfocused. “I thought I was subtle. Apparently I’m not subtle at all. I’m an idiot. A complete idiot. I don’t know why I thought Kevin’s offer to live together meant something more than… than him just being a good friend.” Butters opened another beer. Then another. The more he drank, the more the barrier of his impeccable politeness began to crumble, letting out a bitterness Kenny had never seen in him before. “I’m ridiculous,” Butters slurred, his cheeks flushed from the alcohol. “I made a fool of myself in front of you, in front of him… cooking dinners for his girlfriend… I’m pathetic!” “Butters, stop. Be kinder to yourself,” Kenny pleaded, scooting a little closer on the couch. “No!” Butters shook his head, his words dragging. “You’re right. You’re completely right. I’m way too obvious with my feelings, and Kevin is an idiot. He’s just as much of an idiot as I am for not seeing it, or for not wanting to see it. Do you think I need to live with you guys?” he asked bitterly. “Of course not. I could buy my own house if I wanted to. How did he not notice? He loves damn cars. Have you seen how much my car cost? It’s obvious I don’t need charity.” Kenny blinked, surprised, realizing that Butters wasn’t quite as perfect as he seemed. There was a hint of vanity there, probably the result of, if he wasn’t lying, having a substantial amount of money in the bank. Which made sense, considering he worked in finance. Kenny could be put off by people who measured their worth by their money, but for now he chose to believe it was heartbreak, the feeling of not being enough, and the alcohol speaking, not the real Butters. They sat in silence for a moment, listening only to the TV. Kenny, feeling a strange mix of empathy and something dangerously close to affection, placed a hand on his companion’s shoulder. “You’ll get another chance, Butters. To fall in love and be loved back the way you deserve. I promise.” Butters looked at him then. His eyes were clouded with alcohol and exhaustion, but they locked onto Kenny’s with a new intensity, one that made the younger McCormick’s heart flip. “I hope so, Kenny,” Butters murmured, resting his head against the back of the couch. “I really hope that the next time I fall in love… it’s with someone who has a little common sense. Someone like you… who actually notices when I’m throwing myself on the ground like a damn doormat.” Kenny felt a sudden heat rush up his neck to his ears, a sensation he hadn’t experienced in years. He let out a nervous laugh, scratching the back of his neck as he tried to process Butters’ words. “I don’t know if someone like me would be good for you, Butters,” Kenny replied, trying to keep his tone light to hide the way his heart had lurched. “I’m a mess in ways you can’t even imagine.” To mask the nerves brought on by the closeness, Kenny grabbed his own can and took a long drink, the bitterness soaking his tongue. But Butters didn’t pull away. On the contrary, he slumped heavily against Kenny’s shoulder, closing the distance completely. “Of course you would…” Butters whispered, his voice thick, his eyes half-lidded. “You’re good, Kenny. You listen to me.” Butters tilted his face slightly upward, ending up just inches from Kenny’s. The scent of hops and the warmth radiating from the blond’s body wrapped around him, and Kenny froze, holding his breath. He could see every detail: the faint flush on Butters’ cheeks, the curve of his slightly parted lips, the disarming sincerity in his clouded gaze. For a second, the outside world vanished. Kenny felt an electric impulse race up his spine; he wanted to lean in, close that tiny gap, and kiss him. He wanted to know if Butters tasted as sweet as the food he cooked. But just as his resolve faltered, Butters’ weight grew heavier against his shoulder and a soft sigh escaped his lips. He had fallen asleep. Kenny stayed there, motionless, letting Butters’ head rest in the hollow of his neck. The tension slowly dissolved under the effects of alcohol and the accumulated exhaustion of the week. Little by little, his own eyelids grew heavy. The image on the screen blurred, and without realizing it, Kenny let his head fall against Butters’, surrendering to sleep as well. Waking up was a head-on collision with reality. The clatter of pans and the whistle of the kettle in the kitchen jolted them awake. Kenny opened his eyes with a sharp pain in his temples, only to realize his arm was wrapped around Butters’ shoulders and the other boy’s face was buried in his chest. “Well, well…” Kevin’s voice, thick with malicious amusement, echoed from the kitchen counter. “I didn’t know you two had such a good time when I’m not around. Guess you don’t miss me even a little now that I’m spending all my time with Kiara, huh?” Kenny pulled away from Butters abruptly. Kevin was watching them with a smug smile, leaning against the kitchen doorway. “I got back last night, and you looked so cute that I figured it would be a sin to wake you up.” Butters jumped to his feet, his face burning, and looked at Kevin with a mix of humiliation and a spark of anger Kenny had never seen in him before. Without saying a word, Butters grabbed his blanket and retreated to the bedroom, slamming the door shut behind him. “What’s his problem?” Kevin asked, genuinely confused. “Shut up, Kevin,” Kenny growled, rubbing his face with his hands. “Seriously. Shut up.” “But what did I say? It was just a joke.” Kenny didn’t bother explaining. That day at work was a productivity disaster. Kenny sat at his desk, but all he could see was the image of Butters leaning against him, telling him he wanted someone “like him.” The echo of that phrase made it impossible to focus on the blueprints and budgets in front of him. “McCormick, we have a problem at the secondary branch. We need someone with a technical eye to go take a look and supervise the system repairs. That’s you. Be ready to leave first thing tomorrow.” The news annoyed Kenny. But after a second of thought, he felt a strange sense of relief. He needed distance to sort out his thoughts and feelings about Butters. That night, during dinner, a surprising occasion in which Kevin decided to stay home, Kenny informed both his brother and their guest that he would be leaving. “I’m heading out Friday morning,” he said, stirring his food without much appetite. “I have to go to the branch in the other city. I’ll probably be back Saturday afternoon, or maybe even Sunday morning.” “Seriously? That’s bad luck, man,” Kevin commented, taking a bite of bread. “They’re ruining your weekend.” “They offered extra pay and a couple of vacation days to make up for it, so I accepted. I don’t really have much choice anyway.” Butters didn’t say anything. Throughout dinner, he behaved in an extremely strange way, keeping his eyes fixed on his plate and limiting himself to nodding or shaking his head. The shame of having confessed his feelings the night before and having appeared “pathetic” in front of Kenny seemed to be eating him alive. Early Friday morning was frigid and silent. Kenny moved through the apartment in the dark, guided more by memory than sight. He wanted to leave before highway traffic became a nightmare and deal with the branch’s issues as quickly as possible. He had said goodbye to Kevin and Butters the night before with a simple “see you,” not expecting any kind of morning interaction. However, just as he adjusted his coat and grabbed his car keys, the door to his brother’s bedroom opened with a soft creak. Butters stepped out on tiptoe, careful not to wake Kevin. He was wearing flannel pajamas, his hair slightly mussed, giving him an appearance so inviting that Kenny felt an immediate flip in his stomach. “Kenny…” Butters whispered, approaching with a shy smile. “Please be very careful on the road. They say there might be fog at this hour.” “I will. Don’t worry.” Butters nodded, but didn’t leave. He fidgeted with his fingers, visibly nervous. “You know, on Sunday I’ll finally be moving back to my apartment,” he said, lowering his gaze. “The repairs are finished and… well, I was hoping we could see each other to say goodbye. I mean,” he added quickly, his words speeding up with nerves, “it’s not like we won’t see each other again, of course we will! We’re friends now, right? Unless you think I’m really pathetic after what happened the other day and don’t want to be my friend, which would make a lot of sense, I’d avoid myself too if I were you… but I do hope you want to spend more time with me. Even though I’m not desperate, you know? I mean, I do have other friends. Really.” Kenny let out a soft laugh, cutting off Butters’ ramble. He stepped closer, close enough to notice that the blond smelled like the mild soap that now seemed to permeate the entire bathroom. “It’s okay, Butters. Stop,” he said warmly. “We are friends, and to be honest, I’ve already gotten used to your cooking and I’m going to miss it. If you need help moving furniture or anything to get settled in your apartment, I’ll be happy to help.” The change in Butters’ face was instant. His smile widened, lighting up his eyes in a way that made Kenny forget the early morning cold for a moment. Throughout the drive, as the sun began to rise over the horizon, that smile stayed etched in Kenny’s mind, replaying like a film on a loop. He could no longer lie to himself. It wasn’t the alcohol, the pity he felt for Butters, or the comfort of having a clean house. It was everything Butters was. He was in love with him, and he believed it was worth taking the risk and navigating the complications of the situation. When he arrived at the other branch, it turned out the so-called “technical catastrophe” was nothing more than a basic procedural error, something so trivial it took him less than an hour to fix. He spent more time filling out forms and venting his frustration over the phone with his supervisor than actually working. “You made me drive three hours for something any intern with half a brain could’ve fixed,” Kenny snapped, furious at the sheer incompetence. His supervisor, aware that a detailed report highlighting how trivial the issue was would expose his own lack of judgment, asked Kenny, almost as a personal favor, to keep quiet about how simple the problem had been. In exchange, he assured him the original deal still stood: the extra pay for special duty and the promised vacation days, with the added bonus that he could head back home immediately. Kenny didn’t complain anymore. In fact, he hung up with a spark of triumph in his eyes. The prospect of a free weekend, extra money in his pocket, and above all, the chance to spend those last two days with Butters before he moved out was far too tempting to pass up. On the drive back, Kenny put on some music and allowed himself to relax. His mind, however, kept circling around how to handle the situation. He knew he couldn’t just come out and confess. He had no interest in being a rebound romance, nor did he want to take advantage of Butters’ vulnerability now that his hopes with his brother had been shattered. There was no need to rush. He was determined to savor every remaining minute of their domestic life together, before friendship and, eventually, if it happened, something more. Kenny’s good mood gradually evaporated as minutes turned into hours on the asphalt. A massive accident several miles ahead had turned the highway into a linear parking lot, and by the time he finally made it into the building, Friday night was already far advanced. Noticing that the apartment lights were off, Kenny turned the key cautiously. He didn’t want to wake anyone; he just wanted to erase the accumulated exhaustion. He left his bags by the door and slipped into the bathroom, where the steam from the hot water finally loosened his muscles and cleared his mind of traffic-induced frustration. He was so tired that the idea of looking for clothes or getting dressed in the cramped bathroom felt like a monumental task. He simply wrapped a towel around his waist, groped his way toward his bedroom, and once inside, didn’t bother turning on the bedside lamp or looking for pajamas. He regretted that decision when he tripped over what felt like a glass bottle on the floor, but since he had no idea why a bottle would be there and didn’t care to find out, he just let the towel drop somewhere on the floor and slid between the sheets with a sigh of relief. However, when he tried to settle the blankets, something felt off. At one end of the bed, the sheets were bunched up into a strange shape, too heavy and too warm. “Kenny…?” a soft, slurred voice came from beneath the covers. “You’re back… earlier.” Kenny froze, his heart hammering against his ribs. Just inches away, Butters’ eyes opened, unfocused and shining. That was when Kenny noticed it: the strong smell of alcohol coming off the blond, a stark contrast to the clean soap scent clinging to himself after the shower. “Butters, what are you doing here?” Kenny whispered, unsure whether to bolt or cover himself. “Well… Kevin brought Kiara over again,” Butters babbled, shifting clumsily under the blanket. “And I wasn’t going to sleep uncomfortably on the couch again… no sir. Your bed is very comfortable. It was free… and warm, and it smells like you.” Kenny listened, stunned, as Butters kept talking about how soft the pillows were and how unfair the situation with Kevin was, until suddenly, silence fell. Butters blinked several times, his eyes finally focusing on Kenny. His gaze traveled from Kenny’s face down the rest of his body, realizing that Kenny wasn’t just there, but had climbed into bed without a single stitch of clothing on. Kenny hurriedly yanked the blanket up, covering himself to the chest in an awkward motion as his heart pounded. Butters stared at him, his eyes still glassy from the alcohol. “Why… why are you naked?” Butters asked in a thin voice. Suddenly, he let out a low, almost hysterical giggle and brought both hands to his eyes, rubbing them hard. “What are you laughing at?” Kenny asked, suddenly very aware of himself. “That I’m an idiot and pathetic,” Butters replied as if it were obvious. “Now I’m hallucinating. I’m so drunk that I’m imagining you naked in bed with me.” Butters began muttering insults at himself in a desperate whisper, his hands still covering his face. “How can I be like this? How can I go from being in love with Kevin to feeling like I’m in love with you?” he continued, the words tumbling over each other. “And I got drunk because Kevin brought Kiara over again, but I don’t even know if I’m sad about him anymore. I climbed into your bed to feel close to you because I missed you… and because I won’t be living with you anymore. And the worst part… the worst part is that I’m confessing all of this to a hallucination, because God knows I could never say this to the real you. I never told Kevin how I felt, and I’ve never told anyone I like them because I always chicken out. And I hope everyone knows how I feel, and when they don’t, I get angry and I’m… pathetic.” Kenny listened to every word, feeling the air grow heavy in his lungs. “Butters…” he said hoarsely, trying to keep his composure. “I think it’s better if I sleep on the couch tonight. Tomorrow, when you’re sober, we’ll talk about all of this.” Kenny started to get up, holding the sheet around his waist as he prepared to leave and look for some clothes, but he didn’t get the chance to take a step. Butters’ hand closed around his wrist. “Wait…” Butters said. “I don’t want to leave it for later.” Before Kenny could react, Butters lunged forward, closing the distance and capturing his lips in a desperate, clumsy kiss, heavy with all the feelings he had been holding back for weeks. The kiss was brief, but it left Kenny dizzy. “Stay with me,” Butters whispered, his voice barely audible. Kenny reconsidered. The idea of retreating to the cold couch after hearing that confession and feeling Butters’ touch suddenly seemed like the stupidest decision he could make. “Okay,” Kenny replied in a whisper. He got out of bed just long enough to fumble for a pair of pants in the dark. He pulled them on quickly and slipped back under the covers. The moment Kenny settled in, Butters didn’t waste a second. He moved closer, wrapping his arms around Kenny’s waist and burying his face in the hollow of his shoulder with absolute trust. Kenny went rigid at first, but little by little, he felt his muscles relax under the contact. Kenny thought he should be bothered by the strong smell of alcohol coming from Butters, but as he felt Butters’ warmth against him and the steady rhythm of his heart, he realized he didn’t care at all. The next morning didn’t arrive gently with sunlight, but with a strangled gasp that yanked Kenny out of deep sleep. Butters had bolted upright, staring at him with pure panic on his face. Kenny, still half asleep, knew from the look of horror on the blond’s face that he remembered everything. Every word, every confession, and above all, the kiss. “Oh my God! I’m sorry! I’m so sorry!” Butters nearly shouted, scrambling out of bed as if the sheets were on fire. He ran out of the room with Kenny right on his heels. In the living room, Kevin and Kiara were sitting at the table, eating cereal with the calm routine of any Saturday morning. Both looked up, frozen in shock at the sight of a Kenny who was supposed to be in another city and a Butters running as if the devil himself were after him. “Wait, Butters!” Kenny exclaimed, ignoring his brother’s confused stare. Butters rushed into Kevin’s room, trying to block the door, but Kenny was faster and slipped inside before he could lock it. Realizing he couldn’t kick Kenny out, Butters began throwing clothes into his suitcase in frantic, erratic motions. “What are you doing?” Kenny asked. “Regretting every single life decision I’ve ever made!” Butters replied without looking at him. “It was stupid to accept Kevin’s invitation. Please leave me alone, I need to think about why I’m such an idiot.” “Calm down, you’re not an idiot. Everything’s fine,” Kenny tried to reassure him, taking a step closer. “Don’t be nice!” Butters almost begged. “Where do you think you’re going?” “To a hotel. I’m staying at a hotel for these last few days until my apartment is ready. I can’t stay here another second.” Kenny took a long step forward and placed his hands over Butters’, stopping the frantic flow of clothes into the suitcase. The contact made Butters freeze. “Listen to me. I wasn’t planning on telling you this now because I know it’s sudden,” Kenny began, lowering his voice. “And I also feel like it might be a mistake because I know your heart was broken not long ago… but I’m not going to let you leave thinking you’re an idiot. Because if you are, then so am I. In fact, I fell in love with you too, Butters. Stupidly. And in just two weeks.” Butters slowly lifted his head, staring at him with a look that clearly said, what? The silence in the room was so heavy they could almost hear Kevin and Kiara whispering in confusion in the kitchen. “I like you, Butters. And I’d like to take you out on a date… if you think you’re ready for that. I want to see if we make sense together. If you want to try with me.” Butters stood perfectly still, his face burning with a blush that reached the roots of his hair. His eyes searched Kenny’s, looking for any hint of mockery, but found only the warmth that had followed him all week. At last, he let out a trembling breath and nodded slightly. “Yes…” Butters whispered, a small smile forming on his lips. “Yes. I’d really like to go on a date with you.” Their first official date happened that very afternoon and, against all expectations, it didn’t contain even a trace of the awkwardness they had both feared. They wandered downtown, shared a dessert, and lost themselves in conversations that seemed endless. At times, they caught themselves blushing at a brush of hands or a knowing look, feeling that warmth in their chests that made them melt with affection. Yet at the same time, there was an astonishing sense of ease between them. They felt comfortable, safe, like people who had known each other forever, not two who had only discovered one another a couple of weeks earlier. When the time for Butters’ move came, Kenny kept his promise. He helped Butters settle into his apartment, carrying boxes and arranging furniture. To Kenny’s surprise, Kevin and Kiara showed up to help as well, turning the day into a family event full of laughter and teasing. “From what Kevin told me, I’d say you two fell in love pretty fast, but who am I to judge?” Kiara commented with a mischievous smile, referring also to herself and Kevin’s relationship, as she helped Butters unpack some books. “Especially when you both look so happy.” “I am happy,” Butters replied, shooting Kenny a radiant look that made him feel like the luckiest man in the world. Spending time with Kevin and Kiara in such a relaxed setting allowed Kenny and Butters to move past their initial prejudices. They discovered that Kiara was, in fact, incredibly funny, intelligent, and possessed a sense of humor that matched Kevin’s energy perfectly. They finally understood why he had fallen so hard for her from the very first night. She wasn’t just another fling; she was someone who genuinely brought light into his life. It wasn’t until their tenth date, sitting on the same couch in Kenny’s apartment where everything had first fallen into place, that Kenny asked the question out loud. “So…” Kenny began, taking Butters’ hand in his. “Do you want this to be official? Do you want to be my boyfriend?” Butters didn’t hesitate. He leaned in with the same devotion he’d always shown, now strengthened by the certainty of being loved in return. “Yes. Nothing would make me happier.”