Cartman was just lying down to go to sleep for the night when he felt a pleasurable chill surge through his body. He rarely felt these but he knew it meant something big happened; something he could possibly exploit. A grin crept slowly across his lips as he thought of having something new to look into after he executed his plan tomorrow. He giggled wickedly. "First, I'll deal with you, Tyson."

-----

As much as it surprised him, Kyle felt totally rejuvenated when he awoke the next morning. Possibly because he wasn't hiding from the truth anymore. All the fighting he'd done previously had been wearing him down. Now, he didn't have to struggle anymore. He loved Stan. After using all of last night to accept this fact, he could now move in a new direction. How was an entirely different matter, but Kyle rarely was one to back down from new experiences, especially ones as important as this. "How will I show Stan how much he means to me?" Kyle thought this as his chest fluttered nervously. At first Kyle thought that admitting he loved Stan was a false alarm, just his mind shooting off randomly and taking his feelings to the extreme, but after contemplating it, he knew it was true.

"Well Kyle, you're looking good this morning." Kyle's mom stated from the kitchen weakly. Kyle wished she had as much energy as he did. He was always shocked at how quickly she could read him. He grinned at her worriedly.

"Are you doing okay, Mom?"

"Oh I'm fine bubbi, just had a little difficulty sleeping last night."

Kyle brightened at this. He knew she was strong. After having breakfast he waved goodbye to her. Upon reaching the bus stop he saw Kenny and Cartman, conversing wearily. Kenny winked at Kyle. Kyle's good humor was put on hold as he stood next to Kenny, asking forcefully: "What are you two talking about?" Giving Kenny a face that challenged him to be stupid enough to tell Cartman what Kyle had done the day before.

"Oh not much, just this and that." Kenny sounded as if he knew nothing about why Kyle had such an attitude. It really got on Kyle's nerves at times. It seemed like Kenny loved holding information and embarrassing secrets over other people, especially his friends.

"What's going on, Jew?" Cartman sounded a tad too interested for Kyle's comfort.

"I was just enjoying my day until your pig-face got in the way." Kyle didn't hesitate in taking the first shot in case things got ugly. He held his breath in anticipation of what Cartman's response would be, waiting to see what Kenny had told him.

"Fuck you." Cartman spat, putting his hands in his pockets. Cartman didn't add his usual venom to this remark, showing Kyle it didn't irritate him that much.

"Damn you Kenny, you told him, didn't you?"

There was only one person that could liven Kyle's spirits, and that person was Stan. But where was he? Kyle took a look around at the bus stop. He wasn't there. "Oh please don't tell me he isn't coming today..." Kyle couldn't remember the last time he'd been this excited to see him, and to have him not show up then would be such a cruel twist of fate. Kyle just wanted to bask in his glory for a while, and let him know that school wasn't going to get in the way of their friendship any longer. Kyle felt so stupid for acting the way he had over the last several weeks, shunning Stan, and being ashamed to be around him. Sure, Kyle was nervous, but in a good way. He didn't know what would happen, but it was bound to be good. This was Stan after all, the one who had cared so much for him ever since they were friends.

Kyle felt a wave of disappointment hit him when the bus door closed. "He's not coming." Kyle thought dejectedly.

As soon as the bus started to move he heard a shout. The bus jerked to a halt and a few moments later the door opened. Stan walked on, panting slightly. Kyle beamed at him naturally, eagerly yearning for Stan to sit down next to him. Stan's eyes locked with his briefly. Stan flashed him a brief smile, then his face quickly switched to a look of worry as he glanced around the area around him and then took a seat near the front of the bus. Kyle slowly leaned back into his seat, his eyes wide with shock. "Why..."

His thought was interrupted by Cartman's snickering. He looked at Kyle with a happy, cruel gleam in his eyes. Kyle turned to him, not changing the expression on his face.

"Well isn't that unexpected?? I wonder why Stan would do such a thing..."

Kyle stared in front of him again. As much as Kyle hated Cartman for being so happy about this, he couldn't respond...he was thinking the exact same thing. He noticed that Cartman hadn't taken his gaze off of him out of the corner of his eye. Without looking, Kyle said: "Ergh...what, Cartman?!"

Cartman only snickered energetically again, slapping his leg enthusiastically with his left hand.

Kyle recalled Cartman and Kenny talking before they got on the bus. He reasoned that his glee was due to him getting caught peeping in the girl's locker room. "Hmmm...maybe he thinks Stan is ashamed of sitting next to me because of what I did. At least the joke's on that insensitive fat-ass this time." Kyle smiled a little, but still couldn't stop the nagging feeling in his stomach. Why did Stan not sit with him??

-----

When they arrived at the school, Stan scrambled off of the bus. Kyle hated the thought that Stan was trying to get away from him. He hadn't said he loved Stan to his face...did he somehow know? That was impossible...

"Have a good day, Kyle." Cartman sneered as he passed him on the bus.

"What the fuck is going on?" This was supposed to be the start of a new day; a new Kyle. Yet Stan was acting so strange.

"Do you know what's up with Stan?" Kenny walked up next to Kyle as they neared the entrance of the school.

"I...I really don't."

"Nothing happened with you two last night?"

"What?? No, nothing! Everything was fine after last night. He even accepted my stupid mistake yesterday and laughed about it."

Kenny smiled. "Hmmm...I'll see if I can talk to him."

Kyle was skeptical about Kenny getting information out of Stan. He appreciated the offer, but in a way he hoped Stan wouldn't say anything to him. That would mean Stan trusted Kenny more than he trusted him.

"I'll be able to get something out of him in chemistry." Kyle thought with conviction.

Then he arrived in the classroom. Stan was seated in the back corner with occupied neighboring seats. "Stan?! Damnit!" He walked over to his desk and asked, doing his best to mask his anger: "Stan, is something wrong?"

"H-hey, Kyle. Sorry I can't talk right now. I have a bunch of studying to do." He said frantically, shoving his hand into his back-pack to grab his book.

"Dude, you loath studying." Kyle responded with his arms crossed in front of his chest, tapping his foot in an attempt to release the anger swelling inside of him.

"And now I'm paying for it." Stan chuckled nervously. "I'm just going to need some time." With that, he shoved his nose into his book as if his asthma medication were in there.

On the way back to his desk, Kyle uttered a small growl. As he sat down next to Kenny, Kenny asked, "What did he say?"

"That he needs time to study? I don't know exactly! Something is not right."

Kenny glanced over at Stan. "He sure looks like he's studying. Just let me talk to him after school when I have some free time."

Kyle relented. "Alright. Just...don't mention me. Maybe he's hiding something. No matter what, you'll tell me what he says, right?"

"Hey, take it easy! You'll know what you need to know, okay?" Kenny responded, chuckling.

"Damn it..."

At lunch Kyle couldn't find Stan, and during their last class Stan sat in his usual spot, but acted like Kyle wasn't even there. He paid what could be considered devout attention to the teacher and her lesson. Kyle wondered if he was actually interested in the lesson or, more likely, he was ignoring him. The lesson was on alcohol and drugs, and while it was a lot more informative than what they'd been taught in grade school, it sure didn't warrant such interest.

Kyle could only sit there, going through cycles of anger and fear.

"What is his problem?! Is he really that concerned about school all of a sudden? Why doesn't he ask for my help? Maybe...does he know how I feel? He's been my best friend for so long...what if he somehow knew before I did?"

Kyle gave Kenny a hopeless look. Kenny gave him a thumbs-up, and mouthed that everything will be alright.

After school got out, Kyle saw Cartman walking towards the exit of the school to ride the bus home. He had a triumphant grin on his face. "What has that bastard been up to now?"

"What?" Kenny walked up behind Kyle.

"Hey, why did you tell Cartman about what I did yesterday??" Kyle whirled around and gave Kenny a stern look.

"Wha? Dude, I didn't tell him. If he knows, it's because someone else told him. Remember, a lot of people know what you did."

"Ughhh...right. Sorry, I just wish I'd never done that. I don't know what he's got planned but it's bound to be painful."

"Come on, the best he can do is call you 'pathetic' or something. You've already received your punishment."

"I wish I could believe that. I'll see you later, Kenny. Time to do some running again." As they waved goodbye to each other, Kyle thought how the only reason he enjoyed track was the time he got to spend with Stan, and both of them striving to be better. "Maybe he'll talk to me if it's related to track. He always seems excited about it." Kyle really needed Stan to at least acknowledge him. It felt like he'd fallen into another dimension, and he desperately wanted out.

-----

Cartman's heart was thumping with excitement during lunch. So often he'd forgotten about those damn seniors from the first day of school, and how they deserved to be punished. If he didn't have a job he would have taken action much sooner, but after much observation he found his golden opportunity. He saw one of them in a lunch line, arguing with an attractive girl, who Cartman could only assume was his girlfriend. Cartman got close enough to hear snippets of the conversation:

"Tyson I mean it, back off. You've gotten way to grabby for your own good, and it's borderline disgusting. Get a little class if you want to continue to be with me." She said this while squirming in his grasp, he had his arms wrapped around her, lightly gripping her breasts.

"Damn, babe. Lighten' up." He went to kiss her on the shoulder.

"Oh, 'Lighten' up'?! No, I'm not the problem here, you are, and if you continue to slobber all over me like this I swear to God I'll charge you with sexual harassment."

After a few exchanges of the words "Bitch" and "Dick" they parted violently.

He witnessed this a few days ago, and it got Cartman's gears cranking. "Sexual harassment, eh?"

Cartman had studied extensively the path Tyson took to leave the cafeteria. It was always the same door. Armed with this, and a small bottle of KY-Jelly, he put his plan into motion.

He approached the girl, and found out from discreetly eavesdropping on her that her name was Tiffany, and began to speak.

"Excuse me, your name is Tiffany, isn't it?"

"Uh...yeah. Who are you?" She eyed him with a hint of disgust, hoping this encounter would be over shortly.

"I'm just here to help. I found your student I.D. card on the floor outside of the cafeteria. That's how I knew your name. Follow me and I'll show you."

Her disgust was replaced with confusion. "My I.D.? No that's not possible, I'm sure I have it right here..." She reached into her pocket.

Cartman saw Tyson making his exit, and rushed over and gripped her hand and pulled her up. "No! There's no time! Follow me, hurry!" He yanked her towards one of the doors.

"Ah! What the hell?" As they left the cafeteria, she started complaining more. "Look you little chubby freak! What's your problem?? Let go of me!"

Cartman bit his lip to stop himself from calling her a trashy whore as they approached the path that Tyson was taking. He feigned confusion as he looked at the ground. "I saw it here just a minute ago..." He pulled the KY out of his pocket and poured some on the floor in front of him.

"What the fuck?!" Bingo. Tyson spotted Cartman holding on to Tiffany and rushed over to them, a few of the students nearby stopped and looked at the scene that was about to take place. "Get your hands off of her you fat shit!"

Cartman let go of her and threw on a face of shock as he hopped to the side, just in time for Tyson to walk into the jelly that Cartman had poured on the floor. Cartman had pulled Tiffany into that spot and position for a reason, and now it was going to pay off. Tyson's momentum caused by his anger caused him to slip on the jelly and jerk violently forward into Tiffany. By instinct, Tyson's hands shot out...directly into Tiffany's breasts as he plowed into her and they both toppled onto the floor.

As much as Cartman wanted to watch the spectacle with his own eyes, he knew he needed to disappear so they'd forget about him. Besides, plenty of people saw what happened, that was all that was necessary.

"Ow! Tyson what the fuck is the matter with you?!" (Smack!)

"Agh! I didn't do it on purpose you bitch! Like anyone would want to touch you!"

As Cartman sneaked off down the hall, he savoured his success. "Aaaaaaaaahhhh. Now...for that other thing..."

-----

Stan had spoken to Kyle during track. Unfortunately, all he said was: "Good luck." If Kyle had the stamina Stan had, he could have kept pace with him while they ran their laps and maybe forced Stan to explain himself better. But Kyle didn't possess that kind of stamina yet, and never had an opportunity to talk to him.

Kyle sat in his room later that evening, contemplating what he'd been told. Kenny had called and told him what Stan said, again, it was basically the same story.

"It's like you said, dude. Stan said he got in trouble for his grades slipping so he's trying to work harder so he doesn't get grounded. Not only that, but him getting a car next year would also be jeopardized. That's what he said."

"Honestly, if he's having that much trouble why doesn't he ask for my help? His mom asked me to help him study."

"Because it's not easy for him to study with friends? I don't know. I'm sure you'll figure this out. I'm sorry I've got a hot date later and I need to prep the Little Ninja."

"...the what?"

"My dick, Kyle, he's skilled."

"Fuck can't you be serious for just a moment?!"

"There's nothing more serious than sex, Kyle. You'll realize that someday. Good luck with Stan." He hung up.

"Ugh...with all the luck people were wishing me you'd think I'd have some by now."

A little later Kyle got a surprise call from Cartman, asking if they could do another study session. Kyle was understandably aprehensive, especially because Cartman sounded genuine. Again, Kyle figured Cartman wanted to corner him with what happened yesterday while Stan was there and try to embarrass him. "Won't work, dip-shit."

"Apparently Stan is busy, so if you can convince him to do it, then sure."

"No problem, Kyle."

Cartman didn't call back that night. Kyle smiled weakly. "Of course Cartman couldn't do it. The only person he'd say 'Yes' to is me."

Kyle held onto this thought as he slept, using it to comfort him as much as possible.

-----

That night Kyle had another dream. Kyle saw himself standing in front of Stan. Only the mouth part of Stan's face was visible, the rest was covered by a slash of darkness. It seemed as if they were in an old warehouse. "I know that you love me, Kyle..." Stan spoke in a hushed whisper. Kyle wanted desperately to see all of Stan's face so he could know if Stan was happy or not. Then Stan faded into the darkness. Kyle screamed after him, terrified that Stan was running away from Kyle's feelings. Kyle felt a sick, empty feeling deep inside of him right before he woke up. Kyle lay there with his eyes open, shivering slightly. The feeling still lingered inside of him.

Even knowing that Stan hadn't disappeared was of little comfort at the moment, if anything it seemed the dream was trying to tell Kyle something. "What if Stan intends to never speak to me again?" As ridiculous as it sounded, Kyle still couldn't help but believe it to a degree. Stan's behavior had been so odd yesterday. "He must know something..." Kyle's chest constricted at the thought. "I have to talk to him and get this sorted out!" It was the weekend. Kyle had hopes of Stan interacting with him, but no such luck. When he called Stan he still held to the story of homework, or even "family plans." Kyle entertained the idea of just walking over there to confront him and do whatever he needed to squeeze the truth out of him. But as much of a jerk as Stan was being at the time, Kyle didn't want to be the same way. He loved Stan, and trusted that he'd come to his senses eventually. "I just wish he could tell me what's wrong."

When Monday rolled around Kyle got his wish. Stan sat next to him on the bus...looking rather embarrassed. Kyle couldn't help but be shocked.

"Stan?"

Stan scratched the back of his head. "Uh...hi, Kyle."

Stan looked so sheepish, and Kyle cracked a warm smile. Kyle saw Kenny give him a smile and a nod.

"Awwww...did you two make up?" Cartman cooed at them.

Stan chuckled nervously. "M-make up? What do you mean?"

"Oh I don't know. Just seemed like there was some tension between you guys on Friday." Cartman sat there beaming, enjoying making Stan squirm.

Stan looked down at the floor, his face flushing slightly. "I was just being stupid and selfish is all...kind of like you, Cartman." Kyle gasped slightly at Stan comparing himself to Cartman. But he was glad that Stan admitted to being a little stupid.

Cartman kept his composure. "Hey, you don't have to be ashamed of acting like me. Keep it up and someday you might turn into a true genius like yours truly."

"Oh I'm sure, a genius with a crack-whore mom and a warped view of reality." Stan snapped back. Kyle thought that he seemed a little on edge. Maybe Cartman was onto something...

"Oh ho! This cat has claws!" Cartman chuckled and leaned back in his seat.

It seemed like nothing could phase Cartman at the time. Kyle wondered why he seemed so cheerful. "Probably because of what happened last Friday. He loves it when Stan and I are not getting along." Kyle smiled again as he and Stan talked as always. Kyle didn't want to bring up Stan's behavior over the weekend just yet. He'd save it for lunch where they could have more privacy.

-----

Kyle found Stan in the cafeteria shortly after lunch and pulled him outside to a place where they could speak alone.

"What's up, Kyle?" Stan glanced around nervously, obviously knowing that Kyle needed to have a serious discussion with him.

"So...how did your studying go over the weekend?" Kyle crossed his arms and looked Stan directly in the eyes.

"Uh...i-it went over well. My parents are easing up on me now." Stan again looked down at the floor, rubbing his sleeve nervously.

"Are you still sticking to that story?" Kyle's eyes narrowed at Stan when Stan looked up at him again.

Stan sighed while avoiding Kyle's gaze. "No...of course not. I just...I'm ashamed of what happened Thursday night."

"Thursday?" Kyle furrowed his brow as he thought back. "What happened Thursday?" Kyle blushed as he remembered; that was the day he spied on the girls in the locker room. Stan fidgeted nervously as he waited for Kyle to finish thinking. Kyle thought hard. "That night...that's right, we went sledding, and...Stan didn't speak to me at all until we were finished. He finally spoke to me about why I looked at the girls." Kyle arched his eyebrow.

"Wait...you mean how you hoped I wasn't homophobic or whatever and spied on the girls to forget about Tweek and Butters? I...yeah I forgive you for that? I don't care really." Kyle was still completely confused. This was the only thing he could think of, and it didn't bother him one bit that Stan maybe thought that about him, what he had done was borderline insane.

Stan brightened up greatly and let out a huge breath. "Hey uh...yeah. Yeah! You...you forgive me? I just felt bad about it and all."

Kyle turned his head to the side slightly and squinted, still trying to process everything. "That's why you were acting like that all weekend? Shit, why didn't you just talk to me about it sooner?"

Stan was still smiling jovially. "Like I said, I was being stupid and selfish."

"And you lied to me! I can't let that go that easily."

Stan's smile faded. "I'm sorry, Kyle. Look, I'll make it up to you."

Kyle nodded seriously. "Yeah, you better."

"How about a sleep-over tonight? That is...if you're not too busy?"

Kyle flushed slightly at the thought of being with Stan that night. It made him nervous, but there was no way he was going to pass up this opportunity. After not being with Stan the whole weekend Kyle craved his attention, and now he was getting it. He swallowed as his heart fluttered again. "Absolutely."

Stan's smile returned. Until then Kyle hadn't noticed it. It was a great smile. "Awesome, come over whenever."

With that, things were finally back to normal again for Stan and Kyle. Except...Kyle was falling for Stan even more.

-----

It was a good day for Kyle until he remembered he had his punishment to serve during track. Fortunately his coach let him practice instead of doing a lot of work, but Kyle still hated being reminded of it, more importantly knowing that others were being reminded of it. At least the guys on the team thought he was actually cool for doing it, mainly because the girl he saw wasn't the girlfriend of any of the team. The coach still smiled at him, but it tended to falter. Kyle knew he'd have to work hard to get back into good standing with him. It wasn't all bad though, when Kyle was raking the sand or cleaning the hurdles, Stan would come by and cheer him up.

"Yeah, clean those hurdles up right. They're dirty...they've been naughty."

"Shut the hell up, Stan." Kyle shook his head chuckling

"You just need a bikini and you could be one of those chicks at the car wash that they show in slow-motion."

Kyle had to avert his gaze while he blushed slightly. It was embarrassing having Stan say that. "Should I be flattered?" Kyle didn't want Stan to think of him as being that feminine. "Damn it Stan! I really don't need you thinking of me that way."

Stan cleared his throat. "You're right, dude. Sorry about that. Hurry up so you can get back to practicing." He jogged back to the track.

Kyle didn't like Stan leaving so soon. It was boring as hell sitting there wiping the hurdles down, but if Stan wasn't careful he was going to make Kyle feel even more self conscious. "Does he really think that?" After several more minutes of staring into space Kyle slapped himself. "Stop it! He's just joking around. I need to lighten up and not take what he says so seriously."

After he was finished, Kyle caught up to Stan and told him how he'd fill out a bikini much more nicely. The small air of tension between them was instantly broken.

-----

Before Kyle left his house to go to Stan's he tried to tell his mother about it. He found her sleeping in her room. He found it odd that she was tired like that in the middle of the day. He figured she'd worked really hard around the house. He wrote a note and left it on the kitchen counter.

It was true that Stan was having problems in school, nothing serious, but he definitely could use help before his grades started slipping below average. Kyle was more than happy to oblige that night when he went to Stan's house for the sleep-over. Kyle was a great tutor, especially when he had an incentive for Stan to do well. If he did, that would make it that much easier to spend more time with him, Kyle hoped that Stan wouldn't get too smothered by the attention Kyle was willing to pour onto him. He felt that he'd pay close attention to Stan so he could determine if Stan needed more space. It would be hard to do so, but Kyle was ready to play things safe if needed. So far, Stan seemed more than welcoming to Kyle...at least during that night. Kyle had completely forgiven Stan for being so stupid during the weekend. He figured Stan deserved it, especially considering how Kyle had been avoiding Stan before that because Kyle needed to discover his feelings. Kyle had a nagging fear of Stan being so nice to him now, but not having any feelings for him and eventually getting serious with another girl someday. He was amazed that Stan was still single. Because of that, Kyle secretly hated that he loved Stan...there was a good chance that he'd end up being hurt in the end, but, having Stan's attention like this now was satisfying enough. He reasoned he'd have to settle with Stan's friendship...he just didn't know how well he could handle it when the time came.

After they went to sleep, Kyle woke up a few hours later to use the bathroom. When he was finished he came back into Stan's room and, because of the great day he'd had earlier, he felt rather energized instead of feeling the need to collapse back into bed. He knelt down onto his sleeping bag that was next to Stan's bed and looked at his peaceful, sleeping form. Because of his asthma, Stan breathed a little loudly when he slept. He didn't snore though, and the heavy breathing calmed Kyle, showing him Stan's strength and filling the room with his presence. He looked at Stan's face; his heart started to beat faster. He was so peaceful sleeping there. Kyle had a strong desire to kiss him. As energetic as he felt, he didn't dare go that far. However, he felt like he should do something. If anything, to prove to Stan that he cared for him. He slowly stretched out his hand until it was just above Stan's head. After taking some calming breaths, he rested his hand on his head and stroked his hair slightly, savoring the near silky feel of it. Maybe it wasn't really that silky, but Kyle didn't give a damn, it was Stan's hair, and that was all that mattered. It was still dark, but Kyle could swear he saw Stan grin slightly. Kyle prayed with all his might that the smile he saw was true, and not just a figment of his imagination. Stan stirred slightly, and Kyle darted quickly back into his sleeping bag, squeezing his eyes shut tightly and yelling even more silent prayers, pleading that Stan was still asleep. He heard Stan's breathing again after a few moments. After the moment had passed, Kyle couldn't believe what he'd done. He squeezed his hand, relishing the feel of Stan's hair that he could remember. As much as he wanted to do it again, he restrained himself.

-----

There was one thing that Kyle didn't count on to ruin his great mood the next day. Stan again sat next to him on the bus like old times. No awkwardness between them, it had been so long. Kyle felt great that he could feel more comfortable around him, although he did have to hold himself back from practically throwing himself at Stan. When Stan was being so bright and energetic like that, it was hard for Kyle to resist. So when Cartman shoved his hippo-ass into their life and requested some help with homework, Kyle was understandably pissed. Even level-headed Stan didn't seem all that excited by the prospect, but consented to letting Eric come over that day.

After school was horrible as well. Without Stan there running for track, Kyle had no one to talk to. He also had more work to do. He had to groom the foot-ball field and pick up trash. The weed-whacker the school made him used sucked. It took forever to start up and was loud as hell. He wasn't able to do a great job with it but fortunately his task-master wasn't looking for miracles. Kyle took one of the last buses back home. He was thankful that the school had so many buses that ran later on in the day so those students that stayed after had a way to get home.

Stan was serious about track. He informed Kyle that he was going to do some running around their neighborhood after school until Kyle got home. Kyle went to Stan's house as soon as he could and had to wait a few minutes until Stan finally returned from running, sweating profusely. In Kyle's mind it gave Stan a great, rugged look. Stan shot Kyle a smile through his panting.

"Wow...already here, huh? Have you been waiting long?"

"Nah, just a few minutes." Kyle tried to look casual as Stan walked towards the door.

"Good timing then." Kyle stepped to the side as Stan approached the door. His sweaty grip dropped his water bottle right before he reached for the door. "Aw damn it." As he shakily bent over to pick it up, Kyle couldn't help himself from leaning over to get a good look at Stan's ass as he was grabbing his water bottle. Kyle was behind him so he knew he wouldn't get caught. Once Stan stood up straight again and opened the door into the house. Kyle shook his head and blushed at what he'd done. He smiled. He couldn't help but admire Stan's ass. Kyle put his face in his hands. "I'd better calm down, otherwise I'm going to scare the shit out of Stan." He then followed him into the house.

It was only a few minutes later when Cartman showed up. Stan was cleaning himself up in the bathroom after he let Cartman in. He joined Kyle in Stan's room and grinned at him evilly.

"Good to see you, Kahyel." It was Cartman's pronunciation that caused Kyle to become defensive. Something must be up with Cartman.

"I don't know what you're thinking, Cartman. But you're here so we can help you. Any shit out of you and I swear I'll throw you out the window."

Cartman put on a face of mock innocence. "Why...whatever do you mean, Kyle? Sometimes I have a harder time at school because I have a job. Even your shriveled little Jew-brain should be able to understand that."

Kyle scowled. "You don't do well in school because you don't give a shit about anything but yourself and you use others for your benefit."

"No no no...that can't be true, I'm not a Jew. Sounds like a catchy song title, doesn't it?"

"Damnit, Cartman! Do you want our help or not?"

Cartman's wicked smile returned. "Of course I do."

Kyle was on edge the whole time Cartman was there. Wondering when he'd do or say something horrible or twisted. It bothered Kyle even more when nothing like that happened. Cartman kept his eyes trained on the two of them, never removing that annoying smirk of his. "Is he waiting for something to happen between the two of us again? And why hasn't he said anything about me spying on the girls in their locker-room?"

These thoughts were forgotten when Cartman finally left. Of course, he didn't thank them.

-----

The next day had Kyle in a better mood because there was no interference from Cartman. He didn't have to spend nearly as much time taking care of equipment as his punishment, and again, he went over to Stan's house. He was surprised to see his father home earlier than usual. "Dad, what are you doing home?"

"Your mother needed me to take her to the hospital."

Kyle's chest constricted. "The hospital?! Why? What happened??"

"Oh don't worry. She's just having a check-up. It's been a while since she's gone in for a visit and the doctor's are just making sure that everything is okay."

"Guhh...don't scare me like that!"

"I'm sorry, Kyle." Gerald gave him a pat on the back and went into his study.

Kyle was more desperate than ever to go to Stan's house after the fright he'd had. When Stan opened the door, Kyle had to restrain himself from hugging him. It seemed to him that Stan always exuded peace and happiness. It was weird for Kyle in a way. It must have been his smile. It made Kyle weak in the knees. Stan was getting excited about track again. He reminded Kyle that their first competition was coming up in less than a month so he'd better work quick on his punishment duties so he could practice hard.

Kyle had some studying to do so he pulled out his books and used Stan's desk to get some work done. This reminded him of how strangely Cartman had been acting the evening before so he felt like he should ask Stan about it.

"Hey...do you think Cartman's got something planned, or is possibly planning something? It's not normal for him to request help in something like school and he just sat there staring at us."

Stan rubbed his chin in thought. "Eh...it's possible. But with Cartman, any damn thing is possible. He actually seemed well behaved last night when you consider it. Besides, unless he's eaten himself into a coma that's always the annoying fucking look he has on his face. If he wasn't such a worthless fat shit it'd probably bug me more. But hey, he's had a shitty life for the most part so whatever lies or alternate worlds he has to create for himself to make the pain go away is something we shouldn't try to understand."

Kyle looked at Stan in shock. "Holy hell man, you've thought about this, haven't you?"

"Not that much. He's really not worth dwelling on." With that, Stan went back to lifting his weights, getting a more toned upper body. It made Kyle quiver with anticipation when he saw Stan's muscles bulging from the exertion. He also wished that Stan wouldn't work out when he was there. It made Kyle feel like he was getting weaker by the minute.

It was later when Kyle got the biggest surprise of the night. He'd had a hefty amount of writing to do for his AP Euro class so he'd had his neck bent down so he could concentrate. After a while it made his neck sore so he started rubbing at it.

"Aggghh...my neck is so stiff." He said to out loud to himself. Apparently he said it loud enough for Stan to hear, because Stan walked over and started rubbing his neck. Kyle's eyes went wide at the contact at first. Then wider still when he realized how wonderfully skilled Stan's fingers and hands were at massaging his aching neck. He had to fight the urge to moan pleasurably. His mind raced. "Shit...shit...okay, I really don't want him to stop, but I can't creep him out. What do I say?!" Kyle used the best level tone he could muster. "Thanks, my neck is really sore."

"I bet. You were hunched over the desk almost in the shape of a 'C'."

To Kyle's delight, Stan kept rubbing. Now Kyle could concentrate more on the feeling of Stan's fingers. They were strong and firm, but not rough at all. Kyle's muscles melted under Stan's caress. His neck had been transformed from a frozen tundra into a bubbling hot springs. Kyle closed his eyes. Soon after Stan worked on his shoulders. Kyle shivered slightly. He felt like he should be paying for this. Kyle expected Stan to just do a few quick rubs and be done, but instead he seemed to really take pride in what he was doing. His fingers probed deep beneath the skin and worked almost sensuously. Kyle wondered if Stan started this with Wendy, and what kind of phenomenal treatment she must have received. "She's a stupid bitch to give this up..." Kyle couldn't help it, he let out a low moan. His eyes popped open and he flushed a deep red. "Oh God...please tell me he didn't hear that."

A few moments later Stan stopped and said casually. "Be right back."

"With some lotion?" Kyle almost laughed. He still wasn't sure if Stan had heard him moan or not. Kyle had never been more relaxed in his life. Ever. He really wanted to repay the favor, but he thought that sounded too "sexual." It would be a great excuse to touch him. He remembered stroking Stan's hair while he slept. Kyle enjoyed the thought...but for him it simply wasn't enough; he wanted more Stan. He knew he'd have to be patient. Even worse...he knew there was very little chance that he'd ever be with him.

When Stan returned he was chewing gum. He wasn't holding lotion. "How's the homework coming?"

Kyle gave him a plain grin, doing what he could to not smile at him dreamily. "Great."

"Right on." It seemed that Stan hadn't heard Kyle's embarrassing noise earlier. He put it out of his mind the rest of the night as they joked around and watched TV and played Guitar Hero.

-----

The next day after they got off the bus, Cartman took Kyle aside after they'd entered the school and whispered to him, "So how are things going between you and Stan?" The question itself was innocent enough, but with Cartman there was always something underlying his questions. It was especially obvious when he asked in that tone, a tone which said he knew things were going well but he had some news that would destroy everything, and he couldn't wait to tell you.

"Uh...good." Kyle answered simply, wondering what Cartman had planned.

"That's great." Cartman answered in a condescending tone. He walked away.

Kyle's mind worked frantically. "Son of a bitch...I know he wants to say something about me peeping on the girls. When is he going to say it? What is he up to?!" Kyle glowered at Cartman's back as he sauntered away. "Wait...that's part of his plan, isn't it? To make me keep thinking about it and to keep putting me on edge! That fat fuck! I'll show him..."

"Cartman!" Kyle shouted at him.

Cartman stopped and turned around, a look of genuine interest was on his face. "Yeeeeees?"

Kyle motioned further down the hall he was next to, one near the faculty offices where no students were. Fortunately Cartman followed. After Kyle stopped walking he whirled around and faced Cartman, almost causing him to crash into Kyle. "Alright Cartman, I know you've heard about me spying on the girls while they were undressing in the locker room and how I got caught. I don't know what the fuck you're planning between me and Stan but you can forget it. He already knows and doesn't care! So ha!" Kyle folded his arms and gave Cartman a triumphant grin, proud of himself for getting this out in the open and ruining whatever Cartman was scheming.

To Kyle's brief horror, Cartman stared back at him with his eyes wide and his mouth hanging open, similar to the face he gave Butters and Tweek when he and Stan caught them kissing.

"WHAT?! Jesus Christ Kyle! You perverted little Jew-boy! Oh God this is fantastic!! I don't think my life can get any better!!" Cartman proceeded to laugh incredibly loud, gasping for breath and pounding the brick wall he was leaning against for support.

Kyle really hadn't expected this. His face turned bright red and he curled his lip angrily as he turned his face to the side in an attempt to hide his freckles that were popping out. He couldn't remember the last time he'd blushed in front of Cartman.

"Ah ha ha ha!! Awww...is the naughty Jew ashamed of his freckles? God Kyle, you should be. They're probably punishment from God for being such a rotten little Jew." Cartman started snickering again.

Kyle growled under his breath and clenched his fists. He needed to win at least a little, so he slammed his fist into Cartman's face and stormed off.

"OW! Fuck! You'll pay for that Kyle!" Shortly after he started giggling again.

Chemistry was about to start and Kyle rushed to the classroom, he needed to be with Stan. When he reached the room he quickly sat down next to him.

"Hey Kyle, where did you go after we got off the bus? And why is your face so red?"

Kyle squeaked and threw his hand up to cover his face. "I-I'll tell you at lunch."

"Kyle what's wrong?" Stan questioned, motioning to Kyle's hand covering his face.

"Uh...my face is just hot."

"You're not getting a fever, are you?"

"No, I'm fine."

Kenny leaned over and whispered to Kyle, "Haven't been peeking at the ladies again, have ya?" He winked at Kyle.

As much as Kyle knew it was a joke, it still pissed him off immensely after what happened with Cartman. "Damnit Kenny!" Kyle shrieked at him under his breath.

Kenny recoiled back and gave Kyle an annoyed look. "Okay I'm sorry Drama Queen."

Kyle looked down at his desk. He needed to think of something to calm his nerves. After a while he concluded that of course Cartman knew about what he'd done in the girl's locker room, he was just really good at acting surprised as a way to embarrass Kyle. Unfortunately, it worked. Still, this helped Kyle shake off the incident and appreciate the attention he was getting from Stan, who was looking concerned for him.

During lunch Kyle told him about the revolting exchange between him and Cartman that morning. Stan chuckled at Kyle's ashamed expression.

"Forget about Pillsbury. If he keeps acting like a shit then I'll beat some sense into him."

Kyle reached out and grasped Stan's hand in what he hoped was in a brotherly fashion. He needed to have a little contact with him. "I know you will." Kyle smiled at him. If anyone saw it they would have sworn it was a smile of love. Stan just nodded and smiled back.

"What's going on here?" Clyde asked, staring at them a little hesitantly.

"W-w-we-" Kyle withdrew his grip on Stan's hand.

"Nothing dude, what's up?" Stan acknowledged him casually.

"Uh..." Clyde shrugged and sat down, "...just hating school as usual."

"Same here." Stan nodded.

As they talked, Kyle stared down at the table and figured he needed to be more careful in public.

It was when Kyle was alone and bored, while he was picking up garbage around the track, that he thought more about his feelings for Stan and how he was expressing them. So far he figured he wasn't doing a great job; he was being too forward. He entertained the idea of somehow making Stan fall in love with him. His attention wasn't focused on another girl, thank Moses, so it shouldn't be too hard. His thoughts were interrupted by a younger football player, holding a helmet with their mascot's logo on it, a snowman with a headband holding his arm-twigs up in a karate stance, who asked him: "Why are you cleaning up all this shit out here?"

"Uh...extra credit."

"Damn. I'd never get that desperate for grades." The boy jogged back to the field surrounded by the track.

Kyle scrunched his face in annoyance at the boy's condescending remark. He then took a look out over the track. His eyes lit up as he remembered how excited Stan was about track. Kyle was now determined to be the best on the team to impress Stan. It made perfect sense and wasn't too overt. "He'll see what I can do."

-----

Over the next several weeks Kyle held fast to his newest plan. So much so that the coach took notice and gave him a lot more leeway on his chores around the field. Seeing how their first meet was coming up soon, he wanted his runners to give it their all, and he was happy to see Kyle working so hard. The first week was hell for Kyle. He pushed himself too hard and would finish the day with his chest heaving, his legs rubbery and weak, and his feet covered in blisters. He thought about just giving up until Stan started lavishing him with praise. Saying how awesome it was that Kyle was also excited for the meet and was training so hard. After they were done for the day Stan would walk with Kyle to the showers and, while they washed up, would give him some additional pointers on breathing and stride. Kyle appreciated the help, but he just loved seeing Stan bare-chested with water glistening on his pecks. Kyle did want to see all of Stan, but was thankful that there were separate stalls to shower in because after seeing Stan like that Kyle was usually quite erect. He always held his shirt over his crotch in case one of the other guys happened to look that way.

Kyle was surprised at how much better he was doing. He figured that he wasn't trying as hard as he could have been before. He didn't really know why he had joined track. Just to spend time with Stan probably. He didn't need to run fast to do that. But now...running faster meant respect and attention from Stan. Kyle was productive when there was a clear goal ahead of him.

Also, Cartman was rarely seen by Kyle, much to Kyle's delight. A few times he asked Kyle for some of his old history notes and Kyle gave them to him if Cartman promised to leave him alone. Kyle planned on Cartman making an empty promise with him but he didn't really care about his old notes. But, to Kyle's surprise, it seemed to work.

For once, Kyle felt like he was on top. Maybe he had a hold on Stan, instead of the other way around, until Kyle got the biggest surprise of the year. He saw a side of Stan he'd never seen before.

Kyle was at Stan's house one early evening when Stan brought out a guitar.

"Dude, what are you doing with that?"

"One of my classes is guitar, remember?"

"It is?! Why haven't I seen you with it until now then?"

"I usually just keep it in the classroom so I don't have to drag it around everywhere, but I brought it home last Thursday when you had to stay after school to clean the track and field."

"So...are you quitting guitar then or something?"

"No. I've been practicing something. And uh...ahem...I just want you to hear it."

Kyle eyed Stan suspiciously. "You're not playing something pointless like 'Mary had a Little Lamb' are you?"

"Damn it dude, no, just listen."

Kyle was genuinely confused as Stan sat on his bed, fiddling with his guitar. Did he just want Kyle's opinion on his abilities? Kyle could only assume so, Stan looked so nervous as he started to play. For Kyle, it was really cute. Then, Stan started playing. It sounded fine, Stan's fingers moved along the strings smoothly. The music wasn't complicated, and Kyle couldn't tell if Stan was playing some actual music or just something he'd wrote up himself. Either way, Kyle was impressed. Then Stan started singing. Kyle's eyes widened and his heart started beating faster as he listened to Stan's sweet voice. Stan wasn't looking back at Kyle, he was staring down at the strings as he sang, he was probably too embarrassed at the time to look at Kyle. It was a song about self-esteem. The part that really caught Kyle's attention, and let him know why Stan was doing this, was, "'Cause a face without freckles is like a sky without the stars." The song was short, and it sounded like Stan was telling Kyle not to worry about himself.

Kyle couldn't speak after Stan finished. He sat there staring at Stan's bed in front of him as he processed what had happened.

"Kyle?" Stan broke the silence. He was tapping nervously on the guitar and his face was red, probably due to embarrassment from playing. Kyle figured that Stan was embarrassed over his singing. Which was foolish because he did a great job.

"I guess he did put himself out there by singing that. But why did he sing to me? Why?!"

Kyle's continued silence was putting Stan on edge. "Y-yeah I know that was kind of stupid and queer. I j-just thought I should try to sing with a live audience if I'm going to t-take this seriously. Just p-please let me know if it sucked." It was rare for Stan to stutter so much.

"W-why did you sing that?" Kyle was curious, it was about freckles after all. Did Stan know he was ashamed of them? Was it that obvious?

"Well it just seems like you don't like your freckles s-so I thought this might cheer you up a little. If I'm going to practice singing, it might as well be a song that has a purpose, right?" Kyle looked at him questioningly. "L-look, I know it sucked so just forget about it. I think I'll just stick to strumming."

"No. Stan, it was great, really. I just...never expected to hear anything like that. Especially from you, nothing personal. I haven't heard you sing in such a long time..."

Stan grinned slightly. "Thanks, Kyle. Hey, it's been pretty dull today so let's do something."

To Kyle's surprise, Stan had something else to show him. Something more manly, it was a paintball gun. Stan would hold it like a marine as he showed it to Kyle and taught him how to load the carbon dioxide tank. They spent the evening littering the old snow in Stan's backyard with colored blobs of paint. The whole time, Kyle was distracted. Stan's song sunk in more and more. Kyle wanted to hear it again. It now seemed only like a dream to him. As he left for the night, Stan asked him not talk about his song at all. He wanted more practice first before he tried anything like that again.

When Kyle got home he searched for lyrics that had been burned into his memory to see if it was a real song. It turned out that it was, and Kyle was a little disappointed. It would have been so much sweeter if Stan made up the song himself. Then Kyle looked over the other lyrics and thought about what Stan had sung. Stan had made up most of the other words so it made sense in that context. Stan must have put a lot of effort into it. Kyle slowly shook his head in shock as his love for Stan deepened.