Sorry for the delay. This chapter went through several iterations and I had some real life stuff to take care of. However, this is not the final chapter. Right now I am unsure whether the story will end at five or six chapters.


Kyle ran back up to Kenny's room and handed him a small glass of water and an aspirin.

Kyle: Here. It's not a cure, but it should make you feel better.
Kenny: ...Thanks, Kyle.

"You're sweet."

Kenny took the aspirin and looked at Kyle, who looked even more worried than when he died from muscular dystrophy when they were kids. Of course, Kyle didn't remember that, but he did. He remembered everything.

The boys sat there for a long time without saying anything to each other, each lost in his own thoughts.
Kyle was going back and forth between Kenny's current condition and what Stan told him earlier, whereas Kenny felt that he was lying to Kyle for not telling him about his feelings. He kept trying to psyche himself up, but every time he opened his mouth to speak, nothing came out.
Eventually, Kenny fell asleep. Kyle sat in silence, just staring at Kenny, trying to find even the slightest sign of discomfort.
Stan's voice rang in his head again, but this time, he was unable to ignore it. He sighed and started thinking about what he said, looking around Kenny's room, trying to find something else to think of. Stan was right about one thing – he did care more about Kenny than Stan and Cartman, but they were just closer. Cartman was an asshole and, although Stan and Kyle got back together shortly after Stan found a way to deal with his newfound personality quirk, their friendship just wasn't the same. Stan still did everything he used to do, but Kyle could tell he wasn't really enjoying himself, or at least not as much as he thought he should be.

"Maybe Stan's right about..."

Kyle now focused on Kenny and the look on his face while he was sleeping

"You sure look cute when you're asleep..."

He had always thought Kenny was pretty, but he also thought that was obvious to anyone who wasn't blind, and he wasn't ashamed that he thought what he did. However, he would never admit it to any of his friends. Although he wasn't big on homophobia, Cartman, Craig, Clyde and probably even Kenny himself would shun him (or worse) if they knew he thought Kenny was cute.
A thought occurred to him: Was it really obvious to everyone, even other boys, that Kenny was pretty? Or was Stan right and was trying to rationalize it? Either way, there was probably only one person who could tell him for sure, while keeping it a secret – Stan himself. If Stan didn't think that Kenny was cute, the conclusion was obvious. Unfortunately, getting him to answer that question without a "You have a crush on him" speech would be difficult.

"This better be worth it..."

Kyle got his possible crush on Kenny out of his mind and focused on his condition again. He would've left to go talk to Stan, but Kenny needed him right now, and that was more important to him than any personal problems he might have.


Kyle back and forth in Kenny's room for what seemed like hours, checking on him every couple of minutes, until he finally woke up, groaning.

Kenny: How long was I out?
Kyle: Dunno.
Kenny: Have you been in my room this whole time?
Kyle: ...Yeah.

"That's not creepy at all."

Kenny: You could've gone home, you know.
Kyle: ...Do you want me to?
Kenny: That's not what I meant... I meant that you don't have to stay here if you don't want to; I can take care of myself.
Kyle: You have a high fever and you sound like shit. I don't care how strong you think you are, you're in no condition to take care of yourself.

Of course, those weren't the only reasons. Kyle didn't just think that Kenny needed someone to take care of him right now, he wanted to be that someone.

Kenny: Alright, mom.

Kyle was slightly insulted, even though he knew Kenny meant it as a joke, but he didn't say anything about it. Kenny started thinking about his parents – how they had been fighting more often than usual, how they had been leaving the house together and how he really needed to know what they had been doing. He would probably be in bed for the next couple of days, though, so he needed someone to go check on them before it was too late. However, he couldn't ask Kyle for help. Although he wanted to know about what his parents were doing, he wanted to be around Kyle even more.

Kenny: ...Can you go get me a beer or something?
Kyle: You shouldn't drink when you're sick. How about some tea?

"Not my favorite thing to drink... but I guess it gives me more than enough time to call Butters and convince him to follow my parents around town."

Kenny: ...Sure. Thanks.

As soon as Kyle left the room, Kenny grabbed his phone and started dialing Butters' number. Butters noticed Kenny didn't sound very well, and after Kenny was able to convince Butters he was being taken care of, they had a long discussion on the legality and invasion of privacy of following his parents, but eventually Butters (reluctantly) agreed to do it. Kenny thanked Butters and hung up the phone, although they were both still a little hesitant. Butters didn't like spying on other people, for obvious reasons, and Kenny wasn't sure he really wanted to know what his parents were up to.


Meanwhile, Stan had finished restocking the club house with the stuff he bought and was heading back to Kyle's house to go check on him. However, when he got there, Ike told him he was still out.

"He's probably still at Kenny's. It's not like Kyle to stay away for so long; I'd better go check on them."

Stan walked to Kenny's house as quickly as he could, but he was slowed down by Butters, who was looking for Kenny's parents.

Leopold: Hey, Stan, can I talk to you for a sec?
Stan: Alright, but make it quick.

Butters knew he could trust Stan, so he told him about Kenny's parents' situation and asked him if he knew where they were. Obviously, Stan didn't know anything about it, but he was glad to know Kenny had someone taking care of him. He assumed it was Kyle, but he tried not to let that influence him; he was still going to see how Kenny was doing. Kyle had taught him a long time ago not to act on his assumptions, as that would most likely lead to "some bad shit", as he put it. Butters was in a hurry, so he shook Stan's hand and left to go search for Kenny's parents.


Kyle had just finished making Kenny's tea, so he went back upstairs to bring it to him. He noticed Kenny's phone's backlight just before it turned itself off, but he didn't say anything about it.

"He was probably just checking his messages or something."

Kenny sat up on his bed and Kyle gave him a small cup of tea, which already had a few spoonfuls of sugar, and sat down next to him, as he was tired from walking around.
Kenny took a small sip and tried to hide his nervousness from Kyle. Having him sit at near lip locking distance was both exhilarating and distressing, to say the least.

Kyle: Are you feeling better?
Kenny: Yeah.

Kyle suddenly put his hand on Kenny's temple to check his temperature, which startled him. He put down his cup, grabbed Kyle hand, slowly (so as to enjoy "holding hands" for as long as possible) took it off his temple, and cleared his throat.

Kenny: ...Listen, Kyle...
Kyle: What is it?
Kenny: I-I have something I need t-to... tell you.
Kyle: OK...

Kenny turned his head and looked straight into Kyle's hazel eyes, which made both of them feel uncomfortable. Nevertheless, if he was doing this, he was going to do it right. He wasn't going to hide under his hood, he wasn't going to look away and he most certainly wasn't going to let some stupid fever stop him.

"Why is this so hard? It's just a stupid crush. It's not like I'm in love with Kyle or anything."

Kenny focused on how he should say it and opened his mouth to speak.

Kenny: I l-l..

Unfortunately, Stan had already arrived at Kenny's and noticed that Kyle's mom's car was still parked there. He knocked on the door just in time to break the tension, which made Kenny relieved and disappointed.

Kyle: Hold on, I'll go get it.

"Dammit."


Kyle went downstairs and was glad to see Stan.

Kyle: Hey, Stan.

"Just like I suspected." thought Stan as he smiled.

Stan: Hey, Kyle. I heard Kenny was really sick, so I came over to check on him.
Kyle: Really? You know, if I were you, I'd be telling you how you have a crush on him.
Stan: This is different. I came here because I heard he wasn't feeling well, you came here because you didn't hear from him at all.
Kyle: ...Listen, I've been thinking about what you told me earlier today-
Stan: Obviously.
Kyle: Can you let me finish?
Stan: Sorry.
Kyle: Like I said, I've been thinking about what you said...

Kyle told Stan about his thoughts and asked him what he needed to know. Stan was not surprised by Kyle's thoughts, but he didn't say anything; he just answered truthfully and without any sort of lecture. Kyle and Stan stood for a long time, each processing Kyle's feelings in his own way, until Kyle finally decided to say something.

Kyle: ...I see.
Stan: ...You seem remarkably calm...
Kyle: I guess I always knew something was... different about my friendship with Kenny.

"Or maybe I'm just trying to stay calm so I can take care of Kenny until he gets better."

Stan: So... what are you gonna do about it?
Kyle: I don't know. I should... tell him.
Stan: Are you sure that's the best thing to do right now?
Kyle: Why? What do you think I should do?
Stan: You should make sure he feels the same way about you as you do about him. At least wait until he's feeling better.
Kyle: ...You're right. I'll take care of him first and tell him when he's all better.
Stan: Aww, isn't that-
Kyle: Don't even dare.
Stan: Fine... Seriously though, I hope he gets better soon.

"Me too..."

Stan: Well, I'd better leave you two alone. I wouldn't want to be around here when you-
Kyle: Dude!
Stan: Relax, I'm just messing with you.
Kyle: It's not funny. Listen, I should go back now. Just stop talking about this.
Stan: Alright. I'm sorry. I'll go now.


Stan went back to his house and Kyle went back upstairs to Kenny's room, where he had already finished the tea he made for him. However, after his small argument with Stan, he forgot about Kenny and whatever it was that he was trying to tell him, and Kenny didn't mention it. After Stan's interruption he had lost his confidence and wasn't ready to try again.

Kyle: How was it?
Kenny: What?
Kyle: The tea.
Kenny: Right... It was good. Thanks.
Kyle: Listen, Kenny... do you mind if I stay over... just until you get better?

"I would love that."

Kenny: I guess... But won't your mom get bitchy if you ask her to stay over?
Kyle: I'll ask my dad, but I won't tell him where I'm staying. If we're lucky, he'll face my mom. Even if he doesn't, he won't know where I am.

"Because I sure as hell won't face her. I'd prefer to stay alive for as long as possible."

Kyle: I'll go right now, if that's OK...
Kenny: Of course. It's not like I tied you down or anything.
Kyle: I'll be right back. Don't go anywhere.


Kyle went back to his house, made sure his mom was away and asked his dad if he could stay over at "a friend's house". As always, his dad didn't ask questions and told him it was alright. Kyle didn't waste any time waiting for his mother and, after getting everything he needed, went back to Kenny's. While he was away, Butters called Kenny and told him he couldn't find his parents anywhere. Kenny formulated a new plan – when his parents left the house together he would call Butters and warn him, so he wouldn't have to waste his time trying to find them.


Kyle had been staying at Kenny's for three days now, taking care of everything for him. Kenny's family didn't mind, though, as they were too busy with their own things. The only thing that was different was that his parents weren't arguing in the house anymore, or at least not so loudly that it could be heard. They didn't want Kyle to hear them arguing.
After the third day, Kenny's parents finally left the house together again, and he immediately called Butters, after getting Kyle out of his room. Butters ran over to Kenny's and started following his parents, taking great care not to be seen by them or anyone else who might figure out what he was up to.

"I really hope this is worth it..."


Meanwhile Kyle was getting Kenny something to eat and drink, while he nervously waited for Butters' call.
What were his parents up to that required such secrecy? Was it related to why they were arguing all the time? Did his dad do something he shouldn't have? Whatever the secret, he would find out today... hopefully.

Kyle: Hey, Kenny. Here, I made you a sandwich.
Kenny: Thanks.
Kyle: You look a lot better. How are you feeling?
Kenny: I'm fine now... Thanks for being here.
Kyle: It's not like I could have left.
Kenny: You could've. The front door is unlocked-
Kyle: You know what I mean. You're my friend, Kenny...

"I guess this is as a good time as any to tell him. I just need to get this off my chest."

Kyle: ...Can I tell you something?
Kenny: What is it?
Kyle: I uh... I...

Kyle's face turned bright red as he tried to speak, but he decided to just risk it all and kissed Kenny's cheek. Both boys turned bright red almost immediately, but they didn't say anything to each other; they didn't even look at each other, as they were too embarrassed to do so. Kenny's phone rang a few seconds later, which startled both of them, turning their faces back to their normal colors. Kenny grabbed it and saw who it was – Butters. He had finally found his parents.

Kenny: Uh... It's kinda private, do you mind-
Kyle: ...Yeah, sure.

"Fuck."


Kyle left the room and Kenny started talking to Butters. He told him how he had followed his parents to the very outskirts of town, where they went to an appointment they had with a marriage counselor. Butters climbed the wall of the building to listen to their conversation and heard something he wished he hadn't – the marriage counselor told them it might be better if they took some time apart, and maybe consider getting a divorce. After he heard this, he lost his grip, fell onto some bushes and ran away, so nobody would see him.
Kenny felt tears rolling down his cheeks, but he didn't say anything to Butters, who also remained quiet. After almost a full minute he thanked him for what he did and hung up the phone before he had time to reply.


Kyle noticed Kenny had been quiet for a long time now and knocked on the door, trying to see if he was alright.

Kyle: Kenny! Dude, are you still on the phone?

He didn't get any reply, so he opened the door and found Kenny crying on his bed.

Kyle: What's wrong?
Kenny: ...Please leave.
Kyle: Just tell me what's wrong.
Kenny: Kyle, go home.

Kyle didn't move an inch. He didn't know what was wrong, but he wanted to be there for Kenny. He knew that leaving at this point would be worse than staying here, regardless of what Kenny said. Of course, what Kenny said and what he did were two very different things. He wasn't completely cured yet, but he was strong enough to be able to (gently) toss Kyle out of his room and lock the door. Kyle tried to get him to open the door, but he finally gave up and left.
He started thinking if maybe what he did was a bit much; if Kenny didn't like it and that's why he kicked him out. Or maybe it had something to do with that phone call – after all, he only kicked him out after the phone call. Then again, he didn't say anything about what he did before he answered the phone, and he could've said something a long before whoever it was hung up.
Kenny was also thinking about his own possible guilt, but related to his parents' situation. Should he have talked to them when he noticed they were arguing more often than usual? Should he have talked to his siblings? What did he do wrong?


So, that's the fourth chapter. I'll start working on the fifth (and probably final) chapter in a few hours. I thought about merging the rest of the story into this chapter, but I thought that since you guys/girls had been waiting for a long time that it would be better to just post it.
In the unlikely event that you're wondering whose mistake I'm referring to in the title: I'm referring to everyone's mistakes. Kenny's, for kicking Kyle out and getting Butters to follow his parents around instead of talking to them, Butters', for actually agreeing to it, and finally Kenny's parents', for hiring an incompetent marriage counselor.