Chapter 10: It's Complicated

Friday, November 28 Year 1

Kenny

Their stay in South Park didn't end when the holiday did. There were still plenty of leftovers to eat, Shelia's words, and it had been awhile since Kyle last visited his family. Kenny didn't mind sticking around. It was relaxing getting to spend time with a family. He tried not to think about his own childhood, instead choosing to focus on the here and now.

When Sheila realized they were running low on groceries, she sent both Kyle and Kenny on an errand to the store, just a quick trip in the car. He secretly thought she also just wanted them out of the house for a bit. The woman clearly loved her children, but she hadn't had a full house in awhile and Kenny could tell it was weighing on her. She was either fretting about trying to find something for them to do, pestering her sons about their lives or avoiding them altogether in the kitchen.

It was a fairly quiet drive to Sooper Foods with both men lost in their own thoughts, or so Kenny imagined Kyle was. He was busy running over the conversation from last night, wondering if maybe his jealousy hadn't stopped with Annabelle, but that he was a little jealous of Stan too.

What if I'm interfering with their relationship? Then again, the two have never appeared as anything more than friends. Besides, it's not like Kyle and I are together. Do I even have the right to be jealous? Shit, I shouldn't even be getting caught up in these feelings.

The store was huge, its outside facade advertising a bakery and seafood. Whatever seafood they had it sure as hell couldn't be fresh. There was no sea to see for hundreds of miles.

Kyle led the way once inside, a blue basket slung on his arm. Kenny was content to just follow, watching the other shoppers shuffling around. The place was pretty dead, but it was just after a major holiday. It wasn't a terribly long list, so their trip would have been even shorter without the distraction of the bakery. After convincing Kenny they didn't need any more desserts at home, Kyle brought them over to the non-food portion of the store.

"This is the last thing on the list." Kyle grabbed a box of baggies and placed it next to the half carton of milk and the the bananas.

"Hey guys! Fancy meeting you here."

Both Kenny and Kyle turned to see Stan waving at the end of the aisle with his own basket in hand. As the man approached Kenny could see that instead of food staples and storage devices, his basket was filled with alcohol and junk food. He moved over to stand next to them, offering them both a friendly smile.

"I couldn't get off work for the holiday so I came in this morning, but already my parents have me running errands."

"Same." Kyle laughed. "No matter how old I get they always manage to make me feel like a little kid."

Stan's dark blue orbs fell on Kenny. "How are you liking South Park?"

He had to think about it. "It's cold and remote, but it has its charms."

Stan scoffed, "Like?"

"The Broflovski family."

"Aww," Kyle nudged him in the arm, trying to hide his reddening face.

"They haven't scared you away yet?" Stan whistled, impressed. To Kyle he said, "He's a keeper."

The redhead rolled his eyes and dragged Kenny toward the checkout lanes. He waved back at the cop they left behind, promising to see him later.

The lady ringing up their order had trouble with one of the bar codes, but even with the short delay they were back at the Broflovski house in no time.

After groceries were put away both men decided to lounge around the house. Kyle had suggested they go ice skating, but Kenny admitted he didn't know how, and wasn't willing to learn on a frozen lake. The best part of staying at the house was the food. At first Kenny felt guilty for snacking on leftovers, but when Sheila found him buttering a roll she only smiled and complimented her helpers for the meal's success. She also encouraged him to grab another, as there was "plenty to go around."

"Man, your family is great." Kenny said when he returned to Kyle's side. They had both been reading books when Kenny's stomach growled, a noise that was even louder than Ike and Annabelle's movie. He balanced his plate on his knees, hoping to be able to read and eat at the same time.

"They're something." Kyle peeked up over his book. He looked hesitant as he asked, "What did Karen do for Thanksgiving?"

Kenny could tell where this line of questioning was headed, how the dam holding back the flow of questions Kyle tiptoed around was close to being breached. He hated causing the man distress, but he couldn't force his mouth to move. Soggy bread sat heavy on his tongue as he stared at Kyle, though not really seeing him. His eyes focused on outside the window where snowflakes were beginning to fall.

When Kyle's dad called for help with his computer, Kyle nearly jumped out of his skin to get out of there. Before he left though he patted Kenny's shoulder.

"Relax."

Easier said than done.

Only a few minutes ticked by before Kyle was needed again.

"Bubbe," Sheila waddled into the living-room, looking around for Kyle.

"He's helping dad." Ike supplied, eyes glued to the action on the TV screen.

"Oh dear. Ike, sweetie," She changed targets. "Can you go to the store for me?"

"Didn't you just send Kyle?"

This perked Kenny's interest. "Did we forget something Mrs. Broflovski?"

"Not you dear, I did. I had another sheet to my list I didn't send with you."

The young man sighed, got up and grabbed the list from his mother. He read through it and stuffed it in the back pocket of his jeans. "Fine."

Sheila thanked him before returning to the kitchen.

He headed for his blue and black coat hung by the door. "Let's go."

Annabelle gave him a pointed look from her position on the floor. She was leaning back against a giant green beanbag, her limbs wrapped snugly under a fleece blanket. "No way."

Ike looked ready to argue when Kenny spoke up, "I'll go."

That seemed to catch the boy off guard. His eyebrows shot up and he looked surprised or confused. Maybe a bit of both, it was hard to read him.

"I don't actually need company."

"Nonsense." Kenny sat his plate on the coffee table, his second biscuit could wait. He joined Ike by the door, grabbing for his own coat. He flashed the boy a smile. "I don't bite."

This would be a great opportunity to get to know Kyle's younger brother, and hopefully clear the awkwardness between them. Because as much as Kyle denied it, the two of them had started on a bad note, somehow. Kenny wasn't sure if it was something he said, something he did, or if it was about taking Ike's place in Kyle's home. Either way he wanted to fix it, for both his and Kyle's sake. Ike's too if Kenny was going to be in his brother's life for awhile.

Once Kenny was all bundled up, complete with knit hat and scarf, he followed the taller boy out.

"Shit."

Kenny didn't have to ask what was wrong. Kyle had parked at the end of the driveway when they'd returned from the store, blocking Ike's dark blue Nissan truck. It wouldn't take much effort to go get Kyle to move his car, but Kenny saw this as an opportunity.

"Well it's nice out, why don't we walk?" He suggested. "The store isn't that far away after all."

"It's snowing."

"Yeah, but like barely. This is nothing for South Park, right?"

"Hn."

They started walking down the sidewalk, which was badly in need of repairs. Along the way Kenny tried to initiate multiple conversations but Ike was stubbornly refusing to engage. His responses were either 'yes', 'no' or indifferent shrugs. Kenny eventually gave up, relieved to see the store just ahead. Apparently there used to be a WellMarty here, but Kyle said it shut down when he was in elementary school. Now Sooper Foods was the biggest grocery store they had.

They crossed the near empty parking lot, their progress leaving tracks in the fresh snow. As they approached the automatic doors, Kenny eyed a group of teenagers lounging by the cart return. They were the very definition of 'punk kids.' Half of them were smoking weed, that or a skunk died nearby, they all had beer bottles in hand and were banging their heads to some scream music. Kenny didn't see the appeal, but didn't mind their life choices. Ike, however, sped up his pace, eyes focused ahead of them until they were inside the store.

Kenny was sure the kid didn't want to talk about it, so he didn't ask. Instead he wanted to focus on shopping. "So what's on the list?"

Ike pulled the crumpled paper out and read, "Toilet paper, hand soap and bath fizz." The boy wrinkled his nose.

"I suppose toilet paper is non-negotiable with so many guests."

Ike looked down at him, for he was at least an inch taller and most likely still growing. "Want to split up?"

"I don't know my way around the place very well. It might be faster to stay together."

"Why did you come again?" Ike's tone wasn't harsh, instead he sounded legitimately curious.

Kenny felt his heart flutter under the analyzing gaze. He was too embarrassed to state his reasons, and instead of answering he took interest in a fruit display.

"Come on."

This trip was quicker than the one with Kyle. They grabbed the soap and toilet paper with no issue, Ike volunteering to carry both. It was at the bath fizzes that both of them hesitated.

"Which one should I grab?" asked Kenny, since he still had open hands.

"Hell if I know." Ike ran his eyes over all the options. "Just pick one that smells nice, I guess. If mom cared all that much she would have written it down."

Kenny bit his lip, turning away from Ike to look at the options. Finally he settled on a rose scented one. If it was anything like his shampoo, he at least knew it would smell nice but not overpowering. The boy made no remarks as they left to check out.

The young cashier remembered Kenny from before, her eyes lit up and she smiled at him. "Back again I see."

"More errands."

She nodded her head as if she understood, her braids bouncing along with the motion. "I hear there's going to be a snow storm, best to stock up while you can."

Ike forked over the money and grabbed the large pack of toilet paper. Kenny picked up the only plastic bag and hurried after Ike's retreating form.

Their footprints from earlier were gone, covered by more snow, but the group of teenagers was still there. As they passed the group one of the kids called out.

"Ike!"

The boy gripped the toilet paper harder and continued walking.

"It is you, isn't it?" Several of the teenagers were following after them.

Ike halted and turned, allowing his disdain to show. Kenny waited with him, trying to decide if this was about to become a brawl and whether or not it was okay to hit kids who were clearly just that—if the acne and poor life choices were anything to go by.

"I thought that was you." The guy leading the group of curious onlookers looked like an athlete, but instead of a Letterman's jacket he wore denim. The boy sneered at them when he was finally within speaking range. "My mom heard from yours that you got an older blonde girlfriend. Is that her?"

I know my hair's a little long and I'm rather short, but I'm obviously not a girl.

One of the kid's friends seemed to agree, "No way dude, that's obviously a dude."

"Oh! So he's a homo." The group started laughing. "That figures! You always did look up to your brother."

Kenny tried to explain, "You're wrong, I'm just-"

Ike grabbed his arm, gently pulling him along in the direction of the house. In a calm voice he said, "Ignore them, they're not worth our time."

The group of kids catcalled after them, shouting slurs and defamatory remarks. It wasn't until they were across the parking lot that the voices began to fade away.

"Just some idiots from high school." Ike informed Kenny when he caught him staring.

"Did they used to bully you?"

"Tried to, and failed. Words are meaningless and they don't have the balls to fight me even with their numbers."

"Wow Ike, you're so mature." Kenny teased. He could see Ike's ears beneath his winter cap turn red. So the kid could get embarrassed.

It was Ike's turn to eye him. "You didn't seem surprised when they said that about Kyle."

"Did he get bullied too?"

"He wasn't really out in high school, as far as I know most people heard it through rumors and siblings."

Kenny was glad to hear the redhead hadn't gone through that. He was pretty sure Stan wouldn't have stood around watching his friend be harassed, but Kenny knew from experience that there were always opportunities for people to find you alone.

"So are you and Kyle dating?"

This was really the first time Ike had asked him anything of importance, but clearly it had been weighing on his mind. The boy didn't look over at Kenny, his eyes trained forward.

Not willing to tease the boy on such a serious topic, Kenny decided to answer him truthfully. "We're not. Things are pretty complicated, not so much between us but with me. I do like your brother though, he's nice and very resolute in his ways. It's like his presence demands your attention."

"Like as in you want to have sex with him?"

"Wow, you're not holding anything back."

The boy shrugged, finally peeking a glance over at Kenny.

"I guess. Maybe? I haven't thought too much on it. He is attractive, but I think that about a lot of people. Everyone has their charms, you know?" Kenny sighed, realizing he didn't have a good grasp on his feelings yet. At least not in a way he could share with anyone. "I don't think I can be in a relationship right now, maybe not ever, but in a different life hell yes I'd want sex with him."

The boy's nose crinkled, most likely at the mental image. "So what about this life?"

"It's too complicated."

Ike pouted, jutting his lower lip out, and that was the end of their conversation. The snow was coming down harder now and the two didn't want to be stuck in the full force of a snow storm. So much for nice weather.

After brushing the snow off their coats they entered the house. No one was around so Ike volunteered to find Sheila, asking Kenny to search for Annabelle. He wanted to start a board game and needed more players.

Kenny tried the kitchen first, but when he didn't find her he headed upstairs. He passed the home office, poking his head in briefly to say "hi" to Kyle.

"Any luck?"

The redhead was hunched over the keyboard, glaring at the monitor.

"He downloaded a virus that keeps opening web browsers. I've figured out what I need to do to get rid of it but the stupid thing won't give me two seconds to click on the—ugh!"

"Well if you need a break we're going to play board games."

The redhead nodded but Kenny was pretty sure he didn't hear him. Gerald was standing off to the side looking guilty for the whole mess in the first place.

Next place Kenny checked was Ike's room, which he knew from seeing both Ike and Annabelle enter it several times. It sounded like she was talking with someone. Kenny waited patiently outside the door for a good time to knock.

"No, we're having fun, but I miss you." Her voice was soft but he could still make it out. "Next year it'll just be us, I promise." Her voice got closer as she neared the door. "I won't. I know. I love you too, talk to you later."

The door suddenly opened and there was Annabelle looking surprised to see him.

Is she cheating on Ike? Could that have been family?

He ventured a guess. "Your boyfriend?"

"No, my fiancé." She corrected him before her eyes grew big. "Calm down." She held her hands out, Kenny didn't even realize how angry he was until she said that. "Can you keep a secret?"

She pulled his hand, dragging him into Ike's room before closing the door. Similarly to Kyle's, the room was bare, with only bedding and travel bags scattered around the room. It seemed they were also sleeping separately.

Annabelle turned to him, pressing her back against the wood door. "This doesn't leave this room, but Ike and I are just friends. He invited me over because Steven is out of town and my family are a bunch of douches." She looked over her shoulder at the door. "Mrs. Broflovski misunderstood and Ike asked if we could play along for the weekend. Could you please keep this a secret?"

She could tell he wasn't feeling agreeable because she added, "I'm sure he has a good reason for it."

Kenny sighed, feeling himself defeated behind her powerful gaze. Girls were scary in that sense, he would know since Karen had that superpower too. "Fine, I don't see the harm in it."

"Thanks, you're a peach."

The board game Ike picked was a virus based game that was co-op. Kyle joined the group happy to have the break. They played for hours, with both Ike and Kyle taking leadership roles. Kenny was fine with that. He'd never played this game before and puzzles weren't really his thing. They didn't win, but they didn't lose either. Sheila called everyone to dinner and they all agreed that they could live with 25 percent of the world still suffering from the plague. Their stomachs were growling after all.

Dinner that night was made entirely out of leftovers, and was just as delicious. Ike announced that he and Annabelle would be heading out that night. Sheila protested because of it being dark and the road conditions being poor. She wouldn't let them leave until Ike promised to call when they got back to their university and to pull over until daylight if things got too bad.

Kyle and Kenny planned to wait for the following day, when the light would help them navigate through the snow.

At bedtime, before Kyle returned from his shower, Kenny stole the sleeping bag, shifting around until he was comfortable. When the man finally returned he was busy drying his curls with a towel and didn't notice right away that his bed was occupied.

When he did see where the blonde was he huffed. "What's the big idea?"

"You can have the bed tonight."

"But you're the guest."

"But you have to drive us home tomorrow."

"Kenny…"

The blonde burrowed down deeper. "Not moving."

Finally the redhead relented, mumbling something about him being difficult.

Saturday, November 30 Year 1

Kyle

Kyle woke up sniffing his pillow, which smelled like Kenny's shampoo. A touch of rose and something else that was distinctly Kenny. He greedily took another sniff, waiting several seconds before exhaling. He was reluctant to get up but he knew they needed to get on the road early or else they'd be stuck at his parent's for another night. He sat up and to his dismay Kenny was awake and staring at him from inside the sleeping bag on the floor.

"I..."

Kenny just smirked as he wiggled free of the bag. "I'm going to get dressed first."

Kyle was relieved to see him gone, since it gave him a chance to calm his morning wood, or if he was being perfectly honest, his raging boner. Luckily the blonde hadn't seen that.

For breakfast Sheila prepared waffles, forcing them to sit and stay longer. Kyle tried not to be annoyed with her, but she knew they needed to get on the road. Still, Kenny seemed pleased with his syrupy stack, and chowed down like he hadn't eaten in weeks. He was also fond of Kyle's mom, his eyes often following her seeming to seek her approval.

When it was time for them to leave Kyle had to practically pry his mother's hands off. He had a harder time getting Kenny away from her.

"Thank you for welcoming me into your home. I had a wonderful time."

"It was nice to meet you Kenny! Come again whenever you want."

"Yes, yes, but if we never leave we can't come back." Kyle pushed the blonde out the door and prepared to say his own goodbyes. Kenny went ahead to the car, loading up his bag.

Sheila and Gerald stood just inside the doorway. Instead of looking sad she wore a mischievous grin. "Bubbe, I couldn't help but notice that you and Kenny seem really close."

Kyle could feel the panic rising in his throat. "Well we are roommates."

"You can't get anything past your mother and I. You like that young man, don't you?"

His parents had struggled in the beginning to come to terms with his sexuality, especially when Shelia thought it meant no grandchildren since Ike had never seemed interested. Now they were supportive, almost to the point of annoyance.

"I just wanted you to know that we think he's a really nice young man." She gave her son a tight hug.

"Mom, we're not dating." Kyle wanted to melt and slip through the cracks in the walkway.

"Well maybe in the future?" She asked as she handed a small box over to him with a wink.

Kyle couldn't help but smile a little, "Yeah, maybe."

They finished their goodbyes and he joined Kenny in the car. The trip out of South Park was always a little sad, since despite all of its flaws he would always consider the place home. Beside him, Kenny had only good things to say about his family, how the Broflovskis were so kind. He even talked highly of Ike, who had been standoffish when they first met. Kyle felt happy and embarrassed at the praise his family received.

At some point Kenny dozed off and Kyle found he had plenty of time to reflect on their trip and the gift he received from his mother.

Maybe next year we can share the bed.