Author's Note: Finally, the final chapter of the first arc of the story! I really don't know what to say here. But thank you for viewing and anything else you do to contribute or reflect on the story! I hope you all enjoy the end of part 1. I'll have a new chapter up in about a week. Lot's of love, fellow readers. Enjoy! :)
Chapter 10 – Promise
POV: Kyle Broflovski
Kyle walked down the sidewalk towards Stan's house. It was New Years Eve. People were visiting other families in celebration of the holiday. Kyle was really looking forward to tonight, yet he hoped he could maintain his emotions. Stan's parents were over at Mr. Mackey's house with other adults celebrating the New Year, so Stan had the entire house all to himself. Kyle was surprised, yet grateful that Cartman had reached out to him like he did. He was surprised Cartman of all people came up with the idea of throwing a party for Kyle. Kyle had to admit, he would miss his chubby 'friend,' even if he did rag on Kyle all the time.
In a few minutes Kyle was knocking at Stan's front door. He heard movement coming from inside the house. 'Coming!' he heard Stan shout from the other side. A moment later Stan opened the door. He was wearing his signature poof-ball hat. He reached into his pocket and quickly pulled out a confetti popper. He quickly pulled the attached string and confetti landed on Kyle's hat and shoulders. 'Cute.' Kyle said as he walked inside, brushing off the confetti. Kyle noted how quiet the house was. 'Is anyone else here right now?' Kyle asked. 'Not yet, you're a few minutes early.' Stan replied.
They had all planned to meet at ten o' clock that evening. Kyle had left his house around nine-thirty, so it probably wouldn't be too long before his friends shown up. Kyle removed his winter clothing and shoes. Abruptly Stan quickly grabbed Kyle's hand. Stan's hands were soft and warm. 'Come on upstairs for a minute.' he invited Kyle. He began tugging at the Jewish boy. Kyle gave into Stan's force and let him guide him up the stairs.
A moment later Stan and Kyle were in Stan's room. Stan made sure to shut the door behind him. Stan guided Kyle over to his bed, keeping a light grip on Kyle as he let him sit down next to him. 'You know.' Stan started with Kyle. 'I'm going to miss you...a lot.' Kyle felt a pang of sadness inside him. 'I'll miss you too...' Kyle told him. 'I'll never forget what we shared either...'
Their night together at the school pool had been the most amazing experience of Kyle's life so far. They were both wet, alone, and truly showing their love for one another. Kyle remembered the warmth and gentleness of Stan's touch around him, and his wet, tender lips working against him. Kyle's face started becoming a bit flushed as he recalled the feeling of Stan's chest against his. Kyle wished that night would have continued forever, but he knew that couldn't be the case. He would be away from his best friend the day after tomorrow. He wouldn't have days like this for a long time, he knew.
'You know, I'm really glad we're having this party tonight.' Kyle told Stan. Stan slightly tightened his grip on Kyle's hand. 'Me too.' Stan looked at him. The two met each other with deep, sad eyes. Kyle looked at Stan's lips, still so perfectly smooth. Kyle leaned forward slowly, his eyes meeting with Stan. Stan closed his eyes, and Kyle did the same. Kyle could just barely feel Stan's breath as their experience was interrupted by loud, rapid knocking on Stan's front door.
They both opened their eyes, and gave slightly annoyed looks. Kyle just grinned and said 'I guess we should get that.' They both stood up and walked downstairs together. Stan held Kyle's hand until he opened the door. Stan and Kyle were met with the blond haired boy in the orange parka: Kenny. 'Kyle!' Kenny said as he spread his arms wide. He moved forward and quickly wrapped his arms around Kyle under the armpits, and squeezed him tightly.
'Ken...too...tight.' Kyle squeezed out. The blond lightened his grip, holding Kyle for another moment, then released him. Kyle patted his chest a few times. 'Gosh Kenny, you never change, do you?' Kenny grinned. 'Nope, and damn proud of it too.' Kyle and Kenny exchanged warm glances. Their attention suddenly snapped a loud voice coming from the sidewalk. 'Did somebody say there's a party here?!' Kenny turned around and the other boys saw the last member of their group. Cartman was standing on the edge of the sidewalk. His red jacket was unbuttoned, and he had an expensive looking designer shirt on underneath. His brown hair swept neatly to the left side of his face.
'Hey!' Kyle called out to him. 'Get in here so you can get assaulted by Kenny.' he teased. Kenny gave Kyle a light look of playful annoyance. Cartman walked up to the group and walked right through Stan's door, ignoring Kenny. 'Wow, it's been forever since I've been over here.' Cartman said as he paced around a bit. 'Wow, so many memories here...' Cartman seemed to have a moment in his eyes where he seemed lost in thought. Kyle wondered what he was thinking. Cartman hadn't been the most active of their original group, but he still was a big part of Kyle's history.
Stan clapped his hands together. 'I have a surprise for everyone. Since this is a special occasion, I figured we might as well have a few party favors. Who'd be up for some wine later?' The boys all raised their hands in unison. 'We'll save that until just a bit before the new year.' Kenny gave a light cheer and Kyle and Stan high fived. Cartman awkwardly held out a clenched fist, and Stan, at first a little reluctant, returned a fist to Cartman.
For the next hour and a half the boys sat in the living room together as the countdown for the new year approached. Stan and Kyle sat next to each other on the couch while Kenny sat on the floor. Cartman of course helped himself to Randy's recliner. 'Hey, do you guys remember when...' Cartman started. The boys spent a lot of time exchanging memories from before.
Stan spoke about how they had role-played for the 'stick of truth.' It was a meaningless stick, but all of the kids pretended that whoever controlled the stick, controlled the universe. Kyle was the high elven king against Cartman, who was the grand wizard of Kupa Keep(which was really just his backyard). Kyle remembered how fun it was: being surrounded by friends at a young age. Kyle honestly couldn't remember the last time he had so much fun. All of the worries he had to face now with extra school work and demands at home had really worn at him. He wasn't quite the kid he once was, but still had a youthful spirit underneath his hard working reflection.
Kenny told everyone about how he still had his old princess costume tucked away in his closet. He had been 'princess Kenny' during the game they played what seemed like a long time ago. Kenny had chosen to become a princess because Cartman said he couldn't play as one. For the most part, Kenny just angered Cartman on purpose by showing up the next day in a pink princess outfit. Eventually, Clyde had betrayed everyone and stole the stick of truth. Kyle recalled how everyone had made an alliance against Clyde. In the end, 'princess Kenny' had taken the stick after Clyde was defeated. It had been a fun twist to their adventure.
Cartman recalled another story. He retold the story about how they had all been to Stark's pond after they had seen the Terrance and Phillip: Asses of Fire movie. All the other kids had been ice skating, and the boys went to the pond to show off their new-found 'language.' All the other kids were impressed with their foul language, too. The boys all shared a laugh when they remember they were grounded for causing so much trouble after seeing the movie.
'Haha, good times...' Kenny said. 'Hey Kyle, you haven't spoke a lot. What was your favorite memory of us together?' Kyle was a bit surprised at Kenny's question. 'Well, let me think here...' The memories in Kyle's mind flew rapidly as he tried to think about his favorite time with his friends. 'Hmm...' Kyle choked for a minute. 'Well...it's kind of embarrassing.' Cartman kicked a leg over his knee, 'Tell us, Kahl.'
'Well...' Kyle started, grinning at the comedial memory. 'Do you all remember when we 'played' news reporters at the school? We were all competing against Craig's T.V. show, and we all kept working harder and harder to win against him...When we thought about how difficult it was to come up with ideas...our dumb, young minds came up with the idea for us to...' Kyle stifled a laugh. 'To drink cough medicine!' Kyle began to laugh. The other boys chimed in their laughter as well. 'God damn, we were so stupid.' Stan said, then continued to laugh.
It was half an hour to the new year when Stan had turned on the T.V. Concert music flooded the house as they all watched together. Stan stood up suddenly. 'Alright, let's break out the wine! Kyle, you get the wine glasses.' Kyle stood up. 'On it.' Kyle walked over to the fine china cabinet situated in Stan's dining room. He opened up the glass case, pulling out four clear wine glasses. He returned to the living room and handed a glass to Cartman, and one to Kenny. Kyle sat back down on the couch, holding two in his hands.
Kyle heard the sound of a cork popping. Stan returned a moment later with a large, opened bottle of wine. 'This stuff is a bit more potent than most other wines, so be careful.' Kyle could smell the wine as soon as Stan sat down next to him. 'Kyle first.' Kyle held out his glass as Stan poured out rich red liquid.
Cartman leaned forward on the recliner, holding out his glass. Cartman nodded to Kyle, briefly raising his wine glass before sipping. Kenny was still laying on the floor. 'You sure you don't want to squeeze on the couch with us, Ken?' Stan offered. Kenny waved a hand and held out his empty glass. 'Oh no, I'm fine on the floor, I'm used to it anyway.'
As Stan poured his glass, he spoke. 'A toast...' he turned towards Kyle. He set the wine bottle down on the coffee table. 'To a new future for my best friend. Hopefully he won't have to use cough medicine to become creative.' Stan raised his glass in the air. 'To Kyle.' Kenny and Cartman raised their glasses. 'To Kyle!' they chanted. The boys all bumped wine glasses together. Kyle lifted the wine glass to his lips, and sipped on exquisite liquid. It was quite bitter, but it also had a unique taste that made it satisfying.
A minute towards the new year the wine bottle was nearly empty. Kyle was starting to feel the effects of the wine. He felt a little tipsy, his co-ordination seemed a little off, and he felt slightly light headed. He reached down for the wine bottle, pouring himself the last bit. Kyle thought the alcohol had an amazing effect. This was the first time Kyle had ever drank before. He was pleased by the effects, and wanted to keep going. His body felt heavier as he became more relaxed. The T.V. program was counting down to the new year, and the boys all joined in during the final seconds to count down together.
'10...9...8' The boys counted down the last seconds of the year together. Kenny and Cartman were busy staring at the T.V. Screen to notice Stan quickly reach for Kyle's hand, gripping it tightly. Kyle looked over at Stan, blushing. Stan continued counting as if nothing had happened. '3...2...1!'
Sure enough, in an instant the new year had arrived. The people on T.V. Were yelling and celebrating. The boys erupted in cheers and all took another sip of wine. Kyle watched the happy people celebrating on T.V. Kyle saw a couple become engaged to one another. Another camera shot shown a man holding a woman as she leaned backwards, their lips locked as the lights and confetti showered around them. The romance had somewhat bothered Kyle. He squeezed Stan's hand ofr less than a second, then released his grip. He finished the last of the wine.
Kyle set his wine glass down on the coffee table. 'I need to use the bathroom real quick.' He got up and made his way upstairs to Stan's bathroom, the boys were still cheering lightly. Kyle turned on the sink, and cool water trickled through the faucet. He leaned down and splashed some cool water in his face, making him a bit more alert. He was feeling a strong buzz from the alcohol. He was a little wobbly, and a bit dizzy.
Kyle was a bit afraid. He didn't want the night to end. He wanted to be around his friends...especially Stan, for a long time. Sadly, facts were facts. He wouldn't see any of his friends like this for a long time. He was thankful for all the memories they shared, he was glad they were able to be close friends. Kyle had truly met some great people, and perhaps a new lover. He truly would miss South Park.
Kyle opened the bathroom door to find Kenny standing just outside. 'I think I may have had to tinkle, too.' Kenny said. 'Kenny, wha-' Kyle was interrupted. Kenny pushed Kyle against the chest and back into the bathroom and locked the door behind him. Kyle regained his composure after stumbling. He rested his hand on the counter top. 'Kenny...what are you doing?' Kyle asked. Kenny reached through his orange parka and pulled out a small picture.
'Do you remember this?' Kenny asked him. Kyle took the picture from Kenny's hand and examined it. It was all four of the boys together at Stark's pond. They must have been in kindergarten. They all wore their signature hats. Kyle's was a bit too big at the time. The sides of his had came all the way down to his shoulders. Kyle chuckled at their youth. They were all so young. They were sitting on the wooden bench together, with arms around each others shoulders. 'This is when Stan's mom took us to the pond all those years ago...' Kyle reflected.
Kenny put a hand on Kyle's shoulder. 'Wherever you go, you'll always know home is where your friends are.' Kyle patted Kenny's hand. 'Thanks Ken...I'll be missing you too.' Kenny leaped forward and squeezed Kyle tightly yet again. ' Oh I'm sure you will, Kahl! You're just my bestest gay buddy ever!' Kenny said cheerfully. Kyle could smell alcohol on his breath. 'Hey...' Kenny started. 'I never DID hear back from you about Stan. How did things go?'
Kyle told Kenny about their evening together. Kenny put his hands to his face and let out a long 'Awwwww. That is just soooo cuuuute!' He stood on one foot and wrapped his arms around Kyle's neck, squeezing him yet again. 'Congratulations!' Kenny was obviously very drunk, he was always enthusiastic, but he was a little TOO happy right now.
Kyle lightly put a hand against Kenny's chest, pushing him back a little bit. 'Thanks, I guess...but it's not like we're actually OFFICIAL or anything...' Kenny seemed to understand in silence. Regardless of how they felt now, Kyle knew that a long distance relationship would be hard. He'd rather hope to come back to South Park some day, for a job or college, so he could see Stan again. Maybe later in his life they could start a real relationship. Kyle brushed past Kenny, then unlocked the bathroom door. 'Stay up here for a bit, so it doesn't look weird if we go downstairs together.' Kyle told Kenny. Kenny just nodded and Kyle shut the door then walked downstairs.
Back downstairs, he returned to see Eric laid back again on the recliner, resting his eyes. Stan raised a hand to his face, yawning. Stan was a bit sleepy. He raised a hand to his face, yawning into it. He was clearly a bit intoxicated, his eyes were red. Kyle sat down next to him. Stan scooted over a bit closer, their shoulders were touching.
Cartman shifted a bit, and opened his eyes to see Stan and Kyle back on the couch together. He sat up on the recliner. 'How are you feeling, Kahl?' Cartman asked sleepily. 'Pretty good...' Kyle replied to him. 'So do you have any big plans for Sweden, Kahl?' Cartman continued on. 'Maybe you'll...find yourself a job, or maybe even...catch a nice girl?' Cartman raised his eyebrows and locked his eyes on Kyle, seemingly examining him. Kyle felt a little nervous.
'All I know is that I'll be taking online classes out there in English. But I'll also have to learn Swedish. That's one of dad's 'requirements..' Cartman nodded. 'And do you suppose you'll visit us anytime soon?' Stan and Kyle looked at each other. Cartman seemed a bit irritated when Kyle looked back at him. 'Sorry, it's just I haven't really been given an answer yet. Hopefully I can come back really soon to see you all.'
'That'd be cool. Maybe you and I could hang out again when you visit.' Cartman offered. 'S-sure...' Kyle said. He had never actually hung out with Cartman alone before. Why was he suddenly being so affectionate? Cartman's phone sounded off and Cartman pulled up his phone. 'Oh shit...I told my mom I'd be home by one, it's one thirty now. Shit, shit.' Cartman hauled his obese self off the recliner.
'Well Kyle...' Cartman walked over to Kyle. Take care man. I'll be missing you.' Kyle stood up. 'Thanks so much Cartman, I had a great time just hanging out with everyone tonight. It was a good idea.' Cartman gave a light smile. He reached out a hand. Kyle reached for it, grabbing it. He was a bit startled when Cartman pulled his arm towards him and threw an arm around Kyle.
For a second Kyle wanted badly to squirm from Cartman's grip. But he realized it would probably be awkward. He didn't want to leave on bad terms either. 'So long Kyle...I'll be looking forward to your return.' Cartman said as he walked over to Stan's door. Cartman slipped on his shoes and winter coat and hat, and opened the door into the night. 'Oh, and Kyle.' Cartman popped his head back in. 'You are one DIRTY Jew.' He then shut the door.
Kyle tilted his head a bit. He looked down at Stan, eyes locked on the T.V. 'What the hell was that?' Kyle asked him. Stan just shrugged in response. A moment later Kenny came downstairs. 'Ugh, I'm going to have my first hangover in the morning. I want to sleep while the buzz is still good though, so I'm going to get out of here.'
'OK...' Kyle said as Kenny walked over to him. Kyle was the first to make the move this time. He wrapped his arms around Kenny and squeezed tightly. 'Kyle...too...tight.' Kenny panted out. 'Too light?' Kyle asked teasingly, and squeezed even tighter. 'Uuuunff!' Kenny let out. He then went limp as if he had died, and Kyle held his body for a moment. Stan looked over at the two. 'Oh my God, you killed Kenny!'
'You bastards!' Kenny yelled. The boys shared a laugh together. Kenny finally regained his composure and stood up. He quickly plucked off Kyle's hat. 'One more time...' Kenny said. He patted Kyle's red Jewish fro. 'Alright...' Kyle let Kenny pet his head for a good ten seconds. Kenny then pulled his hands back and held both up just beneath his chin. 'Ohooo, it feels like a sheep!' he said.
'Alright, I guess I'll get out of here, bye Stan. Take care Kyle, be sure to let me know how things are going.' Kenny plopped on his shoes and winter gear. Kyle waved to him as he left. Now it was just him and Stan, his other two friends had left. 'And then there were two...' Stan said. His friend in the red poof ball hat stood up and switched off the T.V. 'Kyle, get your coat and shoes on.'
'What, why?' Kyle asked him. 'Just do it.' Stan replied. The two geared up together. 'OK, come on.' Stan told Kyle. Kyle followed Stan to the back of his house. Stan opened up the porch door into the chilly, dark evening. A few stars were out. 'I figured we'd do something...memorable.' Stan told Kyle. Stan eyed the swingset along the back of the picket fence.
They both agreed in silence and walked up to the metal swingset. Kyle sat down on the swing seat, gripping the rusty, cold metal chains. In the dark, moonlit night, the two boys could only just barely see each other. San took the seat to the left of him, and held out one hand towards Kyle. Kyle released one of his hands and met Stan's red, gloved hand in the middle. 'Just imagine Kyle...all the places you'll go. I'm sure even though you are away from the awesomeness here, you'll find a lot of friends and meet new people. You're a smart guy...something I like.'
The two started gathering momentum and swung together. The alchohol was starting to wear off on Kyle, and Stan seemed a bit more sober too. 'Stan...' Kyle let out. 'If I come back...would you be my boyfriend?' Stan was silent for a moment at the question. 'Kyle, we'll see each other again, I know we will.' Snowflakes began to fall to the ground. Kyle's eyes started to well up. 'It's just not fair...'
Stan was silent for a few seconds. 'It's not like you're losing us. Trust me, you're smart. When you get older, and have a job and can be on your own, I promise we'll see each other all the time, as much as you want.' Stan told him. His friend released his grip on Kyle, and dug his feet into the ground, stopping his motion.
He stood up and walked over to Kyle, holding out his red mittened hand. 'You know how much you mean to me.' Stan said. He saw his own friends eyes starting to water. Kyle reached out and gently gripped Stan's hand. Stan used his other hand to reach into his pocket as Kyle stood up to meet height with his friend. Stan pulled out a small pocket knife.
'Woah...' Kyle said, a bit surprised at the sharp blade. 'Come over here.' Stan led Kyle behind the swingset towards one of the metal poles. Stan unlocked the knife and began to carve the shape of a heart in the metal. The knife scratched against it lightly. Stan carved the shape of a heart. 'I need something to remember you by, too.' Kyle used his free hands to grip Stan's hand, still clenching the knife. 'Let's write it together.'
'Well, we have to write 'Style.' Stan told him. 'What? Why?' Kyle asked. Stan looked at Kyle for a moment. Kyle was clueless. 'Stan and Kyle...as a couple...'Style.' Stan said with a grin. 'Oh!' Kyle replied, a bit embarrassed. 'Ok, Style it is.'
Kyle had never expected what these past few weeks had brought him. One minute he'd been out here during the night, crying and hoping that Stan could be with him forever. Now, in the dark night as snow fell, here he was, with the one he loved, carving their couple name together inside a heart on the swingset, a memorable place for the both of them. They finished writing it, it surprisingly looked very neat.
Stan pulled his hand away from Kyle and locked the knife, and slipped it back into his pocket. The two boys gripped each others hands, and stared into each others eyes. All of the memories they had shared, they could see in each others eyes. Maybe they were more than friends, more than lovers. Kyle thought Stan was his soul mate. He could feel Stan's energy. He admired everything about him, and he never wanted to let go.
'Happy New Year, Kyle.' Stan said. 'And happy New Year to you, Stan...' The two embraced each other and locked their lips. Kyle savored every kiss, every second he was close with Stan. He worked his tongue inside Stan's mouth, he could taste the wine on his tongue. Time continued flowing...
And the snow kept falling...