I don't own South Park - it's owned by the very talented Trey Parker and Matt Stone. I just wrote this yaoi story.

A few points:

- I presonally believe that even though Cartman says 'Kahl and Kenneh' he thinks in his head 'Kyle and Kenny' and have reflected this in the story.

- I was going to publish this in multiple chapters but thought you all might appreciate the whole story in one big dump. Feel free to copy into a text document to read as you like - as long as my name stays with it.

Lumbered

by Cell12

Preview

Eric Cartman groaned as he awoke - his head hurt just enough to remind him that he had been drinking the night before. He felt the warm body snuggled up to him move slightly and settle down. Kyle! He winced as he tried to remember the events of the night before.

---

Chapter 1

Eric's POV

My mom was going to be away all weekend so I had readily agreed to having Stan, Kenny and Kyle at my house for a sleep-over. Even their lame-ass company was better than being alone. Things had been as they usually were when you have a group of 15 year old friends, alone, without adult supervision. Video games, pizza, more video games and a horror film Stan had brought. Then, Kenny had gotten into the basement fridge and returned with a bottle of whiskey and 2 six-packs of beer. Stupid poor boy, all he seems to think about is girls, booze and big boobs - and don't try to say it's his hormones, he was exactly the same when he was 9!

It wasn't long before the movie was being ignored in favour of boastful talk and drinking challenges. Kyle would never drink as much as the rest of us, just enough to get 'mildly buzzed' as he calls it - and no amount of calling him a pussy or a chicken-shit will get him to change his mind. That was fine, it wasn't like I couldn't handle the booze. I easily matched Kenny shot for shot and soon he was bouncing around the room describing his latest conquest, a senior with amazing boobs - told you he was obsessed.

Soon I was feeling tired, "Screw you guys ahm going to bed," I stopped half way up the stairs and turned, "you know how to fold out the sofa don't you?"

Stan and Kyle were already taking off the cushions and moving the coffee table. "Don't worry Cartman we've got it covered," Stan replied. Kenny just waved merrily as he drained the dregs out of the last can.

"If you need any more blankets they're in the usual place," I looked pointedly from Stan and Kyle to where Kenny stood while I said this.

Stan, clueless as ever said, "We'll be OK with our sleeping bags," before stopping, seeing where my eyes were looking and saying, "Oh, right."

Kyle smiled at me and said, "I'll take care of things Eric."

I just nodded and continued up the stairs. Why had Kyle called me Eric? He hardly ever did that. Maybe he was being nice because I was considerate towards Kenny? Yeh, that must be it. Stupid Jew, as if I need his approval - I do what I want.

I soon stripped down to my boxers glancing in the mirror on my wardrobe as I passed it - I hadn't turned out too bad for the fat kid, not that I was obsessed or anything. Growth spurts, currently 6"2 and rising, had sucked off most of the fat and football had added muscle. I still had some bulk, though personally I preferred to describe myself as powerful-looking. These days only my friends could get away with calling me fatass.

Just as I had settled into a comfortable spot and started to drift to sleep I was jolted alert by my bedroom door opening.

It was Kyle, the light framed him from behind and I could see how skinny he was, as he stood there in his shorts, "Sorry Eric," he said.

I levered myself up to look at him, "Huh?"

Kyle continued, "Stan wanted to watch the rest of the vampire film. Can I sleep here with you?"

I looked at Kyle, he was blushing slightly, "You let Kenny have your sleeping bag didn't you?" Kyle looked down at the ground. I pulled the bed-covers back, "Get in Kahl," I said, sliding across to make room. Murmuring just loud enough for him to hear I said, "Stupid Jew you're too kind for your own good."

Kyle dropped the bundle of clothes ha was carrying and climbed into bed - giggling slightly he asked, "Are you drunk?"

"Maybe just a little," I replied.

"What would you do if I did this?" He asked as he leaned towards me and blew in my ear. I could feel his chest pressing against me making skin to skin contact.

"It feels weird," I wasn't sure whether I meant the ear thing or the skin contact.

He now had his arm draped around me, "Good weird or bad weird?"

"Just weird, weird," I turned to face him, "are you coming on to me Kahl?"

"And if I am," his right hand was snaking down my chest and stomach towards my boxers.

---

Chapter 2

Eric's POV

I can't believe what happened last night. I wasn't so drunk that I could call it a drunken mistake. I remember ever second of it - from Kyle's lame-ass flirting to the kissing, the groping and touching and finally the sex - I remember the sex. Do I regret anything? Hell no! Having sex with a guy doesn't mean your gay, it just means you were horny - all teenage boys are horny, right?

I tried to slide gently out of the bed, not wanting to wake Kyle and have to deal with awkward, morning after, conversations. Knowing Kyle, I figured he would never want to speak about this. Unfortunately my movements woke him up.

"Morning Eric," he sounded calm, he must be OK with what happened last night.

"Hey Kahl," I tried to keep my voice normal, "how's the hangover?"

Kyle lifted his head up from my shoulder and fixed me in place with his green eyes, "I don't have one," he smiled, "guess I must have burnt off the alcohol." He sniggered, "How about you?"

I winced and placed my free hand to my forehead - my other arm was pinned under Kyle, "Not so bad, I'll be fine once I've had breakfast."

Kyle stretched up and kissed me gently on the lips, I was too stunned to do anything. "Last night was the best Eric."

Oh crap he wanted to talk about it, "I'm sure you've had better Kahl."

"No, that was my first time," he pulled himself on top of me - his legs straddling my stomach, "I was saving myself for someone special."

"I'm not that spec..."

Kyle cut me off by dropping down onto me and kissing me. Not a delicate peck but a massive french kiss, his tongue was in my mouth and his hands were in my hair. The kiss seemed to last forever but was probably less than half a minute. When he broke off he kept his hands on my head, holding it in place, he locked eyes with me, "I can't believe we're together, I've liked you for ages."

Shit! Kyle liked me and - after last night - he thought we were boyfriends or something, "Kahl I..."

Again he interrupted, this time by jumping off me and out of bed. He grabbed my arm and pulled to get me to follow him. He was half-hard and I guess I was too - bad little Eric, bad. "Come on, we need to shower," he started leading me towards the door.

---

I'd showered with guys before, after gym class, but that was just about getting in and out as quick as possible and hoping you didn't humiliate yourself by popping a boner. Showering with a love-sick Kyle after a night of sex was a completely different experience.

For a start there was all the touching and stroking, his hands were everywhere but always seemed to gravitate down to my dick. I guess he felt like he was entitled to play with, not so, little Eric after giving me his cherry.

Then there was the kissing, he pressed against me kissing my chest - before snaking an arm around my neck lowering my head so he could kiss my mouth. The physical contact between us was electrifying - the sane part of my mind was screaming no, stop now before you get in way to deep - the rest of my mind was shouting hell yes, it's not like I had any female attention in my life.

The last girl I had hooked up with had used way too much teeth when trying to give me a blow-job. After telling her to stop, twice, I had pushed her off me rather violently and called her a useless whore. The bitch must have spread some shit about me around the school, because since then no girl would go anywhere near me. In comparison Kyle gave great blow-jobs - as I found out last night. I felt his slide down to his knees, I guess I was about to get another.

---

Chapter 3

Eric's POV

I rushed into the bedroom and started grabbing fresh clothes, Kyle followed me in, "What's the rush for?" He asked while grabbing his own clothes.

"I guess ahm hungry," I replied while tugging my shirt over my head.

"Sex does burn up calories," he grinned at me.

"So cute," I thought. Shit I'd said that out loud, maybe he didn't hear.

Kyle blushed slightly - he'd heard me, "So what's for breakfast?"

"I'll cook something special," I answered and bolted out of the door.

Why did I think Kyle was cute? Had he drugged me or used some Jew mind trick? I was grateful to get away from the highly sexed atmosphere and go downstairs. Stan and Kenny were just starting to move about in their sleeping bags.

Stan sat up - yawning and stretching his arms, "Morning Cartman."

Kenny was also awake and starting to move about. I wanted to get away before he got a chance to have a good look at me. I swear the poor boy can sense sex afterglow like a bloodhound.

I had to think of something to say, "The shower's free if you want it," lame, lame, lame, "I'll be in the kitchen making breakfast," even more lame.

I dived into the kitchen and took a few deep breaths. OK, so I had a sex-crazed Kyle on my hands - I could deal with that as long as my reputation remained intact. All I had to do was get Kyle alone, calm him down and ask him to keep things on the down-low. Hell, it might be fun to screw around with Kyle for a while - sex on tap, who's gonna say no to that? Now on to breakfast, shit, I'd promised Kyle something special. I opened up the fridge and looked in.

Being the modest person I am, I tend not to boast about my supreme culinary skills. I'm a fat kid who's mom leaves me home-alone a lot - of course I can cook. A quick glance at the contents and my eyes fell to the two bars of diabetic chocolate pushed at the back - my mom's idea to wean me off unhealthy foods - I could use those and the cream to make a chocolate sauce, throw in some fresh berry's and you have a perfect topping for pancakes. Obviously I make my pancake batter from scratch - none of that pre-made in a bottle crap.

The art of cooking actually helps me relax, not that I would chose it as a career - churning the same things out over and over, day after day - seems hellish to me, but I do like to create. I guess I'm an artist at heart. I tend to get into a rhythm and go into automatic mode when I cook - almost like meditating. I once spent the whole day baking while writing a piece of music in my head. Only Kenny has ever seen me in my cooking trance - he joked that only a lard-ass, like me, could be so Zen about filling my stomach. I told him to shut-the-fuck-up or he would never get another free meal at my house ever again.

When I finally snapped myself back to earth, I had two stacks of pancakes the chocolate sauce and maple syrup, for non-diabetics, all laid out on the table with plates and cutlery. Where were they? Shit, maybe Kyle was telling them about last night.

When I opened the kitchen door I could see Kyle sat on the sofa with Stan, Kenny was scrunched up in the armchair - one leg dangling over the side. They were talking and I could only dread to think what about.

As I watched, I saw Stan hug Kyle and say, "I'm so happy for you dude."

Kenny stretched himself - like a cat - and said, "Told ya it would be fine." It was Kenny who noticed me in the doorway, he winked at me and I blushed. They knew, god-damn-it, they knew.

I took a deep breath and tried to sound normal, "Breakfast is on the table guys," before diving back into the kitchen and claiming my usual seat.

They soon followed me into the kitchen, Kenny and Stan giggling like brain-dead cheerleaders and Kyle blushing cutely. No, wait, I didn't mean cutely I meant like a dork or something.

"Wow pancakes!" Stan exclaimed, "You made these?"

"From scratch, the mix shit's full of additives and crap." I just wanted to get through breakfast. Maybe Stan and Kenny wouldn't tell anyone, Kyle would have to face just as much crap - if not more - if anything got out. My tension eased a couple of notches. It wouldn't take much to persuade them to keep quiet for Kyle's sake.

Kyle was sat opposite me, "The chocolate sauce is for me, right?" When he spoke he looked at me with his big green eyes, I would swear he could see all the way to the back of my skull.

I had to shake my head before I could answer, "I made it myself with diabetic chocolate, but there's enough there for everyone who wants to to have a taste."

He smiled at me like I'd done something so special, "Thanks Eric," his words sent shivers down my spine. Shit, I must really be stressing over this.

---

Chapter 4

Eric's POV

I must have eaten something but for the life of me I don't remember it. All I do remember about the torturous meal was Kenny making a series of crude innuendos and then nearly choking with laughter at his own jokes. We returned to the living room and I prepared myself to find out how much they knew and what, exactly, was going on.

The silence was awkward and there was no way in hell I was gonna break it. I sat myself on the right side of the sofa - my spot - closest to the TV and most comfortable. Stan sat at the other end of the sofa and Kenny lounged in the chair - I swear to you, I have never seen the poor boy sit in that chair normally. Kyle hovered though, like he couldn't decide whether to sit in the middle of the sofa or somewhere else. His decision was made for him - however - when he tripped on my leg, partly spun round and landed on my lap. I instinctively clutched at him.

Kenny let out a loud chuckle, "Smooth move, Fatass," both Kyle and I blushed.

"Don't embarrass them Kenny," Stan came to our defence, "it's only natural that they'd want to be close now that they're finally together."

"Finally?" I managed to get out. Kyle had made himself comfortable on my lap and was wrapping his arms around my neck. His head was snuggled into my shoulder and he started running his fingers through my hair, the gentle caresses actually felt nice and made me relax. I could feel myself pulling Kyle closer to me, almost like I was hugging him. I gave an embarrassed, "Eep," and lifted my hands away - only then realising one of them had been firmly gripping Kyle's ass.

Stan smothered a grin, "Yeh we know Cartman, you've been in love with Kyle for years."

"Years?" I must have been transported into a parallel universe, because I can't believe what I've just heard.

After hearing that shocking revelation it was hard to focus on what Kenny was saying, "We kind-of figured that you might be gay, after what Patty said - about you not wanting her to give you a blow-job - and pretty much throwing her out of your house. But we didn't know you were into Kyle. You kept us in the dark for a long time," Kenny was sitting forward now, "It wasn't until Butters let slip about San Francisco that we were able to put things together." Butters opened his mouth - he swore he would never tell a soul - I should rip his nuts off and make him eat them.

Stan took over the explanation, "We finally realised - you've saved Kyle's life a whole bunch of times and always tried to keep it secret. At first we thought it was because you hated him but then we realised, if you really hated Kyle you would have rubbed his nose in your saving him - tormented him with the knowledge that he owed his life to you."

Kyle looked up at me - "You've been keeping secrets for a long time Eric - it's time to let go."

I could feel my heart pounding so hard, like it wanted to burst out of my chest. I wanted to shove Kyle away from me and bolt for the door - but I couldn't move, it felt like all the energy in my body was being used up by my brain and there was nothing left for my arms and legs.

"What about Kahl?" I felt like I needed to know everything - give myself a chance to think, "How long has Kahl liked me?"

Stan and Kenny looked at Kyle, it was his story to tell and I guess that they wanted to hear it from him too.

"I guess I'd been having gay thoughts for a while but it wasn't until about a year ago that I finally excepted it and put into words. I am gay. It's hard to imagine how painful it is saying those three little words, even in your own mind." Kyle smiled up at me and took my hand, "Once I fully excepted it myself I was ready to tell the people I trusted most - my family and my best friends. It turned out that they already suspected - Ike said he'd always known but he could have just been saying that to bug me - mom was in tears, she said life would be that much harder for me - dad told her, we've brought Kyle up to be strong, he said I was a son to be proud of."

His parents were OK with him being gay! My plan to keep things secret was being blow out the water.

Kyle paused and looked away from me - I needed to say something to get him to continue. I spoke quietly, "You told Stan and Kenneh but not me," I squeezed his hand slightly, "it's OK, I don't mind."

Kyle turned back to me, "I told Stan the same day - after I reassured him I wasn't into him - he was fine with it."

"And Kenneh?" I don't know why I wanted to know so badly - it was like a dreadful fascination.

"He kind of guessed a few weeks later and asked me."

Kenny chipped in, "I asked if he'd come-out yet?"

"And you didn't tell me because I was the fatass jerk who would have ripped on you and made sure everyone in school knew you were gay."

"That's what I thought then - before I knew you'd been protecting me and looking after me for years," Kyle had tears in his eyes. I had made him cry - but it didn't feel like any kind of victory.

"When Butters let slip about San Francisco it stunned me - it was hard to believe that Eric Cartman, my enemy, would care about me so much as to risk his own life to save me. So I did some checking - it's on record that you've saved my live more than a dozen times."

"Sixteen times," I muttered.

"It made me start thinking about all the fights we'd had," Kyle kissed my hand - gently, "I was just as much to blame as you - the names I called you were just as hurtful and everyone used them against you, not just me. I'm Sorry Eric."

I was feeling uncomfortable - hearing Kyle pour out his feelings like this was making me feel guilty - but I had to know the rest, "So when did you start having feelings for me?"

Kyle took a deep breath - obviously this was hard for him, "After I found out that you'd been protecting me, had saved me all those times, I couldn't think of anything else. I started having dreams," Kyle was blushing - his whole face red, "I was the damsel in distress and you were the hero who saved me."

I knew I had to say something, "I'm no prince charming - Kahl," not the best line in the world but it kept the conversation going and gave me more time to think.

"I know, I guess the dreams made me take a second look at you - I noticed that you would come into school early sometimes and you were always sneaking off during lunch."

"You spied on me?"

"I followed you to the music rooms during lunchtimes, you play the piano really well. I asked the music teacher about you - I had to act like I already knew - he said you were a good musician but your real skill lay in composition."

Stan chipped in, "Hey, I remember back in third grade - you wrote that Helen Keller musical thing we had to do."

I snorted at that, "That was pretty lame - I've got a little better since then."

"But you've never boasted to anyone about it - you boast about shit all the time," Kenny asked, "Why?"

It was my turn to blush, "All the stuff I boast about - football and shit - I don't give a crap about. So if anyone tells me I'm rubbish at football - I guess it doesn't matter," I left off the rest of the explanation.

Kyle finished it for me, "But your music matters to you."

I tried to speak but Kyle shushed me by placing his finger on my lips, "I realised that you were someone who deserved to be loved."

---

Chapter 5

Eric's POV

Kyle loves me! I knew he liked me, but love, love is like times a million. I've never felt loved, really loved, my whole life. I know my mom says she loves me but she's never been there for me - as a real parent would be. Most people only ever see her in 'super mommy' mode - where she's all polite and serving out food and crap. They don't know about the nights when I was left home alone as a young child so she could be out with men or scoring drugs. They don't know about all the nights when she's brought strangers into our home for sex. They don't know about all the times she's brought teachers, or even worse the parents of kids I know, home. Then there are the times she has overdosed on whatever crap she's sticking in her veins. The times when I have had to nurse her though the night and, of course, the nights she hasn't come home at all.

I realised no one was saying anything and everyone was looking at me - so I said the first thing that came into my head, "You love me," I didn't ask it as a question - I said it as a statement of fact.

Kyle looked deep into my eyes - his face was flushed with embarrassment but he ha a steely and determined gleam in his eyes, "Yes, I love you Eric."

It was hard for me to think, luckily I didn't have to.

Stan and Kenny both seemed to lean back in their seats in shock - Stan was the one who spoke, "Dude, you told him. You weren't supposed to say that yet in case you frighten him off."

Wait, what, it sounded like there had been some sort of plan and all three of them were in on it. Was Kyle just bull-shitting me?

"Shut up Stan," Kyle gave Stan an angry glare.

I was angry now I pushed Kyle off my lap - into the middle of the sofa - and stood up, "You're just messing with me! You don't give a shit about me! This is all some sick game you guys are playing," I barely noticed the tears running down Kyle's face, "Ha ha - make the fatass feel wanted, loved, for the first time in his pathetic life and then knock it all down. Don't worry, it's only Cartman - he doesn't have any feelings." Why did I care so much?

Kyle looked distraught, "It's not like that,"

"How is it then, Kyle, because I really want to know."

Kyle looked slightly guilty, "I really do like you but I wasn't one-hundred percent sure about how you feel because you're so good at covering things up. Kenny told me to seduce you and Stan came up with the idea of doing it at a sleep-over so that they could back me up if anything went wrong."

"So just the three of you were in on this, eh?" Maybe I could get out of this with a few hurt feelings but my rep. in tact.

"No," Kyle looked downwards, "Butters knows because he helped with finding out about all the times you'd saved me - it would have been mean to leave him out." He paused but I knew there was more, "The girls at school know."

I could barely stop myself from shouting, "How, why!"

"They know you're gay anyway, that's why they won't date you," Kenny said.

"Who told them I was gay?"

Kenny laughed, "It's kind of obvious when you turn down a blow-job from a hot chick."

Shit, there was no chance of me dating any girl in high school if they all thought I was gay. My life was already shot to pieces - I may as well hear the rest of it, "Does anyone else know?"

"Your mom, we needed her out of the house to arrange the sleep-over and," Kyle stopped. I looked at him and urged him to continue, "My parents know I like you - but they weren't in on the plan."

I was stunned - Kyle's mom hates me, "Your parents are OK with you wanting to date me?"

"Not at first, not until I told them about San Francisco and all the other times you've saved me. They said they were willing to give you a chance - if you were what I really wanted."

"A chance," I don't know why that line pissed me off so much - but it did.

Kyle reached his hand out towards me but I shoved it away, "Cartman, please."

"Don't call me that."

"It's your name," Kenny chipped in.

"You mentioned all the names we call each other Kahl but you forgot about Cartman - that is the worst of them all," Kyle, Stan and Kenny all looked at me - I didn't know why I was telling them this - perhaps it was a day to reveal all my dark secrets.

---

Chapter 6

Eric's POV

"Your mother was to blame for all the years of hate between us Kahl," I said that simple statement quite calmly and let it sink in.

"How?" Kyle asked looking puzzled.

I looked away, staring at a wall was easier than looking at my friends right now, "For the first few weeks of pre-school everyone called me Eric."

Stan answered, "So."

"I remember it quite clearly - Kahl's mom came to pick him up on the Friday afternoon and she saw him playing with me. I could hear her scolding Kahl as she dressed him in his coat and gloves. 'I don't want you playing with that Cartman boy - That Cartman boy's no good - He doesn't have a father - His mother makes her money from immoral acts - That Cartman boy's a bad seed'."

"When we came back after the weekend Kahl started calling me Cartman and he got everyone else to call me that as well. It made me feel like I didn't deserve a first name. Like I was nothing, worthless. I didn't understand why my friend would want to hurt me so much. When I complained to the teacher she just said it was my surname and there was nothing wrong with me being called that."

"After a few days of been called Cartman I was crying in the bathroom when Butters found me - he asked me what was wrong and when I told him, he promised to always call me Eric, no matter what."

"Kyle still hung out with you in pre-school," Stan tried to defend his friend.

"Yes but his opinion of me had changed - he pre-judged me as a bad person and made sure everyone else did the same. I created the I'm-an-asshole-and-I-don't-care attitude to cover up how much I was hurting and I guess it became part of me."

"All the mean things I did to you, Kahl, were to try and hurt you as much as you hurt me back in pre-school. Even then I couldn't bring myself to let you die."

"So you protected me and saved my life more than once," Kyle stood and closed the gap between us, "why - if you hated me so much?"

"I enjoyed fighting with you," my voice lowered to almost a whisper, "I couldn't bare the thought of you not been around to fight with."

Kyle placed his hand on my arm, "You're not real good at dealing with emotions, like caring and love, are you Eric?"

Maybe I did have feelings for Kyle, I just hadn't wanted to acknowledge them. I felt like I wanted to cry - but I don't cry from emotions, I'm Eric Theodore Cartman - I'm the biggest bad-ass in South Park. I don't care if people like me but I do demand respect.

---

Chapter 7

Eric's POV

"Things are getting pretty intense around here, I think me and Kenny should go - give you guys some space," that's just like Stan - surprisingly for a hippie do-gooder he hates talking about feelings almost as much as I do.

I just stood - planted to the spot as Stan and Kenny grabbed their coats and headed for the door. Kyle followed them and I heard Stan say something too low for me to make out. Kyle just smiled and said, "Don't worry - we'll be fine," as he closed the door.

I collapsed back onto the sofa, I had to think of something - anything to give me some breathing space. I didn't want to hurt Kyle, wait, why was I so bothered about whether I hurt Kyle or not? I should be thinking about me.

I hadn't even realised that Kyle had sat down next to me until I felt his hand on my shoulder, "Eric - are you alright?"

"I'm fine," I replied automatically - inside I was anything but fine.

"Tell me what you're thinking please Eric," Kyle sounded confused.

"I like you - but I don't know if I could cope with being in a relationship in public, especially a gay relationship."

Kyle looked bleak, "Eric I..."

"The thought of everyone in town watching every move we make, talking about us, commenting on us, judging us - that makes me feel so embarrassed, ashamed even. Is it so hard to believe that, when it comes to personal things, I'm quite shy."

"People don't have to know," even as he said it I don't think Kyle believed it himself.

I shook my head, "Too many people already know enough to work things out. For it to remain secret we would have to concoct so many lies that they would be blurring into each other. And I'm sorry Kahl but I'm not sure I'm comfortable with the whole gay thing. It's kewl that you're OK with who you are - but I'm not. I don't know if I'm ready to be labelled gay, god-damn-it, I've only ever dated girls."

Kyle turned me to look at him, "How did you feel about those girls?"

"I wanted to hold them and possess them, they were pretty and I knew they'd make me look good."

"That doesn't sound like love."

"I never said I loved them."

"How do you feel about me?" I could see Kyle holding his breath and waiting for the answer he hoped for.

"Most of the time, you annoy the hell out of me - but when you're not there I feel empty, like there's nothing worth bothering about." I paused gathering my thoughts, "I don't like guys, seriously, I don't. I've seen guys naked in the locker room and in porn movies, they don't do shit for me - but I find myself, instinctively, wanting to hold you and kiss you and it scares me that I could feel something like that."

"Sometimes you should go with your instincts," Kyle leaned in towards me and kissed me. It felt so good - I couldn't help but kiss him back.

After about a minute I broke off the kiss, "I think I could live with been labelled bisexual Kahl."

Kyle smiled at me and replied, "We'll go with that then," he pulled me on top of him and initiated another kiss.

---

Chapter 8

Six Weeks Later

Eric's POV

I rushed out of my last class of the day so I could meet Kyle at our lockers before I had to head to football practice.

Kyle, Stan and Kenny had made a herculean effort, phoning around and calling in favours, anything to give me and Kyle a bit of breathing space - just to try and make me feel more comfortable. I remember Kyle telling me that it would be different because I wouldn't be facing the barrage of questions and banter alone, I would have him with me.

I could deal with the hate, the homophobia, I had spent years returning insult for insult with people. What I found horrendous were the sly smiles and the aww how cutes - mainly from girls - why couldn't people mind their own business and leave us the hell alone. But Kyle was right, having him there helped - most of the time, anyways.

---

We were sitting at our lunch table on the first Friday since me and Kyle got together. It had been a few days and a lot of the interest in us had died down. Except for Kyle sitting next to me and occasionally placing his hand on my knee, things were pretty normal.

It was Stan who decided to bring up the topic of the football game being played that night. Stan, who lives and breathes the sport, was third string quarter-back and back-up in a couple of other positions as well. Whereas I, who couldn't care less, was starting running-back. What can I say, when I put my head down and charge anything in the way tends to bounce off.

"You'll be going there to support your boyfriend - won't you Kyle," Kenny had asked.

I had visibly flinched at being called Kyle's boyfriend and everyone had noticed.

Kenny had taken this as an invitation to torture me, "Would you prefer if I'd said significant other or life partner, Eric?"

"What about special friend - I like special friend," chipped in Butters in his cheerful voice. Not really understanding that Kenny was teasing me.

"You shouldn't flinch when people refer to you and Kyle as a couple Eric," Stan had said, "it could hurt Kyle's feelings."

"I know - I really do," the guys had made a big effort to call me Eric rather the Cartman since my outburst, "do you think I want to hurt Kahl?" I lowered my voice, "I can't help the way I feel."

"Eric," only Kyle had the ability to grab my attention so completely with his voice, "What do you want to do most in the world right now - this second?"

I'd answered truthfully, "Run away and hide."

Kyle's eyes had a mesmerising effect on me, "But you're still here."

"I can't leave you."

Kyle jumped up and climbed onto my lap. My face turned completely red as I frantically looked around the room hoping nobody had seen what he was doing. My heart was beating like a jack-hammer. He lowered his head to my ear and whispered, "The more you try to push me away, the more tightly I'll cling to you."

---

Strangely, the more I let down my guard around Kyle - the safer and more secure I felt. I still wasn't comfortable with saying out loud, I'm gay and I'm in love with Kyle Broflovski my boyfriend but I was getting there.

Kyle was waiting at the lockers when I got there, "Hey Kahl."

Kyle smiled, "Hey Eric," he said before pressing into me and giving me a hug.

I hugged him back. I had gotten used to the public displays of affection and although they still made me feel uneasy it wasn't so bad - most of the time.

"You're still coming to my house for dinner Eric," Kyle asked me for the twelfth time today.

I sighed, "Yes, I haven't been able to come us with a good excuse to get out of it." I was only partly teasing - I had been avoiding Kyle's parents ever since we started dating. In the end Kyle had resorted to emotional blackmail to get me to cave in.

I fumbled open my locker, shoved my book-bag inside and grabbed my gym bag. I turned as I slammed the locker closed and leaned down to kiss Kyle on the cheek, "I've got to go Kahl - coach makes us run laps if we're late."

Kyle hugged me again, "It won't be as bad as you imagine Eric," he said as I turned to leave.

---

Chapter 9

Eric's POV

To say I was dreading this evening would be a massive understatement. Kyle had spent quite some time acting as go-between, negotiating the terms of my visit.

They had opened with an insistence that I behaved respectfully and refrained from any anti-semitic remarks. I had countered with a demand for privacy over the more personal details of our relationship, no asking of what my intentions were towards Kyle and no quizzing me about my future prospects.

After I had strung things out for a couple of weeks, Kyle had finally realised that I was stalling and introduced his secret weapon into the negotiations. He knew I couldn't argue with him when he made himself look all helpless and vulnerable - with big doe eyes and a pouting lower lip - I wondered how long it would take for me to build up some sort of resistance to that. I had finally agreed to have dinner with Kyle's family on Wednesday. With it being a football practice day, I could use that as an excuse for getting out of there if I needed to - I could claim to be tired after a hard practice.

Being one of the younger members of the team, the older guys tended to look out for me. They were kewl about me and Kyle - one of them admitted to me that he was gay and he complemented me on my taste - I just found the whole thing incredibly embarrassing. There were a few jokes but nothing malicious.

Dalton, one of the older guys on the team always gave me and Stan a lift after practice. Stan usually wanted to talk through the plays or drone on about his latest date with Wendy but today he was keen to talk about a different subject.

"Are you looking forward to tonight Eric?"

"What's tonight?" Dalton asked curiously.

"Eric's going round to his boyfriend's house for dinner," Stan replied.

Dalton thought for a second, "Romantic?"

I was silently telling Stan to shut up but sadly he didn't get the message and continued, "No - first time meeting the parents."

"Shit," Dalton turned to look at me on the back seat for a second, "your boyfriend's mom is that bitch on the PTA - yes."

Stan answered for me, "That's her."

Dalton shook his head, "Shit!"

---

I had asked Kyle how I should dress for tonight and was told smart but not formal, so I opted for a nice red and grey panel shirt with stone cargo's. I threw my usual red jacket on over the top. Before I left I remembered to grab the cookies that I had baked last night.

The walk to Kyle's house wasn't that far - we'd been in and out of each others homes countless times over the years - but I had never dragged it out this much before. I shook myself, why was I so nervous, they were the ones who should be worried. If they didn't like me what could they do? Try to split us up? As if, they would have to move to the other end of the... My thought trailed off, moving to another state or even another country was the sort of extreme reaction that was characteristic of Shelia Broflovski.

I had got to their front door but my mind was in too much turmoil to knock, I think I was having a panic attack. Through the door I think heard Kyle say something about checking on something but I was too gone to really make out what. Just then the door swung open - it was Kyle. He looked so good standing there in a green shirt over some jeans.

"Eric," Kyle placed his hand on my shoulder - concern etched on his face, "you're freezing - how long have you been standing out there?"

I didn't answer, instead I just let him pull me inside. His parents were standing there, waiting to greet me. I trudged forward and handed over the cookies in the Tupperware box, "These are for your family," I mumbled, "I baked them myself - the green-iced ones are sugar free."

I felt Kyle reaching for my jacket, pulling it down by the shoulders. I hadn't even realised that I had unzipped it - I'm never usually this nervous. Most of the time I can bull-shit my way out of difficult situations.

"Eric, Kyle told me about what happened at pre-school. I never realised how badly what I said to him affected you," she looked genuinely guilty, "I was wrong to pre-judge you because of my opinions of your mother. I want you to know that I'm sorry."

For years I had wanted to hurt her - like she had hurt me but now I could see that she cared about her family so much. Yes she went over the top, yes she was a bitch but you have to be a bitch in this world to fight for the ones you love. Fight to give them an even break and a fair chance in life. If you don't fight you get walked over. I guess that my 'Cartman' attitude was my way of fighting back against the world. Kyle's big beautiful eyes were on me - pleading with me to build bridges with his mom, "Thank you Mrs Broflovski - I understand how hard that was for you."

I could see Kyle visibly sighing with relief - I smiled over at him, "Kahl you're looking nice, is that a new shirt?" My sudden change in subject had lifted the tension off the whole room, Kyle's dad smiled and Kyle blushed.

After a few awkward pleasantry's Kyle broke things up, "Mom how long till dinner?"

"About half-an-hour - why," she paused, "why don't you two get out of the way. I'll call you when it's time."

"Thanks mom," Kyle grabbed me by the arm and lead me upstairs to his bedroom. He pulled me inside and pushed the door closed, "You're acting weird."

"Ah guess I'm stressed. I wanted to make a good impression and I wanted your family to see I'm not just the ass-hole they see on the surface."

Kyle pulled me towards him for a kiss, "Try to relax - be the person I've seen for the last few weeks."

As I held Kyle in my arms all the tension and worry melted away, "How do you do that?" I asked.

"Do what?"

"Make everything seem better just by holding me."

Kyle lifted his head to look up at me, "Unconditional love."

"You know me Kahl," I wanted to say so much - but didn't know how, "I'm gonna make mistakes. I've never been like this before."

"Nobody is perfect Eric, we all have our doubts and insecurity's. Just say, honestly, what you feel - I want you to be open with me."

"I," the pause was not deliberate - I knew what I wanted to say. Why is it so hard for me to admit any sort of feelings? "Love you Kahl."

Kyle jumped at me and I half-fell backwards onto his bed. His mouth was on mine and I felt his hands gripping me like he never wanted to let go. I knew the world was still busy working all around us - but right now I feel like me and Kyle are the only two beings in the universe.