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melonnexus · 7 days ago

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Midnight Sparks

kenny mccormick x butters stotch

(❁´◡`❁) | [A/N] hii, this is my seventh oneshot that's apart of my ficmas! this is also on ao3. ❤️❄️🎄

(❁´◡`❁) | Warning(s) : slurs used by cartman & drinking

(❁´◡`❁) | Synopsis : Butters nervously kisses Kenny at the stroke of midnight, setting the stage for a sweet and flustered New Year’s confession.

The muffled sound of music and voices spilled through the door of Craig’s house, warm and lively against the snowy backdrop of South Park. Butters stood on the porch, shifting nervously from one foot to the other as his breath puffed out in shaky clouds.

He glanced at his phone for what felt like the hundredth time. 9:48 PM. Okay, Butters, you’ve got just over two hours before midnight. You can do this! Just walk in there and... and tell Kenny how you feel! It’s not like it’s—oh, gee—what if he laughs at me? What if everyone laughs at me? Oh, hamburgers...

The door suddenly flew open, jolting Butters out of his spiraling thoughts. A gust of warm air, mixed with the faint smell of beer and potato chips, hit him as Clyde stumbled out, laughing loudly.

“Dude, you’re just standing here?” Clyde slurred, squinting at him. “You trying to freeze your nuts off or what?”

“Oh! Uh—no, no, I was just, um, gettin’ ready to come inside!” Butters stammered, his cheeks burning as he hurried past Clyde and into the house.

The living room was a chaotic blur of faces and noise. Stan and Kyle were arguing near the speakers, something about who got to control the playlist. Cartman lounged on the couch with a plate of chips balanced precariously on his stomach, shouting something at Jimmy about “real comedy.” Wendy and Heidi stood by the snack table, talking quietly while Bebe, Nichole, and Red laughed over whatever gossip was being shared. Craig and Tweek were off in their usual corner, with Tweek gesturing wildly about something as Craig nodded with his usual deadpan expression.

And then there was Kenny.

He was leaning against the kitchen counter, holding a beer in one hand, his orange hoodie slightly unzipped to reveal a worn band tee underneath. His messy blonde hair caught the glow of the string lights someone had half-heartedly draped around the room, and his sharp blue eyes had a lazy, amused gleam.

“Oh, gee...” Butters muttered under his breath, gripping the edges of his coat as if it might keep him grounded.

Before he could think about backing out, Kenny’s gaze flicked toward him. His grin widened immediately, and he lifted his beer in a mock toast.

“Butters!” Kenny called out, his voice cutting over the noise. “Finally! I thought maybe you’d chickened out and stayed home like the good little choir boy you are.”

Butters froze, his face heating up as several heads turned toward him. “W-Well, no, I—I was just, um, takin’ my time, is all!”

Kenny snickered, taking a slow sip of his beer as he looked him over. “Right. Probably had to say a prayer or two before showing up to this den of sin, huh?”

“Oh, no! I—uh, I don’t think it’s a den of sin at all!” Butters stammered, his hands twisting nervously. “It’s real nice in here! Lots of snacks and... and...”

“Dude, relax,” Kenny said, waving him over with his free hand. “I’m just fuckin’ with you. Get your ass over here.”

Butters shuffled toward him, his heart pounding in his chest. Kenny leaned against the counter, grinning in that way that always left Butters feeling like he was two steps behind.

“You want a drink?” Kenny asked, tilting his head toward the collection of bottles and cans on the counter. “We’ve got beer, wine coolers, probably some random-ass whiskey Clyde smuggled in. You want one of those fruity shits? Tastes like melted candy. You’d like that, babe, right?”

“Oh! N-No, thank you! I don’t think I should be drinkin’—what with the laws and all,” Butters replied quickly, his voice cracking slightly.

Kenny let out a sharp laugh, shaking his head. “Laws? Christ, you’re adorable. Alright, suit yourself, choir boy. You do you.”

As Butters fidgeted nervously, Heidi leaned over to grab a drink from the counter. Kenny flashed her a quick grin. “Hey, babe. You finding everything alright?”

Heidi rolled her eyes but smiled. “I’m good, Kenny. Thanks for asking.”

Kenny winked at her before turning back to Butters. “See? Everybody’s happy. Except you. What’s up with that, babe? You’re acting like you just got sentenced to death row or some shit.”

“Oh, n-nothin’! Nothin’ at all! Just, uh, real excited for the party! Yep, I just love New Year’s parties!” Butters said quickly, his hands waving in an awkward attempt to sell the lie.

Kenny raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it, but he didn’t push. Instead, he leaned back and took another sip of his beer, the amusement in his eyes softening slightly. “Alright, if you say so. But you better loosen up before midnight, dude. It’s New Year’s. Live a little.”

Butters swallowed hard, his gaze darting toward the clock on the wall. 10:02 PM. Midnight was coming fast, and he still hadn’t figured out what the hell he was going to do.

I’ve got less than two hours. Oh, gosh. Oh, boy. I’m gonna screw this up, ain’t I?

The party was in full swing now, the once-casual chatter evolving into a steady hum of chaos. Someone—probably Clyde—had cranked the music louder, and the sound of poorly harmonized singing echoed from the corner where Wendy, Bebe, and Heidi were shouting lyrics into a crackling karaoke mic. Cartman was sprawled out on the couch, eating chips straight from the bag while yelling at Jimmy about what real comedy looked like.

Butters hovered awkwardly near the edge of the living room, clutching a plastic cup filled with soda he hadn’t touched. He kept his gaze darting toward the kitchen, where Kenny was leaning casually against the counter, laughing at something Red had just said.

Red twirled a strand of her hair around her finger, leaning slightly toward Kenny with a conspiratorial grin. “I’m just saying,” she said loudly over the music, “Clyde definitely pukes before midnight. It’s, like, his New Year’s tradition.”

Stan snorted, taking a sip of his drink. “Yeah, and then he swears he’s fine and spends the rest of the night stumbling into furniture.”

“Or falling down the stairs,” Kenny added with a smirk. “Dude’s a fucking liability after three drinks.”

The three of them laughed, Kenny’s sharp blue eyes crinkling at the corners. He tilted his head back slightly as he took a sip from his beer, his hair catching the glow of the string lights draped around the room.

Butters swallowed hard, his stomach flipping. Kenny always seemed so at ease, like he belonged wherever he went. His messy charm and easy smile felt effortless, and it only made Butters feel more awkward. How am I supposed to tell him anything when he’s... just like that? What if I ruin everything?

“Butters, what the hell are you doing over here?” Cartman’s loud, nasally voice snapped him out of his spiraling thoughts.

“Oh! Uh, n-nothin’!” Butters stammered, clutching his cup tighter.

Cartman squinted at him, crumbs falling from his mouth as he gestured with the chip bag. “You look like you’re about to shit yourself. What, did your parents ground you for thinking impure thoughts again?”

Butters’ face turned scarlet. “N-No! I’m fine, really! Just havin’ a good time at the party!”

“Sure, you are,” Cartman said with a smirk. He shoved another handful of chips into his mouth before waving him off. “Whatever. Just try not to have a breakdown before midnight, dude. It’s embarrassing.”

Butters let out a shaky breath as Cartman waddled back to the couch, his attention already shifting to yelling at Kyle about something.

Butters shuffled toward the kitchen, his heart pounding louder with every step. Kenny noticed him immediately, his face lighting up with that signature grin that always made Butters’ knees feel wobbly.

“There you are, babe,” Kenny said, leaning against the counter. “Thought you might’ve bailed on me.”

“Oh, n-no! I was just, uh, minglin’!” Butters said, his voice cracking slightly.

Kenny chuckled, setting his beer down as he straightened up. He reached out and ruffled Butters’ hair, his touch light but enough to send a shockwave of nerves through Butters’ whole body. “Relax, dude. You’re twitching like Tweek on espresso. What’s got you so worked up?”

“Nothin’! I’m fine! Totally fine!” Butters squeaked, tugging at the hem of his coat nervously.

Kenny stepped closer, his grin turning sly. “You sure about that, babe? You look like you’re about two seconds from combusting. You hiding something?”

Butters’ heart was practically in his throat. Kenny was right there, close enough that Butters could smell the faint hint of whatever cheap cologne Kenny had thrown on. His blue eyes were sharp and full of amusement, his grin just the slightest bit crooked.

“I’m not hidin’ anything!” Butters yelped, his voice cracking again. “I-I’m just tryin’ to have a nice time, that’s all!”

Before Kenny could press further, Stan interrupted. “Hey, Kenny, you’re up for karaoke!”

Kenny groaned, rolling his eyes. “Aw, come on, dude, I’m not drunk enough for that shit!”

“You totally are,” Stan replied, smirking as he grabbed a fresh beer from the counter.

“You’re full of shit,” Kenny shot back, but he grabbed his beer anyway, finishing it in a single long swig before flashing Butters a quick grin. “Don’t go running off, babe. I’m keeping an eye on you.”

Butters stood frozen as Kenny sauntered into the living room, greeted by a round of cheers from the group. Clyde handed him the mic with a theatrical bow, and Kenny wasted no time launching into a hilariously off-key rendition of some 80s power ballad.

The room erupted with laughter as Kenny threw his arm around Clyde for an impromptu duet, hamming it up with exaggerated gestures. Butters couldn’t help smiling a little, his chest feeling both tight and strangely warm as he watched Kenny soak in the spotlight.

He’s so... just so him. What if he doesn’t feel the same? What if I mess this up?

The laughter in the room faded as Butters’ nerves started taking over again. He glanced at the clock on the wall. 11:17 PM.

The living room buzzed with energy as the countdown drew closer. The group had packed themselves into the space, the air filled with laughter, clinking drinks, and shouts over the TV. The New Year’s Eve broadcast ticked closer to midnight, the clock on the screen flashing just under one minute to go.

Clyde and Bebe were sprawled on the couch, Clyde’s arm draped lazily over Bebe’s shoulders as she laughed at one of his slurred jokes. Wendy and Stan were nestled together under a shared blanket on the floor, Stan leaning over to whisper something into Wendy’s ear that earned him a playful swat.

Cartman stood front and center, gripping a bottle of sparkling cider like it was a trophy. “This—this right here—is the most important part of the night!” he bellowed, wobbling slightly on his feet. “And none of you poor, dumb bastards better screw it up for me.”

“You’re just gonna open the bottle, Cartman,” Kyle said, pinching the bridge of his nose. “It’s not exactly rocket science.”

“You shut the hell up, Kyle!” Cartman snapped, fumbling with the bottle cap. “You wouldn’t know anything about tradition, Moses Boy !”

Nearby, Tolkien and Nichole were seated together in an armchair, Tolkien’s arm resting comfortably around her shoulders as they watched the chaos with amused smiles. At the snack table, Heidi and Red were chatting between bites of chips, laughing at something they’d spotted in one of their selfies.

On the loveseat, Tweek was muttering nervously about “loose streamers being a choking hazard” while Craig gave him a calming pat on the knee, muttering something back that seemed to help.

Butters hovered nervously by the couch, clutching his cup of soda so tightly it was a wonder it hadn’t cracked. His gaze kept darting toward Kenny, who was leaning casually against the wall by himself, his beer dangling loosely in one hand.

Butters’ stomach churned as Kenny’s gaze flicked toward him. His smirk widened as he pushed off the wall and made his way over, his movements easy and unhurried.

“Hey, Butters,” Kenny said, stopping just close enough to make Butters’ breath hitch. “You still look like you’re waiting for the executioner. What’s up with that?”

“Oh! N-Nothin’! I’m fine!” Butters squeaked, his voice cracking.

Kenny tilted his head, his grin turning a little sharper. “Uh-huh. You’ve been twitchier than Tweek all night. You sure you’re not hiding something?”

“I-I’m just, um, excited for the countdown!” Butters stammered, tugging at the hem of his coat as his cheeks burned.

“Excited, huh?” Kenny took a sip of his beer, his sharp blue eyes glinting with amusement. “Better figure out who you’re kissing at midnight, man. Don’t wanna miss out on tradition.”

Butters’ heart practically stopped. “O-Oh, g-gosh, I—I don’t—”

“Relax, dude, I’m just messing with you,” Kenny said, laughing softly as he gave Butters’ hair a quick, playful ruffle. “But seriously, it’s almost time. Don’t freeze up on me.”

The countdown on the screen hit the 30-second mark, and the group shifted closer to the TV, their voices rising with excitement.

Couples began pairing off: Clyde leaned down to kiss Bebe, earning a round of applause when she giggled and kissed him back. Nichole turned to Tolkien with a smile before they shared a quiet, sweet kiss. Stan leaned in under the blanket to kiss Wendy, who tugged him closer with a playful grin. Craig pressed a kiss to Tweek’s forehead, murmuring something that finally made Tweek smile.

Butters barely noticed any of it. His heart pounded so loudly he could hardly hear anything else. Kenny was still standing right there, looking completely calm as he finished the last of his beer.

“Ten!”

Kenny glanced down at him, raising an eyebrow. “You good there, man?”

“Nine!”

Butters’ hands were shaking, his breath coming in short, uneven bursts.

“Eight!”

What if he doesn’t feel the same? What if he laughs at me?

“Seven!”

Kenny’s smirk softened slightly, his sharp eyes flicking toward the screen and back to Butters.

“Six!”

But... what if he does?

“Five!”

Butters took a shaky breath, his stomach twisting painfully.

“Four!”

It’s now or never.

“Three!”

Before he could lose his nerve, Butters surged forward, grabbing Kenny’s hoodie and standing on his tiptoes as he pressed his lips to Kenny’s.

“Two! One!”

The room erupted in cheers, the New Year officially arriving, but Butters barely heard it.

Kenny froze for a moment, clearly caught off guard. Then, slowly, his hands came up to rest on Butters’ shoulders, and he kissed back. The kiss was soft, warm, and steady, with just enough of Kenny’s sharp edge to make Butters’ heart race even more.

When they finally broke apart, Butters’ face was burning, his breath coming in short, nervous bursts. Kenny blinked at him, his smirk quirking back into place, though his eyes were still softer than usual.

The room was still buzzing with noise after the countdown. Streamers littered the floor, and drunken laughter rang out as couples lingered in their post-midnight kisses. Clyde, still holding Bebe, pumped his fist in the air. “Hell yeah! Best New Year’s ever!”

Butters, meanwhile, felt like he was standing in the middle of a spotlight. His face was burning as he risked a glance at Kenny, who looked just as effortlessly relaxed as ever, his usual smirk tugging at his lips.

Before Butters could say anything—or flee—Cartman’s voice cut through the noise like nails on a chalkboard.

“Wait. Wait a goddamn second!” Cartman bellowed, pointing a greasy chip-stained finger at Butters and Kenny. “Did I just see Butters make out with Kenny ?!”

The room fell into stunned silence for a beat before erupting into laughter and disbelief.

“No way!” Clyde hollered, nearly spilling his drink.

“Did that actually happen?” Red asked, her eyes wide as she glanced between them.

“Yeah, I think it happened,” Tolkien said, smirking. “New Year’s starting off wild.”

Cartman doubled over, wheezing with laughter. “Oh my god! Butters, I didn’t know you swung that way! This is fucking gold! I mean, Kenny, sure—he’ll stick his tongue down anything’s throat—but you ? What is this, some faggy rom-com?”

Butters’ face turned an impossible shade of red as he waved his hands frantically. “I-I, um—it’s not—I wasn’t tryin’ to—oh, hamburgers!”

“Dude,” Cartman continued, gasping for air, “is this, like, your big gay awakening or some shit? Are you gonna go full rainbow now? Parade floats and glitter everywhere?!”

“Shut up, Cartman,” Kyle groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. “You’re literally the worst.”

Craig, who was sitting quietly on the loveseat with Tweek, finally chimed in, his tone flat and utterly deadpan. “Cartman, shut up. You’re just mad Butters is getting railed before you are.”

The room went completely silent for half a second before erupting into chaotic laughter.

“WHAT THE FUCK, CRAIG?!” Cartman screeched, his face beet red as Tweek nearly choked beside him, his hands flying to cover his mouth in shock.

Craig shrugged, casually sipping from his cup. “I mean, am I wrong?”

“YES, YOU’RE WRONG, YOU FUCKING PSYCHO!” Cartman barked, flailing his arms as his voice cracked.

Craig didn’t even blink, his expression calm. “You’re putting off a lot of virgin energy right now. Just saying.”

Kenny burst into laughter, shaking his head as he slung an arm around Butters’ shoulders, making him jump slightly. “Alright, alright, assholes, that’s enough,” Kenny said lazily. “I’m gonna steal this guy for a minute. Don’t miss me too much.”

Butters barely had time to process what was happening before Kenny guided him out of the living room and onto the porch. The cold night air hit them like a slap, the snowy streets of South Park quiet save for the distant sound of fireworks and the muffled chaos still coming from inside the house.

Kenny let go of Butters’ shoulders and leaned casually against the porch railing, taking a deep breath of the icy air. “Man, Cartman’s never gonna shut up about that,” he said, chuckling. “That guy’s a walking pile of garbage.”

Butters shuffled nervously, fidgeting with the hem of his coat. “I-I didn’t mean to cause such a scene... I just—oh, gee, I don’t know what I was thinkin’!”

Kenny turned to him, his sharp blue eyes softening as a smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. “Hey,” he said, his voice more relaxed, “don’t sweat it. Honestly? I thought it was kinda cute.”

Butters blinked up at him, his cheeks still pink. “Y-You did?”

“Yeah, dude,” Kenny said with a shrug. “And it’s not like you could’ve ruined my night or anything. You’ve always been... I dunno, stupidly nice to me. Like, way nicer than I probably deserve.”

Butters tilted his head, clearly confused. “W-What do you mean by that?”

Kenny leaned back slightly, running a hand through his messy blonde hair as he let out a dry laugh. “I mean, c’mon. Most people just see me as, like, the town’s broke-ass cockroach, right? The guy who’ll say or do whatever just for shits and giggles. But you? You’ve always treated me like... a person, I guess. Like I’m worth something. It’s weird.”

“But—Kenny, of course you’re worth somethin’!” Butters said earnestly, his voice cracking a little. “I never thought otherwise!”

“Yeah, I know,” Kenny said, shaking his head with a soft chuckle. “That’s my point. You’re just... you. Sweet as hell, always giving people the benefit of the doubt, even when they’re assholes. And trust me, I’m a certified asshole.”

Butters’ breath hitched as his heart thudded in his chest. “You’re not an asshole to me...”

Kenny raised an eyebrow, his grin sharpening slightly. “Dude, I’ve literally stolen fries off your plate and laughed about it.”

“Well, I didn’t mind!” Butters squeaked, his face turning crimson. “I-I thought it was kinda funny!”

Kenny laughed, the sound low and warm as he reached out to tilt Butters’ chin up, forcing their eyes to meet. “See what I mean? You’re ridiculously nice. It’s why I’ve kinda had a thing for you for a while. I just didn’t know if you’d ever notice.”

Butters’ eyes widened, his mouth opening and closing like a fish. “Y-You’ve had a thing for me?! Oh, gosh, I—I didn’t know what to think! I thought you were too cool for someone like me!”

“Cool?” Kenny snorted, rolling his eyes. “Dude, I spent most of tonight shotgunning beers and trying not to trip over Cartman’s fat ass. I’m not exactly winning any awards over here.”

“But... you’re always so confident...” Butters mumbled, glancing down at his shoes.

Kenny shrugged again, his grin softening. “Confidence is easy. You just fake it until it feels real. But you? You don’t fake anything, and that’s what I like about you.”

Butters’ breath caught, his face burning even hotter. “I-I don’t know what to say...”

“You don’t have to say anything,” Kenny said, his voice quieter now. He stepped closer, his sharp eyes holding Butters’ gaze. “Just... let me do this.”

Kenny leaned in slowly, giving Butters a moment to pull away if he wanted to. Butters didn’t move—he barely even breathed—as Kenny closed the distance, their lips meeting in a soft, deliberate kiss.

The cold air melted away as warmth spread through Butters’ chest, the kiss sending sparks up his spine. It wasn’t rushed or impulsive like the first one—it was steady, full of quiet affection and unspoken promises.

When they finally pulled apart, Kenny rested his forehead against Butters’, a crooked grin tugging at his lips. “Not bad, huh?”

Butters let out a nervous laugh, his cheeks still pink. “N-Not bad at all...”

Kenny straightened up, brushing a light dusting of snow off his hoodie. “C’mon, let’s head back inside before Cartman starts spreading some weird-ass conspiracy theories about us.”

Butters nodded, a shy smile breaking across his face as he followed Kenny back inside. The warmth of the house hit them immediately, and though the teasing stares and grins of their friends waited for them, Butters felt a little less nervous with Kenny walking by his side.

For once, he wasn’t worried about the spotlight.

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