Disclaimer: I don't own this and make no profit from it; nor do I understand where the hell this idea came from. XD

- - - - -

Worth It All

- - - - -

Snow, no matter how you looked at it, was always the same. It was always white, always cold, and either made you smile, or pissed you off in some way, shape or form. Falling snow tended to double these reactions. Tonight was a falling snow free night, which made anyone who was driving relatively happy.

Or at least as happy as one could be, after driving for damn near four hours late at night. Though not a particularly long drive, nor troublesome one – as no cars where around to cause traffic – it was still pretty exhausting should said driver be under guise of jet lag and hunger. It probably didn't help knowing that once the drive was over, and the final destination had been reached; it would still be a few more hours until being able to fall into a nice warm waiting bed.

With a short huff, the driver – an average looking young woman – turned the car's heater off. She wouldn't need it any longer as she passed by the all too familiar city sign of her home town. She was mere minutes away now. Soon she'd be able to relax, kick back, get some food and be able to just get away from everything else for the next three months.

Here there would be no stupid stressful college to deal with. Here there would be no stupid agitating trends she'd be expected to follow. Here there would be no need to restrict her self as she'd been doing for the past couple of years. Here there would be nothing but freedom to do as she pleased.

The car slowed as it made a turn onto the final street of its long trip. All the houses still looked all the same. Hell, the whole damn town looked the same; nothing had really changed at all. However, that was to be expected here. No matter how many crazy or unexplainable events happened to or in this backwater little mountain town, South Park would always be the same.

The car's engine was cut off, and the lights went black. Letting out a long drawn breath she didn't realize she had been holding, the young woman got out of the car; only pausing to grab her purse. Her luggage could wait for now.

Turning for the door, she briskly shuffled up to the door and knocked loudly a few times. She could hear someone calling out, a few muffles, but finally an audible 'coming' from the other side.

As the door opened, she was greeted by a rather surprised looking young man who stood there gawking at her. She rolled her eyes at this, but then let a warm smirk cross her features.

"You just gonna stand there all night and stare, ass-wipe?"

The other frowned indigently and puffed his chest out a little.

"Excuse me… it's pronounced 'Awz-wee-pae'!" He spoke in a false haughty tone as he closed the door.

The two broke out in a small chuckle before sharing a quick and short embrace.

"Good to see ya, Sis. Mom and Dad are in the kitchen."

"Great, 'cause I'm starving my ass off."

"Still got a ways to go from what I see."

This comment landed the youth a punch on his forearm, which stung a little, but wasn't as heated or malice filled as the one's he'd received many ages ago. He had to smile at that though. Never had he in his young life ever thought he'd actually enjoy his sister's presence or antics. The years had done wonders for them both.

"I'll kick your ass when I'm not so tired." She smirked once again, and this time they both joined their parents in the kitchen. Food was to be had by all, along with sharing stories into the wee hours of the morning, until finally retiring to that warm and wonderful thing called bed.

Shelly Marsh was truly home.

- - - -

Waking up to the bitter morning cold, Shelly decided, was complete hell. She should have been use to this, but then again after having been away from these cooler climates for some time now, it was understandably different. With a great amount of effort, Shelly got herself up, out of bed and ready to start her first official day of vacation.

Stan, it seemed, was better at getting out of bed in the mornings than he use to be. Shelly had come down for breakfast only to find her brother already attacking his own plate. Padding lightly into the kitchen, she began to fix her own.

"Geese, Mom went all out didn't she; eggs, bacon, sausage… waffles… damn."

"Well, she wanted to start your first morning back with something 'appropriate' so… I'm not complaining." Stan spoke around a forkful of eggs.

"For once."

"Ha ha ha…"

Shelly sat down across from the boy.

"So when did she say we were going to the mall today?"

"Around twelve, which is like…twenty minutes from now." Stan picked up his own plate and placed it in the sink.

Shelly nodded as she ate, contemplating a few various things.

"I know she wanted to take me clothes shopping, but I do need to see about getting over to Benisons Books. I remember seeing the same books there as the ones in my college's campus book store – only a hell of a lot cheaper."

"Books you need for upcoming courses?" Stan sat back down in his chair, sipping on some orange juice.

"Books I need for current courses, actually. I mean, I don't necessarily need them to pass, but the books would help. It would make all the difference between a C+ and an A."

"Dude, why didn't you just get them anyway, even if they were a bit more expensive?"

"Well…" Shelly paused, fork in mid air. "I didn't exactly feel like going back in there after the beginning of the semester when I told the clerk, in so many polite words or less, to go fuck himself."

Stan shook his head and snorted.

"Yeah, ok."

- - -

After breakfast was said and done, and Sharon Marsh had returned back from the corner drug store, the three of them set off for the Mall. Stan had said previously that he'd be meeting up with 'the guys' there, so it would just be Sharon and Shelly for most of the day.

"Alright, we'll meet you by the food court at five, ok? I want to make sure we'll have plenty of time to get back home and ready for tonight."

"Sure, no problem." Stan gave a short nod and began off in the opposite direction.

"Alright!" Sharon turned to her daughter and smiled warmly. "So, let's see what we can find for you!"

For the next four hours, Sharon and Shelly had gone to almost every clothing store the mall had to offer. It would be noted that they didn't exactly buy something in every single store; but there were enough new outfits bought in between them all that Shelly seriously was considering dumping all her old clothes. She had no idea were she'd begin to put all these new ones. She'd have to buy another two suitcases for the trip back as well.

Yet, she was happy.

It had been a long time since she and her mother could do any sort of bonding together; what with conflicting schedules and distance and just everyday life. In fact, this whole three months off thing was almost like a much needed god-send. Honestly, Shelly had been having a pretty shitty year… and if she was really honest with herself, this hadn't been the only one.

Moving away and going to college, she had at first thought, was like a milestone of wonderment. She was getting away from her hectic life in South Park, away from her crazy family, and away for all the pent up negativity she'd somehow come to accumulate in her childhood and early youth. She'd had a few friends, but more enemies than she'd cared to count.

Then one day, a letter of acceptance came in the mail; to some out of state far away college she had sent her application to on a whim. A false hope, if you will.

It had been answered and accepted.

Looking back on it, at that time, she'd thought it was a sign that her life was going to get better from then on out.

She had been sorely mistaken.

If anything, it was like she'd been kept inside this fake world all her life, only to be given the chance to get out and see what the real world was.

The real world was an ugly and bitter place.

It, however bad, did provide her with things she did truly come to appreciate. For starters, the school education was her primary focus. She'd taken courses on things she'd dreamed of for years, and was truly happy for. She'd also gained more friends. She had even gained a new sense of freedom and respect for herself, which lead to her being able to rid herself of a lot of pent up anxiety and anger she'd held onto for so long. She had been given a new start.

However, like all good things, they eventually run there course. Her new friends turned out to not be all that great. The stress she thought she'd lost came back by semester three in double fold. The dorm she'd had at first had been found not up to code and the whole wing had been shut down. She'd had to find a new place and pick up a small job. At first, it was a bit troubling, as she'd had to squat with friends for about three weeks.

It was then that she'd found out her friend Tyron had a place, and was looking for a roommate. She jumped on the chance, and he'd been all too happy to oblige. Things were good…at first. Now…now they just…sucked so much.

Shelly stopped and closed her eyes, inhaling and exhaling slowly. She stopped her train of thought right there. She was away from all the bullshit right now, and the last thing in hell she needed to do was think about that…

"Shelly, it's getting close to time. Didn't you say you needed some book or something?" Sharon's voice interrupted her thoughts, causing her to jump a tiny bit.

"Y-yeah. The bookstore is right here. I'll be real quick."

"Take your time; we still have an hour. I, however, am a bit tired, so I'm going to head to the food court now. Just try and be back by five."

"Sure Mom, thanks." Shelly gave a small smile as she watched her mom depart.

- - -

"Paralipophobia and You, . . . Phengophobia: Sure sign of the Daywalker, . . . Thanatophobia: It happens to everyone, so deal with it."

Shelly grunted lightly as she searched along the selves. While the bookstore did have many helpful and great books, its sorting system was just plain damn stupid. Sections that had absolutely no reason to be together were mixed in, and it irritated her to no end. She'd had to ask the counter attendant if they even had said book in. He'd told her they did indeed have one copy left, and had pointed her to this aisle.

Standing back up, she stretched and rubbed at her eyes. She'd been reading tiny font now for damn near the entire hour she'd been in here. For a moment she just stared off into space, trying to will herself to get back to work, until her eyes wondered, and low and behold her search was over.

There on the top shelf, lay the book: Theology: Fides Quaerens Intellectum. Use, Abuse, Truths and Lies.

Giving a muttered 'Thank God' and a short contented sigh, Shelly felt herself relax. Now she'd be able to not only Ace her class, but save a great deal of cash. She might even keep the book if it proved entertaining, and if not, she could always resell it to some dumb ass back on campus – for a profit of course.

She reached out almost gleefully and took the book, only to realize after what took her a moment, she wasn't the only one holding on to it.

Glancing up, she blinked dumb-founded as she came face to face with what looked like some random young teenager. He was at least a good few inches shorter than her, but really that wasn't saying much (She herself had shot up to an awkward 5' 9"). He sported an unruly spiky mop of ash black hair; which peculiarly framed his face around his eyes; which appeared to be a rather interesting slate grayish blue. Had he been wearing any kind of hat, Shelly seriously would have thought this kid to be Stan for a second or two. Yet something was nagging her in the back of her mind.

"I…know you…from somewhere…" Shelly found herself saying; not that she could really help it. It was annoying having this nagging feeling.

The boy in question just raised one fine eyebrow, and pursed his lips.

"I know I've seen you before."

The kid just gave her a wide grinning smirk. His eyes seemed to flash with a hint of something mischievous.

"Of course you have." If possible he grinned even wider.

Shelly was about to ask 'where' but-

"You've seen me in your dreams; in your bed."

And with that, Shelly yanked the book out of his hand, and preceded to whap him upside the head with said textbook. She spun quickly on the spot and stormed away, grumbling how she'd forgotten how the kids in this town were all fucking turds and asses.

- - -

"I can't decide between MC Dreidel's newest CD or Shy Back and Little Wings… Stan, help me out here."

"Dude, you know I don't really care for that kind of music, but if I must… Go with Shy Back and Little Wings. At least it's a blend of metal and rap… so I can stand to listen to it in your car."

Stan smirked at his best friend of 21 years, who in turn mocked him back by sticking his tongue out at the other boy.

"I put up with your music, so you can put up with mine." Kyle reasoned.

"You actually like my music. You've admitted it yourself."

"How do you know I wasn't lying?" The green be-hatted boy smirked.

"Because, I know you." Stan smirked back and leaned in, poking the other boy in the side; who almost drop the CD. He glared in return and swatted his hand away.

"I'm back…" Came a third voice from behind the two. Kyle turned towards the owner of the voice.

"Did you find that book you- Holy Shit, Ike, what happened to your face?"

Ike, who chuckled lightly at his brothers antics, grinned lightly. Stan also looked at the boys face, slightly startled: There was a very large and long red mark running diagonally across it.

"I found the book…and the book found my face." Ike gave a lopsided smile.

"How did…" Kyle began, but then noticed that his brother didn't actually have the book on him; so that ruled out the kid's own stupidity, unless. . .

"Oh God, you didn't hit on someone, did you?" Kyle groaned.

"It kinda slipped out."

"Ike..." Kyle pinched the bride of his nose.

"I couldn't help it! It was… just too convenient! I mean, she totally gave me an open end, I couldn't stop it." The spiky hair teen waved his hands frantically.

Kyle merely gave his brother 'the eye,' which meant he didn't believe any of it.

"No seriously. She was grabbing the same book I was gonna get, and then staring at me, she blurts out that she's seen me somewhere before; like she knew me or something."

"Alright, alright, but Mom's going to-"

"Mom's not going to do anything… 'cept lecture me…again…for the millionth time…" Ike rolled his eyes.

"Whatever. Still…" Kyle chuckled. "She slapped you with a book. Dude. That's fucking great."

"Hey!"

"Usually they just call you an ass or walk away." Kyle was starting to laugh, and Stan was starting to join him.

"It's not my fault her mood was set to 'Bitch!' Fucking older chicks can't take a joke. It's not like I meant it anyway… so freaking anal about every little thing under the… Techno Phile 7!" And just as easily as that, Ike trampled over to the rack and located said CD.

"You know, it's hard to remember he's supposed to be a genius most of the time." Stan laughed lightly, Kyle agreeing with him.

"I know. He sure as hell doesn't act like the typical genius type. That is, not anymore. He did up until he was eleven… then at twelve, he just… sort of changed his demeanor. Not that I mind, really. He's a lot more fun, or at least, seems to be happier for it."

"Mmn.." Stan nodded. Though the mention of books did remind him… he checked his watched and sighed.

"I have to get going. Mom told me to be back by the food court by five."

"That's pretty early…" Kyle gave him a questioning look.

"We're going out for dinner tonight; to celebrate Shelly being back in town for the next three months and all."

"Oh, that's nice. It's going to be interesting with her back in town and whatnot."

"Yeah, though honestly, it's nice to have her around for a little while. I mean, now that we have the kind of relationship I've always secretly envied you have."

Kyle grinned to himself, and glanced back over to his younger brother, who was already purchasing the CD he'd flocked to previously.

"I guess it just works in different ways for different people. It took me a while to finally accept Ike when we were little kids, but I finally did." Kyle turned back to Stan. "I wouldn't change it for the world. I'm closer to Ike than I am Mom or Dad… and to be honest, I think he is the same with me."

"I know he is." Stan put an arm around the other. "Later, dude. I'll see you two tomorrow. Don't forget to bring some movies." He pulled the other in for a quick hug, which was returned.

"Yeah, yeah…enjoy tonight." Kyle gave a wave as Stan trotted out.

"Stan's leaving already?" Ike walked up to his brother.

"Yeah… he has dinner plans with the family tonight; for his sister being back in town."

Ike nodded absent mindedly.

"I almost forgot he had a sister…" Ike furrowed his brow. "Didn't she have some weird face thing?"

"She had head gear for her teeth…but that was years ago. I don't think you've been around her much."

Ike shrugged. "Probably not."

"Come on, let's get back home. I'm getting tired, and I want to break in this new CD." Kyle smiled.

Ike rolled his eyes. He did not care for his brother's taste in music one bit, nor did Kyle care for his. Kyle had claimed it was overly repetitive and lacked in lyrics and real movement. Ike begged to differ. It had plenty of beat, and was more about the rhythm and pace than the lyrical message. There was also a mathematical side to it that he loved profusely, that Kyle, nor most anyone he knew, couldn't seem to grasp.

Techno wasn't the only music that he enjoyed in this way; rock and heavy metal seemed to follow in step as well. Pop too, along with various other random songs by random people; but that was his little secret.

- - -

"Damn, this steak kicks ass. I love this place. Great pick, Shelly!" Stan grinned as he bit into another cut of his Sirloin.

"I figured we haven't been to Outback in a while, and since I was given the choice..." Shelly shrugged. Truthfully, she was just as excited. She'd been craving for some Bloomin' Onion for a bit.

"So I hear your studies are going well. That's great, hun. I'm proud to see you working so hard." Randy Marsh spoke as he sliced open his potato.

"I can't afford not to. The classes aren't all that hard, really, it's just the amount of work that all piles together. Sometimes I wonder why I even took five courses at a time." She mused.

"Well, what matters is you're sticking with them, and not giving up." Her father smiled lightly. "When next semester comes, you can just take fewer classes."

"It's really good to hear about your academic studies, hunny..." Her mother spoke up. "However, what about everything else? You mentioned something about having a job in your last letter, and also about having to move out of the dorms they shut down."

"The jobs alright; not anything I want to be stuck at forever." Shelly paused a moment, briefly thinking something over, before going on. "I did have to move out. For a little while I had to stay with friends, but I was able to find a nice two bedroom apartment; I've been there for a couple of years now."

"You can afford that on your own?" Randy raised an eyebrow.

"Well, no...I moved in with a friend, so we split the bills."

"Oh. Is it that Keren girl?" Sharon questioned.

"No. It's my friend Tyron."

At this, Randy stopped eating. He set his fork down lightly.

"So, you've been living with this friend for a few years now, and you neglected to mention it was a boy?"

"Considering I'm twenty five, almost twenty six now, I didn't think I'd have to. Now put the knife down, Dad, before someone accuses you of being homicidal."

Randy complied, but gave his daughter a stern look.

"Regardless of how old an adult you are or not, that is still something your mother and I would like to hear about. Who is this boy anyway; if he really just a friend?"

Shelly heaved a sigh and put her fork down.

"I really, really don't want to get into it right now. I just got here...I want to get away from everything for the next three months. I promise I'll talk to you about it more, later. Right now, I just really want to enjoy my time." Shelly gave them a weak smile.

Randy and Sharon gave each other a glance, but both nodded.

"Alright. We won't bring it back up, but we will expect you to at some point later." Randy went back to his own steak, while Sharon gave her daughter a smile and went back to her salad.

Shelly smiled and resumed her own dinner. The only one left not eating was Stan, who'd been quiet this whole time, taking in the conversation. Something was apparently bothering his sister. Sure, school was tough and full of stress, but there was something else...maybe a lot more something else's. Whatever it was, Stan wanted to help Shelly through it.

- - -

"I don't know what is going on in that crazy ass brain of yours, but whatever you're planning, you'd better forget it."

"I'm not planning anything!"

Kyle rolled his eyes and glared at his brother.

"I've already planned it." A wide toothy smile crossed the teen's features.

"If Stan chooses to kick your ass, I'm not saving you just because we're related."

"Psh, He'll have to catch me first."

Kyle shook his head as the two came into view of the Marsh household. Kyle and Ike were planning on joining Stan, and eventually Kenny and Cartman, in an all day movie marathon. The group usually did this once a month, if not more.
Kyle glanced at the sky for a brief moment. None of them were exactly sure how or when it happened, but one day their crazy tangled group of four, became a crazy misshapen group of five. Somehow, Ike had wiggled his way into it, and no one bothered to have him wiggle out. He wasn't always with them, but for the most part he was. Sure, the kid had his own circle of friends and activities to do, but Ike had stated he felt more like himself with the four of them. Kyle just accepted it. Every time Ike tried to explain it, he could only understand half of what his brother was saying.

Speaking of which...Kyle turned around from where he was standing in front of Stan's front door. Ike was back next to the mail box.

"Ike, what the hell?"

"Just go on." The other waved at him.

Kyle grumbled something under his breath and knocked on the door.

- - -

Stan turned to the sound of the knock. "COMING!" He swore under his breath as he searched frantically for a towel to dry his hands. He'd been in the middle of washing the dishes, and lost track of time.

"Chill, I'll get it." Shelly said as she dropped a glass in the sink.

"Thanks."

Stan had told Shelly about the guy's movie day today, but she didn't really care. It was fine with her. She'd planned to walk around town today, maybe take in some sights or even do a little light shopping at some of the smaller family owned businesses. Basically a day of doing really nothing. Just an uneventful day, really.

Of course, an uneventful day can get pretty event filled when you innocently open your front door, only to have a huge ass snowball nail you in the face.

"AH FUCK!"

Shelly reeled back and bent over slightly. The stinging cold of snow and ice was never fun when you weren't expecting it. Then again, even in snowball fights, one never expects it. Swearing lightly to herself, she scampered upstairs just as Stan came out of the kitchen, looking rather confused. He stared at Kyle who shook his head rapidly, and then to a rather pale looking Ike.

"Am I in trouble?"

"You will be if she finds out it was you." Stan started to laugh.

"Joy..." The teen stepped in and past his brother. "I'm raiding the fridge!"

Kyle gave a face, which Stan waved off, muttering an 'I don't care' to Kyle's silent protest.

"You spoil him too much. Keep it up and I'll be out of a job."

Stan grinned. "Just shush and let's set up the movies. The others will be here soon."

- - -

"Na na na-na, na na..Bingo." Ike reached into the back of the fridge and claimed his prize happily. He loved coming over here, whether Kyle was with him or not. Stan was practically like a second brother to him, which was ironic as one time the two had been out shopping together (Kyle had been sick, the poor dear) and a woman had indeed mistaken them for brothers.

Turning about and closing the door with his foot, Ike's happy bubble was popped as he came face to face with. . .huh, that chick from the bookstore. Wait...the chick he just nailed with the snowball.

His eyes widened a little. Was this Shelly?

Shelly's eyes widened slightly before narrowing.

"You! You're Stan's little friend?!" She huffed out agitatedly.

The logical thing, Ike knew, would be to agree and apologies. The logical thing, Ike was sure, would be the best thing to do right now, as he was pretty sure she'd be able to catch him if he took off running. Ike knew this all, yet upon opening his mouth, couldn't fight back the sarcastic witted retort.

"No, I came in through the back door to steal yogurt."

- - -

"Ok, so what do you want to watch first? Midnight of the Scar, Shoo-Lewd and Crude, Rise of Darkness..."

"How about...Defiance? You haven't seen it yet."

"Bullshit, we're not watching that you Jew-rat! I ain't watching a movie that grossly portrays how horrible the Germans where, when we all know they weren't!"

"Cartman, I will kick your ass, so help me-"

"Let's watch Shoo-Lewd and Crude. It's fucking hilarious, and the chick's tits are fucking huge!"

"Alright, I think I'll agree with Kenny, for the sake of hilarity. You guys?"

"Better than that Jewish crap."

"Cartman-"

"Guys, can we just have one movie marathon day without you two trying to kill one another. Now we got the movie settled, who wants popcor- never mind, stupid question. I'll make three bags. Where did the remote go?"

" I think it's under-"

SMACK.

Four pairs of eyes turned towards the sound that emanated from the kitchen, only to see Shelly briskly walk out.

"I'm going out. Have fun." She spoke sharply, and with that, disappeared out the front door.

"Was that Shelly?" Cartman questioned.

"Dude, when did your sister actually become hot?"

"Ahh, dude." Stan shook his head at Kenny. "Come on, let's just get on with this. I'll get the popcorn... "

"Where's Ike?" Kyle wondered. "I thought he was getting something to munch on."

"Ike, hurry up, we're about to start! The yogurt is in the back, dude."

Ike walked out, towel in hand.

"Dude, what the hell?" Stan rose an eyebrow; the others just snickered. Ike proceeded to wipe the rest of what had been his yogurt off his face, though some was still in his hair.

"Yeah, I found the yogurt...and the yogurt found my face."

- X Ch 1 -

So, hope you peoples enjoy this fun little trip I have planned. XD It's gonna be crazy. Anywho, got all the grammer corrections I could find and fixed them. Enjoy peoples! :D Chapter 2 will be up shortly. :3