Love is a Battlefield, Volume 2

by CommanderHusky

The boys from South Park have gone trough a lot together, but now, as they start their teen years, a lot of things change. Multi volume, multi chaptered novel focused on the lives of the four main boys from South Park as they discover new things about themselves. Mostly focused on Kyman. Angst, comfort, hard themes and lots, lots of fluff. Rated M but with some MA content later

2. Chapter 2

Love is a Battlefield

Volume 2 Chapter 2

I don't wanna miss a thing

August 1

The huge crowd of busy and hurried people at the reception area of the airport was making Eric more nervous than he already was. Fidgeting anxiously, Eric looked at the crowd and back at his watch for the tenth time and sighed.

- He's not gonna be here any sooner just because you keep doing that you know? - Kenny said chuckling a little but not in a mocking way.

- I'm just too anxious... - Replied Eric with an exasperated tone - I can't bear to wait much longer to see him... - Eric grabbed his hands together and held them over his lap trying to stop himself from keeping moving them around, not knowing what to do with them.

- Hey, there's only ten more minutes until they let the passengers to come in here - Stan said with a reassuring tone while patting softly Eric's back - Everything's gonna be fine -

The chubby boy looked at the ceiling and then to his friends, smiling a little said - Thank you guys. I know that you're here to wait for Kyle because he's your friend, but I appreciate a lot that you're putting up with me... I must be really annoying to you right now... -

- You're annoying to us a lot more than just now - Laughed Kenny. Eric rolled his eyes but kept his smile - But we're not here just for Kyle you know? - Continued Kenny with a grin.

Eric looked at his friends with a puzzled frown and asked - What do you mean? -

- We're here for you too dumbass - Chuckled Stan - We would never let you bear this alone. We know how impatient and anxious you get over small things, so we know for sure that this must be almost unbearable to you... -

Eric looked to the floor for a second and then a big smile appeared on his face - Thank you guys... -

- Besides, we have to watch over you two and be sure that you don't make a scene right here - Said Kenny with a smirk - I mean, that would be a sight to be seen... But I don't think the people in here would appreciate having you two tearing the clothes off each other unto the floor and just doing it right there... Especially Kyle's parents... - Added the blond boy deepening his smirk.

- Quit it with that Kenny! - Said Stan smacking the back of Kenny's head - They're not some kind of desperate sex hounds always thinking about humping each other -

Stan looked at Eric and saw that the chubby boy's face had gone fully red and he was averting his gaze - At least not ALL the time... - Eric almost whispered with an embarrassed smirk on his lips.

- The things that I have to put up with... - Sighed Stan shaking his head and pinching the bridge of his nose, but with a light smile. Then, his expression went serious and said - Kenny's right about it though... I know that you must be dying to kiss your boyfriend again and such but, Kyle's parents will be in here too... -

- Ugh... I know! - Pouted Eric crossing his arms over his chest - This sucks. I can't wait for at least hugging him again, but I know you're right - Eric looked to the floor again and sighed - I wouldn't do anything to put Kyle in danger of his parents finding out about this. No matter how much I want to be with him right now -

- Don't worry dude, you'll have plenty of time for that later - Said Kenny, this time with a warm and reassuring smile - You still have at least two more weeks to catch up on all those missed kisses and hugs you didn't gave to each other over this whole month -

Eric smiled at the blond boy and said - You're right about that and I'm gonna make sure to make up for all this time we spent away from each other... -

- Already have planned something special? - Asked Stan.

- I've been thinking about a couple of things I would like to do with Kyle, yes... - Eric replied smiling. Then his smile faded a little and continued - I just hope that he's up for doing stuff... I mean, we still have two more weeks of summer vacations but I bet he will be really tired and such... -

- I wouldn't worry too much about that - Said Stan - I think that giving Kyle a day to rest after the trip will be more than enough for him to be filled with energy again - Stan chuckled a little - I don't know anyone as cheerful and energetic as Kyle... -

Eric chuckled too - You're right about that... He always seems to have a backup battery hidden somewhere that keeps him going even after all of us have long died out... -

- I bet that you would love to search where that battery could be... - Said Kenny smirking.

- If he lets me... - Replied Eric smirking too but completely blushed and looking away.

- Hey! You're talking about my friend here! Have some respect - Said Stan frowning and pushing Eric playfully - I will have to protect him from you two perverts... -

- Hey! I'm his boyfriend you know? - Said Eric bumping Stan with his elbow softly - I'm the one protecting him... - Eric chuckled - But you don't have to worry about this. I would never do anything that could make him feel bad or uncomfortable -

- I know... - Stan nodded with a smile - I mean, I can see that your love is true and I'm really happy for the both of you. Still, I'm not fully used to you and Kyle being together - Stan put a hand on Eric's shoulder and said - But you know? Now that I've seen the real you, I'm really happy that you two got together. I can see that you do so well to each other... -

- Thanks for that dude... - Eric smiled warmly at his friend - I will always do my best to keep Kyle happy and well -

As Kenny had said, ten more minutes passed by until the big screen over the center of the room announced that the passengers from Kyle's flight had already finished their time in the customs and baggage claim area. Soon, the doors of the reception area opened up, letting all the passenger to enter.

Eric jumped from the bench where he had been sitting and ran towards the cordoned entrance of the reception room. Kenny and Stan joined him as the chubby boy desperately scanned the incoming crowd looking for the person he had been waiting for an entire month. Suddenly, a flash of an intense red made Eric's heart skip a beat and he stepped on his tiptoes trying to see more clearly. Luckily, as some people moved away, Eric's face brightened up with a huge smile as he matched that bright tuft of red hair with a beautiful face that was also scanning the welcoming crowd, looking for something with a mix of concern and hope on its frame. Then, bright and intense emerald eyes crossed sights with deep and shining chocolate brown ones and Kyle's face beamed with a huge smile as he started to walk, almost run, towards his boyfriend.

Eric couldn't stand behind the cordon anymore and passing under it, started to walk towards Kyle feeling his heart beating faster than ever before. Dodging the sea of people that stood between them, Kyle and Eric finally met and for a split second it looked that neither of them was going to stop going forward, as if they were trying to just fuse into one another. But they did stopped, just a couple of feet away, breathing hard and with their hearts racing, not because they had almost ran to each other, but from the excitement of finally being so close after such a long time.

They both stood in front of the other, huge smiles on their blushed faces and gleeful, beaming eyes never breaking contact. Both Eric and Kyle needed to just throw their arms around each other bodies and close that unbearable gap that seemed to be continuing their separation for even a little more time, but they were also pretty much aware of their surroundings, so Eric, fidgeting nervously and with his hands pressed to his sides (so they could not go and involuntarily hug Kyle) said softly - Hello... -

Kyle's smile grew even more and letting out a sigh of pure joy replied - Hello... -

Eric bit his lower lip a little and said with the same joyful sigh - God... Your voice is so beautiful... - He chuckled nervously - And I needed to hear it again so much... -

Kyle blushed even more and looked away with such a cute embarrassment that Eric felt his heart melting. The ginger looked again to his boyfriend's eyes and said softly - I was needing to hear your beautiful voice to... - Kyle could feel his heart beating so hard and fast that it could pretty well have passed as a boat's engine. His hands felt slippery as he was fighting an actual physical urge to wrap his arms around Eric's waist and to press his needy lips against the soft and inviting ones of his boyfriend.

- Fuck... I need to kiss you so much right now... - Finally said Eric going back and forth with his gaze from Kyle's eyes to his lips - Like... I NEED to do it... -

Kyle exhaled loudly as his whole body and mind felt overwhelmed by pure and raw thirst and need at the sound of those words and the hungry tone that Eric had spoken them with - Dude... You're making it unbearably hard for me not to jump all over you right now... - Kyle finally let out chuckling nervously and biting his lower lip. But then, his smile faded and he looked around, not really seeing anything but feeling a thousand eyes spearing him and said - I missed you so much Eric... But... -

- Shh... Don't say anything more sweetie - Eric said putting a somewhat hesitant hand on Kyle's shoulder - We both understand our situation and there's no point in being sad about it now right? - His tone sounded so reassuring and calm to Kyle that it actually soothed his racing heart a little, but mostly it washed away the sadness that was trying to crawl into it.

Kyle nodded slightly and Eric's smile deepened. Squeezing gently Kyle's shoulder he continued - Today is a happy day and I won't let anything dampen the joy that we should be feeling now. Because I'm more than just happy to see you again my sweet and beautiful little guy... -

The red haired boy shook his head from side to side with a big smile and said - I don't know how you do it but you always manage to make me feel better with just a couple of words... - Kyle looked into the shining eyes of his boyfriend and said - I'm much more than happy to see you again too my gorgeous big guy... -

Just as Eric was about to say something, he saw Ike coming their way and immediately took a step back, suddenly realizing that he had been standing really close to Kyle the whole time. Seeing Eric's movement, Kyle frowned surprised and noticing that the chubby boy was looking at something behind him, Kyle turned around just as Ike was reaching them.

- Hey, why did you left like that? - Asked Ike with a concerned look. Then, he looked behind Kyle and saw Eric with his face completely red and gazing at the ceiling trying to look inconspicuous - Oh I see why... Hey Cartman - Ike said with a wide grin.

- Um... Hey Ike... - Replied Eric not wanting to look directly into the jet black eyes of Kyle's brother that were fixed on him with an almost wicked look.

Kyle looked at Eric for a second, noticing his obvious embarrassment and then back at his brother saying - I'm sorry Ike, I just saw the guys and wanted to come right away... -

- What guys? - Asked Ike still with a devious grin on his face - I only see Cartman here... -

- Um... Stan and Kenny are... – Eric started to stutter turning around to point at where he supposed his friends were still standing, but as he did that, he could see them coming closer and visibly relieved said - The guys are right there... They're just pretty slow... That's all -

- Kyle! - Exclaimed Kenny going directly towards his friend and wrapping his arm around Kyle's shoulders - How's our tropical adventurer doing? - The blond boy looked down and said with a grin - Hey Ike, had a nice trip back? -

- Hello Ken - Replied Ike smiling - I don't know about the trip, I slept the whole flight... -

- I get ya... That can get very boring... - Said Kenny ruffling Ike's hair with his free hand.

- Hey dude! - Said Stan smiling to Kyle - Wow, you're tanned. Spent much time at the beach I suppose? -

- Hello guys - Replied Kyle smiling too - You're right, I spent a lot of time at the beach or just walking around... I guess I had never spent so much under the sun before... -

- Well, that was the point of going to the Bahamas right? - Said Eric smiling warmly and looking much more relaxed.

- Of course - Replied Kyle, then he chuckled a little - But now I'm glad that I came back here... I mean, that place is beautiful but I understand now that I wasn't made for a tropical weather... -

- Yeah... I bet that it must be awful not getting to freeze your ass most of the year... - Said Kenny sarcastically - Or not having to wear like ten layers of clothes just to go to school... -

- Never said that South Park's weather was perfect, but I tell you, too much heat and humidity can ruin you... - Replied Kyle - I mean, I had a great time in there, but the heat was so exhausting... -

- I get what you're saying - Said Stan nodding - Even in LA the heat was really bad and at the end of the day I was so tired. It's nice to go for a couple of weeks but I don't know if I could live in there -

- Kyle! This is where you've been? - The boys turned around to see a very distressed Mrs. Broflovski standing behind her sons - Why did you left like that? I was so worried! -

- Sorry mom... - Replied Kyle looking down - I saw my friends and was so happy that I came running and didn't told you about it... -

- Well son, we understand you - Said Mr. Broflovsky smiling - But please, at least tell us first the next time okay? -

- I'll do that dad - Nodded Kyle smiling too - Sorry I got you worried... -

- Just be more careful next time bubby - Said Kyle's mother - You never know who might be hiding in such a crowd waiting to take you away... -

- Don't be so paranoid - Said Mr. Broflovski - Still, you gotta be careful son -

- I know dad - Said Kyle.

Kyle's father nodded and then, looking at the other boys smiled and said - Hello guys. You all came to wait for Kyle? -

- Hello Mr. Broflovski - Smiled Stan - Yeah, we all came to wait for him... -

- Aww that's so cute - Said Mrs. Broflovski smiling - You have such nice friends bubby... They all came to welcome you... -

- Well, not all of them... - Said Kyle giving a quick glance at Kenny and then looking down a little.

The blond boy looked away and Kyle's mother asked - Who's missing? I thought that you four were the closest ones to each other... -

- Um... Butters couldn't come... - Said Eric. He looked at Kenny a little apologetically and continued - He didn't wanted to leave his house... Said he wasn't feeling okay... -

Kenny looked at Eric worriedly and asked - Really? - Eric nodded looking away.

- Butters... - Said Kyle's father thoughtfully - You mean the Stotch's boy? -

- Yeah - Replied Kyle - He has become very close to us lately... -

- I'm sorry that he wasn't feeling okay... - Said Mrs. Broflovski, then she exchanged a worried glance with her husband who had the same look on his eyes.

Kyle noticed that and asked - Why do you two have that look? -

- Oh it's nothing bubby... - Replied Kyle's mother - We're just hoping that he he gets better, that's all... -

- Well people, we should get ourselves moving now - Said Mr. Broflovski - We should get home soon so we can have some rest... -

- Of course - Said Eric looking at Kyle - I bet you must be tired... Sorry for keeping you in here... -

- Don't apologize - Kyle chuckled a little - It was really nice that you all came here. We still have to pick a cab to go back home, how are you gonna get back? -

- My dad brought us here - Answered Stan - He's waiting in the car like the other time -

- Oh right - Said Kyle - Well, maybe we could do something tomorrow? -

- Bubbe... Shouldn't you get some rest? You still have a lot of time to be with your friends - Said Mrs. Broflovski.

- Yeah but... - Started Kyle.

- Hey, your mother is right... - Interrupted Eric - Even if you were on vacations you must be really tired and you should have at least a quiet day to rest. We still have time to do things together -

Kyle looked at his boyfriend's warm smile and nodded smiling - You're right... - Kyle looked at his friends and said - Thank you again guys for coming here -

- Don't thank us so much dude - Smiled Kenny - It's nice to do this kind of things for a friend -

- Let's get going then - Said Kyle's father grabbing again the bags he had dropped on the floor - Don't you want me to walk you to your father's car? I could do it after carrying the bags to the cab... -

- Oh no, we don't want to bother you - Replied Stan - We're fine by ourselves, it's not that far anyways -

- So um... Goodbye then... - Said Eric looking at Kyle and trying not to sound too disappointed.

Kyle stared at the husky boy for a couple of seconds, he was feeling tired indeed, but the need to spend at least a little more time with his boyfriend was so huge that an idea came to his mid. Turning around to look at his parents Kyle asked - Mom, dad... Could I go back home with the guys in Stan's dad's car? I'll help you carry the bags to the cab and I promise to help carrying them when we get home too... -

Kyle's parents looked at each other and then Mr. Broflovski smiled to Kyle - That's okay son. But after we carry the bags to the cab you will let me walk all of you to the car okay? -

- Sure! Thanks dad - Kyle said with a big smile on his face. He turned around and saw Eric with a huge smile on his face too and beaming with joy knowing that they would have a little more time together that night.

All the guys immediately grabbed the Broflovski's bags and they all went to the cab stop outside the airport. Mrs. Broflovski approached the first cab on the waiting line and talked to the driver and asked him to open the trunk to get their bags inside. Then, the others loaded the bags into the cab and Kyle's mother and brother got inside the cab to wait for Mr. Broflovski.

Stan, Kenny, Kyle and Eric walked to the airport's parking lot accompanied by Kyle's father and reached Stan's father car. They all got inside while the two boy's parents talked for a little while. Mr. Broflovski approached the passenger window on the back of the car where Kyle was sitting and said - Well, take care and we'll see you at home. If you get there before us wait there okay? I've already asked Randy for that -

- Okay dad - Nodded Kyle - See you later -

Kyle's father walked back to the cab as Stan's father started the car and left the parking lot. As the car was leaving the airport, Eric, who was sitting in the middle of the back seat with Kenny and Kyle to each side, looked at his boyfriend and whispered with a big smile - Thanks for asking your father to come with us... I was needing to spend some more time with you so badly... -

Kyle looked at Eric's eyes and whispered - I was needing to be with you a little longer too sweetheart... I've missed you so much... - Then, looking to the front and then down to the seat where his thigh was making contact with Eric's, to make sure that no one could see them, Kyle hesitantly grabbed Eric's hand and held it tightly as a shy smile appeared on his lips and his cheeks turned red.

Eric was caught by surprise by that, but immediately made his and Kyle's fingers to intertwine while his cheeks also became red and his heart started to beat faster at the so needed and awaited contact - I've missed you too so much... - Whispered huskily Eric while squeezing Kyle's hand gently.

The boys spent the rest of the journey holding each other's hands and looking at one another as much as they could. As if with that, they could make up for the lack of hugging and kissing they were feeling at the moment, because both of them needed so much to feel the other's body pressed against their own and to have their lips fused into a warm and loving kiss.

Kyle was feeling like a pressure pot that was accumulating heat with every glance he took at Eric. Every little smile, every knowing wink, every lip bite that the chubby boy displayed was making Kyle's heart beats to rise in speed so intensely that he could hear it thumping on his head, making his judgment to become number with every second and a loud voice screamed inside Kyle's head that he should at least steal a quick kiss from those plump and juicy lips that looked so inviting and delicious.

Things weren't going easier for Eric either. All those gestures that were making Kyle's need to rise were produced by the husky boy's own almost unbearable need to just grab Kyle into a tight embrace, squeezing the red haired boy's body against his own while his lips and tongue relished into the softness and warmth of Kyle's mouth.

But not all of it was raw lust between the two boys. With every laugh, every dumb joke and every quick glance accompanied by reddened cheeks and glistening eyes, the boy's hearts grew and their chest felt warmer and filled with love and the immense joy of finally, after such a long time, being able to look at each other and to hear one another's voices.

As they were entering South Park, a turn around the mountains finally cleared the view of the sky and a beautiful and huge full moon shined over them, illuminating Kyle and Eric's faces as they looked to each other. With the sudden increase in the light, Kyle looked outside the window and stared at the moon smiling. Then, he turned around and squeezing Eric's hand gently whispered - Look, our friend came out to see how we were doing together... -

Eric chuckled and stared at Kyle with an adoring look on his eyes and whispered - Well, we should thank her for keeping us a little closer all these days... - Eric sighed and caressed the back of Kyle's hand with his thumb - I know I gotta thank her for keeping me a little more calmed... I mean, I really felt like we were somehow connected... - The chubby boy chuckled again - Well, it's a satellite after all -

Kyle chuckled too and felt the usual butterflies in his stomach that he felt every time that Eric did something cute. He had missed that feeling so much and being able to have it again made his happiness to reach even higher. Looking at the beautiful brown eyes of his boyfriend, Kyle whispered - Your jokes are so lame sometimes... - Eric raised an eyebrow and then turned around his head in faked disgust. Kyle chuckled again and continued - But I love them... And I missed them so much -

Eric couldn't help but to smile and desisted from maintaining his expression. He turned his head again and said - Well, I missed hearing you laugh a lot... So you can expect much more lame jokes coming from me... - Kyle smiled warmly and caressed the back of Eric's hand with his thumb.

Not long after, the boys reached their neighborhood and Stan's father said - Well, I think it would be best if we stop by Kenny's house first right? -

- Sure, thanks a lot for doing it - Said Kenny - Although I could walk there too... It's no big deal -

- It's almost 9pm, I won't let any of you to walk back home so late - Replied Mr. Marsh - I know you're growing up but you're still kids -

- I know... Thanks again - Nodded Kenny.

The car finally pulled over in front of Kenny's house and he got out of the vehicle. Going around to the window where Kyle was sitting beside to, the blond boy knocked on the glass and waived to his friends yelling with a smile - Call me if you want to do something these days okay? -

Kyle lowered the window and replied - Of course. We have to do something together soon - He waived to Kenny and said - See you Kenny, thanks for going to the airport -

- No need to thank me - Said Kenny smiling - See ya - He waived once more and headed to the front door of his house.

After Kenny got inside the house, Stan's father drove away and to Eric's house. Kyle felt a slight sting on his heart because he knew that there were only just a few more minutes to spend with his boyfriend, at least for that night, but after such a long separation, he was needing to spend a lot more time than the couple of hours they have had just now.

Eric was having the same thoughts and he sighed sadly, gently squeezing Kyle's hand when the car stopped in front of his house. Looking at his boyfriend's eyes Eric said with a sad tone - Well... This is my stop... -

Kyle looked at him with sadness on his eyes and said - I know... - Then, a light smile appeared on Kyle's lips and whispered - But at least we got to spend a little time together... -

Eric's expression lightened up too and said - You're right... Even if it were for just a while it was still awesome -

Kyle gently let go of Eric's hand and opened the door to step outside the car so the chubby boy could also get outside. They stood there for a couple of seconds, just staring at each other with longing on their eyes and the need of spending that night together growing to unbearable levels on their hearts.

Eric looked inside the car for a second and saw that Stan's father was looking in the opposite direction, so, taking a deep breath and gathering his strength, the husky boy got closer to Kyle and gave in to the need he had been having during all their trip. Hungrily but still softly, Eric wrapped his arms around Kyle's neck and pressed the smaller boy to his body, letting out a big sigh as the warm and so needed embrace both calmed his anxiety and made his heart beat faster.

Kyle immediately wrapped his arms around Eric's torso too and hugged his boyfriend tightly, finally fulfilling the desire he had been feeling since he saw the chubby boy standing at the airport waiting for him.

The embrace only lasted for a couple of seconds though. Both boys were needing each other madly but they were also pretty much aware of Mr. Marsh's presence. They let go of each other gently, taking as much time as they could as their hands brushed each other's bodies. Finally, they stared at each other with big smiles and reddened cheeks, feeling their hearts beating crazily both with the rush of finally being together again and with the joyful and immense love they felt for one another.

- I should be going now... - Said Eric trying to sound nonchalant but his smile had faded a little - We don't want anyone to be suspecting anything... -

Kyle looked to the floor and sighed sadly - I know... -

- Hey... Don't feel bad about this - Said Eric softly - We'll have plenty more time to be together -

- I know that - Replied Kyle looking at his boyfriend's eyes with a couple of tears on his own - But this sucks... I mean... -

- I know what you mean - Said Eric reassuringly while putting a hand on Kyle's shoulder - But it's better to keep things like this for a little while. Until everything is ready... - Eric squeezed gently his boyfriend's shoulder and smiled - Now, give me a smile okay? I don't want to say goodbye to you if you're all sad... -

Kyle chuckled lightly and smiled at Eric - Yeah... I don't wanna say goodbye like that either... - He took a deep breath and said - I'll call you tomorrow okay? And we'll arrange something for the week... I don't want to spend any more time away now that I'm finally back -

Eric nodded smiling and said - Sure, but get some rest okay? You need it. - He let go of Kyle's shoulder and said - Goodnight Kyle... -

- Goodnight Eric... - Replied Kyle smiling - And thanks for coming to the airport... It was great to have you there... -

- I wouldn't have missed that for anything - Said Eric with a grin. Then, he started to walk to his house and once at the door, he turned around and waived to Kyle who had already gotten into the car. The red haired boy waived back smiling and Mr. Marsh started to drive away.

Just a couple of minutes after, they were pulling over in front of the Broflovski residence. Kyle's parents hadn't arrived yet so he and Stan got out of the car to wait for them outside since there was a nice breeze blowing in the night air.

The boys sat at the entrance of Kyle's house and he said - Thanks dude... I really appreciate that you went to the airport today - Kyle blushed a little and continued - And I should really thank your father also for letting me come with you... I was... Needing that -

- We all could see that - Chuckled Stan - For a second I feared that Kenny was going to be right about you and Eric... -

- What do you mean? - Kyle asked puzzled.

- Well, he said that we would have to separate you two before you started to make a scene right there in the waiting hall... - Stan was trying to suppress a laugh - And dude... When Eric just went under the ropes and towards you... And the way you two were staring at each other... I mean, that was almost palpable you know? -

Kyle's face had gone completely red and was looking down with embarrassment. He chuckled a little and said sheepishly - Um... It took a lot of self-control to not end up like that indeed... When I had him in front of me, all blushed and cute but at the same time with that... I don't know... Kinda hungry look on his eyes... - Kyle exhaled deeply and chuckled again - I never thought it could be possible to feel something so strong... I never imagined that I could be feeling something like that. And even less than someone else would be feeling like that towards me... - Kyle looked at the sky and smiled deeply - You know... This time we spent separated... It made me realize how much I love Eric. I mean, I knew that I loved him before, when he started to do all those wonderful things for me and we got to spend some time together, as friends and as something else... But this last month, being away from him for so long... I woke up every morning and went to sleep every night thinking that I needed him right there with me... And not only that. We wrote to each other a lot, almost every day and every time that he said to me that he wasn't feeling okay, I felt my heart aching and a huge need of being there by his side, doing all I could to make him feel fine and happy... - The red haired boy looked at his friend and said with a deep honesty - Stan... I think I'll never love anyone so much in my life... I'm still amazed at how, in the span of just six months we went from sworn enemies to besotted lovers... But this feels so right. As we came here in the car, holding hands and whispering nice things to each other, I really felt that if this wasn't true love, then it doesn't exists... -

Stan just stared at his friend for a couple of seconds and then said - Dude... That was... Beautiful - He chuckled a little - I knew that you were kinda crazy for each other. That was easy to see. But now I see that there's so much more - The black haired boy smiled and continued - I'm so happy for you. For both of you. I must admit that I had a lot of doubts about all this, especially after so many years of fights and confrontations... But now, it's like you're both completely different persons, and in the best way possible. I gotta give it to Kenny, after hearing you talking like this I gotta admit that he was right... You two were made for each other -

Kyle looked at his friend with somewhat watery eyes and said - You really think that? I mean... - He smiled again - I feel that too sometimes... When we sleep together, when we hug... It's like even our bodies fit together so well... And when we're talking or doing something nice and he smiles to me I just feel so complete... I really love him - Kyle chuckled a little - And the best part is that I feel he really loves me so much too... Sometimes I even feel he loves me even more... - With those words, Kyle's smile faded a little and he looked away.

- Hey... Don't say that - Stan said looking at Kyle and putting his hand on the red haired boy's shoulder - He loves you greatly, that is so obvious. It's like he devotes his life to you, which sometimes it frankly scares me a little... But even if you don't realize about it, both me and Kenny can see how much you love him also. And I know that he's feeling loved. He's not been anywhere near as happy ever as he has been on these months since you two started to go out. And when you finally asked him to be your boyfriend all of us could see a completely different Eric. It's like he's shinning with joy and that is your work. Not only because he loves to be with you, but because for the first time in his life he feels really loved -

Kyle laughed a little and wiped the tears from his eyes - Fuck... And here I was thinking that we were so good at hiding everything and you're telling me that we're so obvious... -

- Just to us that we know about it all - Chuckled Stan - Don't worry. I don't think anyone at school has the slightest idea about you two -

- Well, that's good to hear… Kinda… - Said Kyle sighing – Stan, I'm feeling so bad for hiding all this. I know that it's for the best, that we gotta wait for the right moment to come out with this but, I feel so guilty – The green eyes of the boy turned watery again and said – Why I always have to be so difficult to everyone? If it's not my mother not letting me do something with you guys, it's my own fears and insecurities ruining things, or even worse, my hot headed stubbornness that blinds me with anger over some stupid paranoid thing that I make up inside my mind and that almost got Eric… - Kyle stopped talking before his voice completely broke and just started to sob angrily, clutching his fists while tears ran down his cheeks.

Stan squeezed Kyle's shoulder and said softly but firmly – Hey, look at me – Reluctantly, Kyle looked at his friend and Stan continued – This is not your fault. Sometimes things don't go the way we want and you can't control what your mother or other people do or think, so stop feeling guilty about not being able to show everyone what you have with Eric. That is not something you chose. We all know that it's better to play it safe for now because we all know that things could go very wrong about that and the last thing anyone wants, specially Eric, is something bad happening between you and your family because of this. So stop feeling bad and just enjoy that you have a nice boyfriend that loves you and supports you on your decisions. Yes, it sucks having to be hiding something like this, but someday you will be able to tell everyone and you'll see that the wait was really worth it… -

Stan smiled reassuringly to his friend and Kyle nodded slightly – Of course you're right about this – Said Kyle – Still feels like shit… -

- I know – Replied Stan – But sometimes great things can be a little challenging – The black haired boy knitted his brows worriedly then and said – Hey… About what happened that day, I thought you were over it –

- How can anyone be really over something like that? – Asked Kyle looking away with frustration and sadness on his eyes – I'm just not letting it consume me anymore. But I will never forget what I did to Eric – Kyle took a deep breath and then scoffed – Fuck. I can't believe he still loves me after all of that… I mean, he was giving me all of his love in one of the cutest and most tender ways I've ever seen and I just… Crushed him… - Kyle was starting to have some trouble breathing and his body was starting to tremble with anguish and self loathe. Even if he had tried to fight against those horrible feelings since his talk with Eric on the night of his birthday party, Kyle would always feel like that whenever he thought about their fight and the dreadful consequences of it.

Stan visibly worried and feeling the pain of his friend, gently grabbed both of Kyle's shoulders and said firmly – Kyle stop with this now – Kyle looked at him with reddened eyes full of tears and the sadness painted on his face. But he tried to control himself and started to breathe more calmly. Stan's expression eased a little and continued – Listen, what happened that night sure was horrible and you're right, none of us will ever forget about it. But you said that you're not letting it consume you and now you're doing exactly that. Kyle, I'll never truly understand what you're feeling about this, but I do know that you can't let the sadness to take over your heart again. If there's something good you can take from that night is the knowledge of what you must never let happen again. It's true, sometimes you let your anger to take the best of you and bad things happen. But you can't let something like this to crush you, instead use this to remind you to always keep a cool head. Especially when it comes to Eric – Stan chuckled - We all know that the guy needs a lot of patience from the people around him… -

Kyle's expression eased up and a light smile appeared on his lips – You're right again… - Kyle said sighing – It's just that, I want to take care of Eric so much… I need to protect him so badly and still I did this to him… - The red haired boy took a deep breath and continued – But I gotta be strong, for him at least. I don't want that night to define our relationship – Kyle looked at Stan's eyes and said – Do you know that the night of my birthday party we almost broke up? –

Stan's eyes widened and he asked surprised – Really? Because of this? –

Kyle nodded looking away and said – Yeah… I was feeling so overwhelmed about what had happened and thought that the best I could do to be sure that something like this never happened again was to keep myself away from him… - The emerald eyed boy scoffed – But he didn't let me do it… He said he wanted to fight for us and that he wanted me to fight too. He said that being together was the best that had happened to us and it would be a mistake to lose it for a fuck up… - Kyle looked at the sky and wiped his tears as a light smile appeared on his lips again – And he was right of course. Being with him is the best that has happened to me and it would have been a real shit to lose him… But still, I'm kinda, I don't know, afraid maybe? Of how devoted he is into us… Don't get me wrong, I'm not having doubts and I want to fight for us, but sometimes I fear that he could do something crazy just for us to stay together… -

- Are you afraid for you or for him? – Asked Stan frowning a little.

- The latter mostly… - Replied Kyle looking at his friend – I mean, at first I was afraid that he was going to be a possessive boyfriend, like those idiots that doesn't let their couples do stuff if it's not with them around and such… And knowing him there was a really big chance of that happening. But he has been incredibly mature and great about that and I'm really happy of it. But what worries me is that sometimes it seems that he loves me so much that he could bear with things he don't really like just to keep me around… Maybe he is possessive and jealous but he doesn't want to tell me because he fears that I'll go away… And I can't stand that thought either. Because we're together to be happy and if he's doing something like that then it wouldn't be true love but more of an obsession… - Kyle frowned and sighed exasperated – Fuck! Why I can't just feel happy about being with him? Why do I have to be always thinking shit like this? –

- Hey, don't feel bad about thinking stuff like this – Said Stan reassuringly – It doesn't means that you don't love Eric or that you don't enjoy being with him. On the contrary, this shows that this relationship is really important to you and that you want it to be perfect. I understand all of your concerns, they also wandered through my head when Wendy and I were about to break up… But the best you can do about this is to talk with Eric. Tell him all of this; let him know how you're feeling. That is the best way to take all those thoughts out of your head and to be closer to each other –

- It feels like the words are losing meaning for saying them so much but, you are right… - Kyle chuckled – I was wanting to talk with Eric about this and some other things that we wrote each other over this last month – The red haired boy smiled and wiping the tears from his face said – You know? I'm really proud of him… He's been so mature and nice since he started to change. I know that it's difficult for him, but he's really giving his best into it and every day I can see how a great person he is – Kyle chuckled - And it's not just my spellbound heart who's talking here. Even if we were just friends, I could still see how nice and good Eric is and how great he will be if he keeps growing like this –

- Well, as a friend whose heart isn't blinded by Eric – Said Stan laughing – I can see that too. He has become such a great guy and the best of it is that he's still the same driven and passionate guy from before, but now, instead of using all his abilities to do evil shit, he's found something better to set his mind on to –

- Well, it wouldn't have been the same if he just had gone numb… - Said Kyle – I mean, I love this gentle and nice Eric, but I also love the passion he shows for the things he cares about –

- He's a strong guy – Said Stan – It wouldn't have been easy for him to just become a softie… -

- He's kinda scared about it – Chuckled Kyle – He talks often about his feelings and he says such nice things and to him that's kinda softie territory still… -

- That must be terrifying to him – Laughed Stan – But I'm sure that he will feel better about all that with time. He's still the toughest of us all and I think he will always be and it doesn't matter how much he talks about his feelings or how many nice things he does, Eric Cartman will never be a softie… - Stan scoffed – Don't tell him I said all that though… He's being a great guy but he would still love to rip on me about all this… -

- Well, you're right about that – Kyle laughed – His jokes have become more playful and less insulting but he still loves to be all smug and to feel superior – The ginger glanced at the sky with a thoughtful look – I'm not sure anymore if that's a bad thing… I mean, the confidence he shows almost all the time is so unnerving sometimes but also so inspiring… I wish I could be a little more like that –

- You are a really confident guy – Replied Stan – You just don't like to brag about things but you show a lot of confidence when it's needed. Besides, Eric is very headstrong and doesn't hesitate a lot, but I think he's kinda insecure… -

- You've noticed that too? – Asked Kyle looking at his friend – For a guy that has gone through the stuff that happened to him, Eric sure looks to have a great self-esteem. But sometimes I too see him so vulnerable and insecure… You know, that's one of the things I like the most of him. Even if he has those fragile moments, he doesn't let them drown him. He just keeps pushing forward. Especially when he has a goal on his mind –

- Still, he has become more contemplative right? – Said Stan – At least I don't see him so reckless as before. Even when he was set on being your boyfriend, he never pushed beyond the limits you had imposed and he showed a lot of patience and control… -

- Yeah, even at some moments when I almost lost control, he always kept us in line – Replied Kyle smiling. Then he chuckled – If it weren't for the fact that he doesn't have a weird beard on his face I would say he's the Eric from the other dimension… -

- He could have shaved it – Laughed Stan.

Kyle joined in the laugh and then, a little more calmly said – Do you think we'll be able to maintain this happiness? –

- Are you having doubts about your future together? – Asked Stan worriedly.

- God no! – Replied Kyle shaking his head. Then he sighed – It's just that we had our little moments of peace before, where we got along really fine and enjoyed a lot being close to each other. But those moments were so fleeting and they always ended up in a big fight that got us a little more apart each time… - Kyle looked to the floor and continued – I'm just a little afraid that something could take this beautiful thing from us… -

Stan gently patted Kyle's back and said – I wouldn't be so worried about that if I were you… Dude, the seed of your relationship was born on a night full of pain and sorrow and it flourished on the barren grounds of all the years you spent fighting and hating each other, slowly making your time together to be a fertile ground again for the many beautiful things that can happen in the future. That flower even braved the awful hail of that night before your birthday and it became even stronger than before. Now it even went through a month long dry of missing each other and the very second that you laid eyes on one another again tonight you realized that the roots of this relationship are stronger than you have imagined and I'm sure that it will become a huge and beautiful tree someday, thanks to the nourishment of the love you have for each other –

Kyle stared at Stan for a while with wide eyes and his mouth a little agape, his face with an expression of total awe. Slowly and quietly Kyle said – Dude… Where did all that come from? – Kyle blinked a couple of times as Stan looked away blushing a little – I mean, that was so freaking beautiful! I'm sorry; I'm still surprised by all that… I never thought you had such a poet inside you… -

- I don't know about being a poet… - Chuckled Stan with embarrassment – But I do like to read a lot and well… Sometimes I like to write a little too… -

- You write? – Asked Kyle really surprised and with his eyes widening even more – But why I didn't knew anything about this? Why you never told me you liked to write? –

- I don't know… - Replied Stan looking to the floor – Maybe because I'm embarrassed of it a little… Maybe because everyone thinks that I'm just another dumb simpleton that will only triumph in life by being a quarterback and that if I stray from football I will just end up being a poor idiot with a shitty job and a regretting wife… -

- Who's that "everyone"? – Asked Kyle with a deep frown – Because neither me nor the other guys think anything near that. We all know that you are a really smart and great guy who could do anything he wanted –

- Well… Mostly my parents… - Answered Stan looking away sadly – At least when they do think about me… - The black haired boy sighed – My father says that I shouldn't waste my time reading and that I should only concentrate in football practice and in getting a football scholarship on a good college team so maybe I could be spotted by some NFL team… He says that's the only good chance I have of being someone –

- That's a load of crap and you know it! – Exclaimed Kyle getting very angry – Maybe you don't have the best grades at school but I know that if you applied a little more to it you could get into any college you wanted in the future and you could choose any career you liked. And yes, you are a great football player, but you have many other talents too. Just look at the beautiful things you said right now. That was some Dickens' grade stuff dude! – Stan smiled a little and Kyle continued – If this was just a little example of what you can do, I'm sure you can be a great writer in the future if you keep going with that –

Stan raised his eyes and smiled warmly at Kyle – Thanks dude. I've been having all this inside me for a long time and I thought everyone would just laugh at me if I told them I liked this kind of stuff… - The black eyed boy tilted his head a little and looked away – I'm not sure still if I really want to be a writer in the future. I just know I like to do it now and I like to think that I could have a life outside sports… Don't get me wrong, I love football and I want to keep playing at least until I finish high school. But every day I'm surer that I don't want to play for the rest of my life as a professional –

- Well that's understandable – Kyle nodded – And rest assured that whatever you wanna do with your life, we'll support you all the way. You can count on us okay? –

Stan nodded with a big smile on his lips – I know. Thanks… -

- And now that I know about this… - Said Kyle with a devious grin – You won't get away without showing me at least a little something of your writing… -

- I knew I shouldn't have said anything… - Chuckled Stan. Then he rolled his eyes – Well, maybe someday I'll let you have a look… But I'm too embarrassed about it still –

- I won't pressure you of course – Replied Kyle smiling – But you shouldn't feel embarrassed about something like that. You know that I love to read and I think that writing is one of the less recognized yet most important crafts for the human being. And even if you feel you're not as good as you would like, you should know that even by just writing a little piece of something that comes from your heart you'll have accomplished something great and should be proud of it –

Stan chuckled a little and said – Hey, you're not bad at this either… Did you ever considered getting into the writing world? –

- I don't know… - Chuckled Kyle – I love to read a lot, so sometimes that particular way of expressing what's inside my head comes out like this… But I don't know if I could actually be a writer… That takes a patience and hard work that I don't know if I could manage to handle… -

- What are you talking about? – Asked Stan knitting his brow – You're one of the most applied and hardworking guys I've ever known. This should be a piece of cake to you –

- Maybe I'm applied when it comes to school stuff – Replied Kyle – But I don't know if I could actually write a story out of nothing… And even if sometimes I can manage to organize my words when I need to do a lecture or a speech, I don't know if I could have the kind of passion that a writer needs –

- I'm getting your point – Said Stan nodding – Still, you should give it a try sometimes. At least for me it's something really calming and always manages to get me out of a bad mood if I'm having a shitty day… -

- I'm really happy to hear that you found something like that… - Said Kyle smiling – I wish I could find the same too… I mean, for now, that something is Eric… - He blushed and chuckled a little – But I would like to have something to do on my own too… -

- I'm sure you'll find that dude – Smiled Stan – There are tons of things that could give you that same feeling, you just gotta try the ones that could seem more appealing –

- I know – Nodded Kyle – But for now I'm happy to have Eric and you guys for that –

- Hey, thanks again for being so supportive with this – Said Stan.

- Of course I was going to be supportive dude, you're my best friend – Smiled Kyle – And you've been so great to me with a lot of stuff before… This is the least I could do –

- Nonsense – Replied Stan shaking his head – You've been great with me to so many times. We've always backed each other up and I just hope that that never changes –

- I hope so too – Said Kyle smiling warmly.

Just then the boys saw a cab approaching and finally pulling over in front of Kyle's house, just behind Mr. Marsh's car. They stood up and walked towards it as Kyle's family got out of the cab.

Kyle hurried to the back of the car to help with the bags and Stan helped him. They carried the bags towards the front door of the house while Kyle's father paid the cab driver.

- Thanks for letting me come with you and for waiting out just now – Kyle said smiling at Stan.

- Don't mention it – Replied Stan – You know, Eric is not the only one that missed you – The black haired boy chuckled – But I'm sure that he's the only one that missed you in THAT way… -

Kyle chuckled too and said – I've missed you too dude. I really hope we get to hang out a lot before school starts again –

- Same here – Said Stan – Well, I should be going now. I'm sure you need to rest and to be honest, I'm a little tired too –

- Sure – Replied Kyle – I'll call you on the week and we'll arrange to do something okay? –

- Yeah, of course – Smiled Stan –Good night dude, it was great to see you again –

- It was great to see you too dude – Replied Kyle smiling.

Stan went to his father's car and waived to Kyle before going inside. The red haired boy waived back as the car was starting to leave and then he turned around and got inside the house, carrying one of the bags that were still at the door.

Feeling really tired from the flight but also greatly happy from the little talk he had with Stan just now and mostly from the whole trip in the car next to Eric, Kyle carried his bag to his bedroom and just left it next to the bed as he started to undress, needing a good night of sleep.

***Disclaimer: I don't own the South Park characters or any of the brand names mentioned in this story. I don't own any of the songs mentioned on the story or used as chapter titles.

***Chapter title's song is I don't wanna miss a thing by Aerosmith