Love is a battlefield
Volume 1 Chapter 11
I'll be there for you
February 8
Morning came after what seemed seconds to Kyle, who slowly started to realize he was awake after the light that entered through the window, had pooled over his eyes. He vaguely remembered having dreamed something but the details were fuzzy at best, still the sensation that the dream had left him was one of happiness and comfort.
To his delight, he noticed that Eric was still behind him, holding him tightly like if he was a stuffed animal that the chubby boy had taken to bed with him. The red haired boy chuckled to himself at that thought. That idea didn't bothered him at all, on the contrary, he realized that even if Eric sometimes had his moments of fragility, the boy surely was really protective towards him and Kyle felt really safe with him around.
Kyle stood still, with his eyes closed for a while, he was enjoying the closeness and warmth of the bigger boy too much and didn't wanted it to end. A couple of minutes later though, he felt how Eric started to move a little and the rhythm of his breathing changed. Kyle felt the chubby boy's arm pulling him closer while Eric lat out a little moan. That signaled Kyle that his friend was waking up and quietly said - Good morning -
- Mmmrrrr - Replied Eric almost purring - Good morning little one... -
The red haired boy felt his heart melting to those words and smiled, feeling his cheeks turning hot and red.
- Slept good? - Asked Eric.
- Wonderfully - Replied Kyle - You? -
- Same... - Replied the brown haired boy - Are the others awake too? -
- Don't know... - Answered Kyle suddenly remembering that his friends were also in the room. He had almost forgot about them.
Eric gently let go the embrace on Kyle and slowly raised a little on the bed to look at the floor.
Kenny was soundly asleep, facing up and with his mouth slightly open. Stan on the other hand, was sitting on the mattress gazing to the sky trough the window. He seemed lost in thought and didn't noticed that two of his friends were already awake.
- Good morning Stan - Greeted Eric quietly but making sure that the other boy could hear him.
Stan snapped from his daydreaming and turned to look at the chubby boy, smiling said - Good morning Eric. Didn't noticed that you were awake... -
- It's ok - Replied Eric smiling.
Kyle raised himself a little too and smiled to Stan - Hey Stan. How was yor sleep? -
The black haired boy chuckled to himself at the image of his two friends on the bed, noticeably close and looking pretty obviously like they had slept snuggling.
- Pretty nicely - Answered smiling to his friend.
Kyle noticed the look on Stan's eyes, understanding what he was thinking, and blushed a little, but didn't do anything to cover the fact that he and Eric had slept in a really nice embrace.
The red haired boy was going to say something when he heard a moan coming from the floor and saw Kenny getting up on the mattress, still with his eyes closed - You sure are loud... - Said the blond boy.
- Good morning to you too Kenny - Said Kyle chuckling.
- Good morning guys - Replied Kenny.
- Good morning - Said Stan and Eric at the same time.
- Did I missed something during the night? - Asked the blond boy with a grin.
Kyle blushed hard and Stan said - Dude, cut it out with that already! Let the guys go at their own pace... -
- Thanks for that Stan - Said Eric blushing a little too - Nothing's gonna happen unless Kyle says so... -
The green eyed boy looked at Eric and saw him looking back with a warm smile. Kyle smiled back, feeling how much the chubby boy cared for him.
- Sorry guys... - Apologized Kenny - I was just joking a little... I agree with Stan, you should take your time. There's gonna be plenty of time to do those things when you get together... -
- IF we get together - Replied Eric with a somewhat serious tone.
Kyle looked at him and saw that the bigger boy had again that expressionless look on his face - Eric... - Kyle started, but the brown eyed boy turned to him with a little smile and said - You don't have to say anything Kyle. It's not the time yet... -
The red haired boy looked down a little and Eric's eyes showed concern as he wrapped his arms around Kyle and said quietly - I'm sorry Kyle... I just don't want you to feel pressured... -
Kyle hugged him back and said - Don't apologize Eric. I know you're just trying to make me feel comfortable with this... -
- Hey guys... - Said Stan quietly. He and Kenny had remained silent for a while - You want to be alone? We could leave... -
Kyle gently separated from the chubby boy and smiled to his friend - Don't worry guys - He looked at Eric - Are you okay? I don't want you to feel bad about this either... -
The brown haired boy smiled at him and said - Sure, I'm fine as long as you are -
Kyle smiled back to him and then heard - Sorry guys... Seems like I'm screwing things up a lot lately... -
Eric turned and looked at the blond boy - It's alright Kenny. We're good -
Kenny smiled to him and Kyle said - Well... It looks like everyone is already fully awake now... -
- Yeah... - Replied Eric - You guys want to have some breakfast? -
- Sure - Said Stan.
- Nice - Said Kenny.
- Sounds good - Said Kyle.
The four boys got up and got dressed. They put the mattresses where they where and then went downstairs and into the kitchen.
- Are we gonna prepare something? - Asked Kyle.
- There's still some food from last night - Answered Eric - I think it's enough for all of us -
- Dammit - Said Kenny - I was expecting to taste one of your wonderful breakfasts... -
- Maybe someday - Grinned the chubby boy - If we do this again I promise to make something nice for everyone -
- We should do this again - Replied Stan - But next time we should get some rest before so we can make the most of the night -
- That sounds great - Said Kyle - Maybe we could do it at my home, if my parents let me of course... -
- You think that your mother will even let me inside your house again? - Asked Eric, trying to sound nonchalant but Kyle noticed a trace of sorrow in his voice.
- You know, I think she's getting used to the idea of you hanging out with me like I do with Stan or Kenny again... - Replied the red haired boy - She let me come yesterday and spend the night without even arguing... -
Eric let out a little smile - I hope you're right... -
Kyle gave him a big and reassuring smile and the chubby boy smiled wide too - We should get everything ready then... - Said Eric heading to the fridge.
The four boys grabbed the food that was left from the party and brought it all to the dinner table and after that they started to enjoy a nice breakfast.
The boys talked a lot about the last night's party and of how each of them had had a great time on their own ways. Kyle noticed that Eric carefully avoided the talk they had at the backyard with Stan and every time that the black haired boy showed signs of thinking about that, the larger boy would change the subject and try to distract him. The red haired boy smiled at that and thought about how good it was to have Eric as a close friend for all of them.
After finishing breakfast, Eric proposed to go and play some video games and they all went to the living room and sat on the couch.
Pretty soon they were all immersed in an intense session of Left 4 Dead, which Kyle enjoyed a lot, being that the game let them all play as a team and not against each other. Even if he didn't liked horror games too much, he had a great time anyways just for being able to play together with his friends.
Kyle also enjoyed a lot every time when, between sets or whenever he did a good move, Eric, who was sitting next to him, would lean a little towards him, cheering him and rubbing the red haired boy's arm with his own while flashing him a big and warm smile that made Kyle's chest fill with a feeling of pure joy.
They spent a couple of hours playing and then Eric told them that he would go to the kitchen for some more snacks, since playing always made him hungry.
- Want me to give you a hand? - Asked Kyle.
- Sure, if you want - Replied Eric and they both went to the kitchen while their friends kept playing.
Once in the kitchen, they started to get ready some snacks and Kyle said - I wanted to thank you for all you've been doing... -
- What do you mean? - Asked Eric.
- I noticed that since we talked with Stan last night in the backyard, you never left his side and always tried to keep him distracted from thinking about Wendy... - Replied Kyle - And telling him to stay for the night... I know that you wanted us to be alone but you told him to stay anyway... -
- Well... I couldn't let him be that sad - Said Eric - The guy was destroyed last night. I had never seen him like that and really felt bad for him. He's my friend, he always was but now he's even closer and I wouldn't stay still and do nothing when a friend needs me... - Kyle smiled to him and he continued - You're right, I wanted to spend the night alone with you but I couldn't stand to see him like that -
Kyle got closer and hugged him - Thank you for being so awesome Eric... -
The chubby boy blushed and hugged his friend back - I'm just doing what I should have been doing a long time ago... -
They stood like that for a moment and then separated gently, smiling at each other. - We should get going back... - Said Eric - The others are waiting for us -
- Sure - Replied Kyle and they both finished preparing everything and went back to the living room.
After playing for another hour Kenny said - Guys, I'm having a great time but I should get going back home. My dad wanted me to help him a little at the shop -
- Yeah... - Said Stan - I should get back home too. I still have some homework to do -
- Are you feeling better? - Asked Kyle.
- A lot - Replied the black haired boy - Thank you guys. You really helped me a lot. I'm sorry if I were a drag to you... -
- Nonsense - Said Eric - You're our friend and we want you to be fine. I'm sure that you would do the same without hesitation if one of us needed it -
Stan smiled to him - Of course, we're friends -
- Want me to go with you? - Asked Kyle.
- Don't you want to stay a little longer? - Asked back Stan.
Kyle looked at Eric and the chubby boy nodded slightly with a look that said "Don't worry"
- It's okay - Said the red haired boy - My mother wouldn't let me stay until too late anyways... -
Stan looked at them and smiled again - Thanks... -
The boys grabbed their jackets and got ready to leave. Eric opened the door and said with a big smile - Thank you guys for coming last night... And thanks Kenny for inviting everyone... It was the best birthday ever -
- We all had a great time too Eric - Said Kyle.
- Sure - Said Kenny - Don't need to thank us, we just wanted you to have a good time -
- Yeah - Said Stan - You deserve it -
The chubby boy blushed a little - You're the best friends I could have wanted -
The three boys smiled to him and stepped out, then Kyle said - Guys, could you give me a minute? -
- Sure - Replied Stan understanding that he wanted a little time alone with Eric. He and Kenny walked to the sidewalk and waited for their friend.
Kyle got into the house again and closed the door a little. Eric looked at him a little puzzled and asked - Something's wrong? -
- Nothing - Replied Kyle - I just wanted to do this - And hugged the chubby boy tightly. Eric smiled and hugged him back and they stood like that for a moment. Enjoying the feeling of their bodies pressed close to each other.
After a couple of minutes, Kyle separated a little and looked at Eric's big and beautiful eyes for a moment, then he leaned forward and kissed the chubby boy's cheek like the night before. He separated again and saw his friend giving him a big and warm smile with his cheeks fully blushed - That felt amazing... - Said Eric.
- It sure did - Replied Kyle.
They both hugged again and then Eric gently eased the embrace and said - I would love for you to stay but they're waiting for you... -
- I'd love to stay too... - Replied Kyle - Sorry about that... I feel that Stan needs me right now -
- Don't apologize for being a good friend - Said Eric smiling - We'll have more chances to spend a nice time together right? -
- Of course - Smiled Kyle - I want to spend a lot more time with you... -
- Take care little one... - Said Eric gently caressing Kyle's cheek with his hand.
Kyle felt like he was going to explode with tenderness at that and then managed to say - Take care you too Eric... -
They smiled at each other and then Kyle went out the door and headed towards were his friends were waiting. Stan looked at his still red face and smiled - I take everything went okay? -
- More than okay - Replied Kyle. He turned around and waived to Eric who was standing at the door. The others waived too and the chubby boy waived back to them.
- Well guys - Said Kenny - See you tomorrow -
- See you tomorrow - Replied Kyle.
- Take care - Said Stan.
Kenny headed towards his home as Stan and Kyle were doing the same. The two friends walked slowly, talking about last night. Kyle was growing fonder of Eric with every day that passed and with ever kind and nice thing that the chubby boy did, towards him or others, like the night before when he made sure to stay by Stan's side.
- Sorry for busting your night with Eric - Said Stan suddenly.
- What? - Asked Kyle - Why you say that? -
- Well... I know that you had planned to stay the night alone with him... - Answered the black haired boy - I might just blew up your chance to go further with him... -
The red haired boy looked at his friend a little puzzled and then, understanding, he blushed - There wasn't going to happen anything like what you're thinking... - He looked forward - I can feel that he wants to... Well... To go further like you put it... But I'm not ready... - Kyle sighed - I've started to realize that I really like him, I mean, in that way... When I see him I feel joy and a lot of tenderness when he does or says something nice or cute... But I can also feel a kind of fire inside... - The boy blushed even harder - An urge to kiss him and to feel his whole body against mine... But then, my mind kind of freezes up and the fear takes over me... I'm not even sure what I'm afraid of, maybe is because of the doubts I still have... But even without that, I still feel like I can't do that yet... What if I mess it up? What if he realizes that I know practically nothing about that kind of stuff and just loses interest? What if he sees me and suddenly finds me unattractive? I don't know... -
- Do you realize that you're more afraid of him rejecting you than all the other things that bothered you at first? - Asked Stan smiling.
Kyle looked at him and chuckled feeling a little embarrassed - I hadn't thought about it like that... You're right... I Guess I am starting to feel something else... - He sighed again - But I'm still scared of even naming it... -
- Dude, take it easy - Said Stan - You're making progress here and don't forget that what's important is that you do whatever makes you happy. Don't pressure yourself to feel in a certain way, just let time and your own heart to decide... -
- You're right Stan - Replied Kyle nodding - Thanks for that. And don't apologize anymore about last night. I had a great night with all of you and you needed us around, so it was the right thing to do - He grinned a little - Besides... I got to sleep with him anyway... -
- You're really enjoying doing that don't you? - Grinned Stan.
- I am - Replied Kyle blushing a little - I feel so safe and comfortable when he snuggles behind me and grabs me with his big arm... - The red haired boy blushed harder and looked away.
- Dude, that's enough details for today... - Chuckled Stan - You're lucky that Kenny's not around. He would probably spend all the way trying to get you describe it all - The black haired boy chuckled again - I don't know why he's so interested in getting the two of you together... One may say that it's some kind of fantasy he has... Well, he's always been kind of a perv... -
Kyle remembered what Kenny had told him about being attracted to both he and Eric but didn't said anything of it to Stan. If the blond boy hadn't talked about that with him already maybe it was for a reason and he wasn't going to betray the trust that his friend had put in him. The red haired boy just shrugged to Stan as a reply.
The boys realized that they were already getting to Stan's house and the black haired boy said - Wow, I never noticed that we were already here... -
- Then I guess that my mission was a success - Smiled Kyle.
Stan understood what his friend had meant with that and smiled to him - Thanks again Kyle. You're the best friend I could have wanted... -
- Don't thank me dude - Replied Kyle smiling too - I'm happy to help you with this and with anything that you need -
- I'll be going inside then... - Said Stan - Take care the rest of the way dude -
- Thanks - Replied the red haired boy - See you tomorrow then -
- See you tomorrow - Said Stan and headed towards the door.
Kyle watched him entering and waived to him as he started to walk back to his house. After only five minutes he reached his home's entrance and got inside.
The green eyed boy spent the rest of the day playing on the computer or just resting and got to bed early to be fresh enough to start a new week.
Days passed by and through the week, Kyle noticed that Eric was getting along better everyday with the rest of their classmates. It was like his birthday party had opened a door for everyone to see how much the chubby boy had changed and now they were responding to that, perhaps not wanting to be as close as Stan, Kenny or himself, but at least, Eric wasn't being frowned at every time he passed by. Kyle also noticed that the boy was almost always in a good mood now, and his constant yelling and whims had almost disappeared. Almost, because he still would trow an occasional little tantrum when his favorite snack had gone from the cafeteria before he got there or if a teacher would give him too much homework. But even then, he was mostly playful and most of the times Kyle could see that Eric would exaggerate his reactions just to get a smile out of him.
The boys had made plans to get together the next weekend but they had to cancel them because another blizzard happened just through all the weekend, like if it were a bad joke the weather had played on them.
Another week went by and again they tried to do something that Saturday. Stan had suggested that they go to his house and spend the afternoon, but Kyle had to stay at home with Ike because his parents were going out that night.
February 17
Kyle decided to ask his parents if his friends could come over and so, one day during dinner he said - Mom, dad, I know that you're going out this Saturday and so I have to stay here, but the guys and I were going to get together last weekend and since we couldn't I thought that maybe they could come over and spend the afternoon until you come back... -
His mother looked at him and asked - Who exactly are "the guys"? -
- Well, Stan, Kenny and Eric... - Answered Kyle.
- That boy again... - Sighed Mrs. Broflovski - Has he been behaving correctly all this time? -
- Of course - Replied Kyle, trying to suppress a frown, he hated the way his mother talked about Eric, but now it was more important to him that she agreed to let him come that weekend.
- And you promise that you'll tell me if he tries anything... Wrong? - Asked again Kyle's mother.
- He's not gonna do anything wrong. Don't say that - Replied Kyle and his mother raised her eyebrows - But yes. I'll tell you if anything happens - Continued Kyle trying to do anything to convince her.
- Alright then. You may tell them to come - Said Mrs. Broflovski turning back to her plate.
- Thanks mom! - Replied Kyle smiling.
The next day, Kyle was really excited while telling his friends about the plans for the weekend. They were happy to hear about it and immediately arranged to go to Kyle's that Saturday at 4 pm.
February 21
The day finally came and Kyle was really excited about spending a good time with his friends. Early on, he dedicated his time to get everything ready. He bought some snacks, a lot actually, knowing that they would be appreciated, specially by Eric. Kyle also set up his console and picked some games that could fit any mood they could have. And just in case, he picked a couple of movies too from his DVD collection.
Sometimes, the red haired boy noticed how his father would give him a little smile of complicity whenever he saw the boy getting something ready for the evening. Kyle was a little puzzled by that at first but then thought that maybe his father knew something about him that hadn't told. Perhaps Mr. Broflovski had became aware of what was happening between his son and Eric Cartman? On one hand, Kyle wanted that to happen, so he could at least share that with his father and not feel like he was lying all the time around his house. On the other hand, he was terrified about him telling his wife about all that, the red haired boy was pretty sure that his mother would never approve of him being with Eric in that way.
Kyle tried to shake those thoughts out of his head, he really wanted to have a good time that day and didn't needed his head to be filled with fears right then.
Around 3:45 pm, Kyle had everything ready and sat on the couch, anxiously waiting for his friends to arrive. Just five minutes after 4 the doorbell rang and the red haired boy answered the door.
- Hey dude - Greeted Stan.
- Hi Stan - Greeted Kyle - Come on in -
The black haired boy entered and hanged his jacket on the rack next to the door - Looks like I'm the first one - Stan said with a grin.
- Yup - Replied Kyle - Wanna wait in the living room? -
- Sure - Said Stan and they sat on the couch.
- How are you doing with... Well... You know... - Asked Kyle hesitantly.
- You can say her name you know? - Answered Stan smiling a little - I was kinda messed up at first... You saw it. But now I'm starting to feel better. I don't want to keep feeling sorry for myself and surely I don't want to keep being a drag to all of you... -
- You've never been a drag - Replied Kyle with honesty - You were sad and we all understand it. We were just worried about you and wanted you to be fine. And I'm really happy that you want to keep going forward. You'll see that this time alone will do you well and in the future you'll feel even better -
- I know - Sighed Stan - That's what I've been telling to myself. I spent so much time with Wendy that sometimes I even forgot about what I really wanted to do... But I'm never going to let that happen again -
- That's great - Smiled Kyle. Right then the doorbell rang again and Kyle got up to answer it.
He opened the door and there was Eric, who after seeing that it was Kyle at the door smiled to him and greeted - Hey Kyle! -
- Hey Eric - Replied the red haired boy - Come in -
Eric stepped in and Kyle closed the door behind him. The chubby boy stood there and Kyle asked a little amused - Aren't you gonna take off your jacket? -
- Oh, right - Replied Eric taking off his red jacket and then he just stood there again, with the garment on his hands.
Kyle chuckled - Wanna give it to me so I can hang it? -
The chubby boy blushed a little and handed the jacket to his friend. Kyle took it and hanged it next to Stan's - Come, Stan's already here on the living room -
Eric nodded and followed his friend to the couch. Kyle noticed that the boy was moving slowly, almost cautiously through the house. Eric and Stan greeted each other and they sat on the couch, then Kyle asked - Eric, are you alright? You're acting strange... -
The brown haired boy blushed a little and said - I'm a little nervous... I haven't been to your house in a good while, at least since that time I tried to evict you all from here... and your parents are still around... -
Kyle chuckled - Eric, are you scared of my mom? -
- What?! - Exclaimed the chubby boy looking at him with wide eyes - No I... - He then looked down and blushing harder said - A little maybe... I mean... I don't want to get you in trouble... -
Kyle was amused at his friend's reaction, but mostly, he felt the need to hug him. He always needed to hug the bigger boy when he acted so cute - Hey, why would I get into trouble because of you? -
- You mean, aside from all the times you did got in trouble because of me? - Scoffed Eric, then his expression became more somber and said - I don't know... Because she hates me and such?... And because I'm me... -
The red haired boy felt his heart melting an he felt the urge to protect Eric and tell him that everything was going to be okay - Don't worry about that. She doesn't hate you, she's just still a little upset about the things you did in the past... But eventually she'll come around that - Kyle tried to sound as reassuringly as he could, but deep inside he feared that that day could never come.
- Sorry for being like this - Said Eric.
- Don't apologize - Replied Kyle knitting his brow - There's nothing wrong with you and I'm sure that everything's gonna be okay -
The chubby boy smiled to him and then the doorbell rang again - I'll be right back - Said Kyle as he got up to answer the door.
Outside, Kenny was waiting and when Kyle opened the door he greeted him - Hey Kyle -
- Hi Kenny - Replied the red haired boy - Come on in -
The blond boy entered the house and looking at the coat hanger said - Why I'm always the last to come? -
- Maybe if you didn't wait until the last moment to do everything you wouldn't be... - Replied Kyle chuckling a little.
- Shut up - Chuckled Kenny as he was taking off his parka and then hanged it on the rack. The boys headed to the living room and they all greeted each other.
The couch wasn't big enough for all of them, so Kenny sat on the smaller one that was next to the other and Kyle said - You guys want something to drink? -
- Sure - Replied Stan.
- Sounds good - Said Kenny.
Eric nodded and so Kyle went to the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of soda and four glasses. He went back to the living room and served the drinks. After they all got a glass, he sat on the couch next to Eric.
Just then, his parents appeared in the living room as they were already leaving - Hello boys - Said Mrs. Broflovski - I hope you enjoy the evening and if you need anything our cellphones will be on all the time. Kyle, you got the emergency numbers on your cellphone and they're on the notebook next to the phone too. Remember to close all the doors and don't go outside until we get back. Don't let dinner for too late and take care of your brother okay? -
- Yes mom. I know - Replied Kyle - We'll be alright -
- Have fun boys - Said Mr. Broflovski - Don't make a mess here - He winked them an eye and they left.
Kenny chuckled a little to Kyle - Looks like you're in charge then... -
- That's right - Replied Kyle - So don't get any funny ideas -
- You're a fun killer - Said Kenny playfully.
Kyle chuckled too and not even knowing why, leaned a little against Eric. Maybe he was just feeling that too much time had passed since he had been close to the chubby boy. Then, noticing it, he stood straight again quickly. Eric was a little startled by that and asked - What happened? Are you alright? -
- Yeah - Replied Kyle, then he lowered his voice a little - I remembered that Ike is still in the house... -
- Oh... - Said Eric.
- I... I'm sorry Eric - Said the red haired boy looking down - I don't want to, but I gotta ask you to help me not to do something like that today... I mean... My brother doesn't know about me being... Well... And even less about us... So we need to be careful. Ike's a good guy and I don't think he'll rat us out to my parents, but I don't want to take any unnecessary risks... -
- I know - Replied Eric nodding and then smiled to Kyle - I wasn't planning on doing anything like that today for the same reason. You don't have to apologize okay? -
- Thanks - Said Kyle smiling too - I just wished that I wouldn't have to be hiding this... -
- The moment will come - Kyle heard Kenny saying - But for now, until you know for sure that you can be free around your house at least, you gotta be careful -
- Just try no to think too much about it and enjoy what you can do for now - Said Stan - Little by little you'll be able to do even more until you'll be completely free -
- You're right - Replied Kyle nodding with a smile - Thanks -
- Let's think about something else then - Smiled Eric - What has the master of the house planned for us today? -
Kyle chuckled at that - Well... I picked some games we could play for a while. Or we could watch a movie... Whatever you feel like -
- I could go with both - Said Kenny.
- Play first, then a movie? - Asked Stan.
- Sure - Replied Eric.
- Fine by me - Said Kenny.
- I'll power on the console then - Said Kyle getting up the couch.
He gave a controller to each and turned on the console, then he showed them the games he had picked and they decided to go for a Super Smash Bros. session first. Kyle sat back at the couch and they all started playing.
Soon, the boys were immersed in the game and were having a great time, laughing and talking about whatever came to their minds. Kyle noticed that through all the game, Eric's character seemed to be protecting his, even if it meant that sometimes it would die pretty quickly for doing that. The red haired boy smiled every time Eric would save him and felt the need to hug the chubby boy and let him know how safe he felt around him, even if it was just in a game.
But he didn't dared to do such a thing. Kyle hated that he couldn't just be snuggling close to Eric. He was missing the feeling of the boy's big arms around him and the warmth of his body. It had been too long since they had hugged. There had been a time, early on that past week that they had sneaked into the bathroom at school, when no one was inside and they had hugged for a moment. It felt wonderful to be so close to each other again, and doing it like that added a forbidden tone that made Kyle's heart race with excitement. But he feared too much being discovered and so it lasted only less than a minute, although to Kyle it had seemed like ages.
He remembered that and smiled a little. It had been really good, but now he needed to do it properly, he wanted to hug his chubby friend for a long time, not having to worry about being caught. "Maybe when we live together..." That idea appeared on Kyle's mind seemingly out of nowhere and instead of chasing it away, he just basked in it for a moment until he realized it's meaning. Kyle was starting to think about living with Eric?
"I shouldn't rush" thought Kyle, he wasn't even sure about wanting them to be boyfriends, thinking about living together sure was a long shot. But he was surprised that the idea didn't sounded so bad after all.
He decided to let that for later anyway, now it was time to concentrate on what to do in a short term. He would have plenty of time to think about the future if he decided to be together with Eric.
After a couple of hours playing, Kyle said - You guys want something to eat? -
- I thought you were never going to ask that - Said Eric faking to cry.
Everyone laughed at that and so the red haired boy went to the kitchen to grab the food. Soon he was back with a large tray filled with various bowls with chips, crackers, cheese puffs and other snacks. He brought another bottle of soda and they paused the game to concentrate on the food.
Kyle handed one of the bowls with cheesy puffs to Eric and the chubby boy said - But, the others might also want some... -
- There's a lot for everyone. But I got these ones for you... I know they're your favorites... - Replied Kyle.
The brown haired boy looked at him with his cheeks completely red and smiling shyly said - Thanks... - Then he put the bowl between them and said - They're for both of us... -
Kyle smiled to that cute reaction from his friend and started to eat too.
- Hey, where's Ike? - Asked Stan - I haven't seen him since we came here -
- He was in the kitchen watching T.V. - Replied Kyle - I don't understand how he never gets bored of the news and journalistic shows... Sometimes he just talks like an old man... -
Stan chuckled - Well, you gotta remember that he's like a lot of years ahead of his age... -
- Sometimes I feel like I'm the little brother... - Said Kyle chuckling too.
- You think he could be okay with this... Thing about you? - Asked Kenny.
The red haired boy looked at his friend thoughtfully and after a couple of seconds replied - Maybe... I never talked about anything even slightly related to that with him, but a couple of times that my mother has made some kind of homophobic comment he has always corrected her. I think he could have an open mind about it, but I'm not sure... -
- Maybe it would be a good idea to talk with him about the issue in a general way - Suggested Eric - Maybe you could point out something that has appeared on the news and see how he responds... -
- That's a good idea - Replied Kyle - I could try that. But, eventually... For now I just need to deal with other things... -
Eric nodded in silence and continued eating. Kyle wanted to say something more, he felt like the chubby boy was a little uneasy whenever the matter of their relationship came out. Even he became a little uneasy with that sometimes, Kyle couldn't even give a word to what he was having with Eric. To Kyle, a relationship implied a lot of things that he wasn't sure he was ready to assume yet. And they weren't just friends, no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't deny that what he felt and experienced with Eric was way beyond any friendship, and each day it became closer to what he was used to see and read about when people talked about love.
At the end, he just remained silent, he didn't wanted to risk the chubby boy getting even more uneasy by pointing that out. Thankfully, the silence was broken by Kenny - So, where did you parents went today? -
- The other night, when a coworker of my father came to dinner with his wife, they talked about a show of some hypnotist they had seen and my mother really liked the idea of it - Answered Kyle - So when they heard that the guy was doing another show today she convinced my dad to go there -
- That sounds boring... - Said Kenny - Everyone knows that those things are fake -
- On the contrary - Said Eric - I think that hypnotism is pretty real. It has even been used as a tool to get information by the military and as a way to treat people with psychological illnesses... -
- So you know pretty much about it? - Asked Stan.
- I've read about it yes... - Replied Eric - I find it pretty interesting -
- I'll have to be careful around you then - Laughed Kenny - I'm never looking directly into your eyes anymore... -
- Don't be stupid - Said Eric trowing a cushion to the blond boy - It doesn't work like that and it's not that easy to pull off -
- I think it would just had been better to go to the movies... - Said Stan - But everyone has fun their own way I suppose... -
- My dad surely was thinking the same - Laughed Kyle - Mom had to work hard to convince him -
- Speaking of movies... - Said Eric - It would be nice to watch one right? -
- Sure - Replied Kyle - We haven't watched a movie in a long time, I mean, the four of us together -
- Sounds good - Said Kenny.
- What do you have? - Asked Stan.
Kyle got up and went to the pile of DVDs he had already picked for that day. He gave the boxes to them so they could pick one. After a heated argument, where Kenny and Kyle wanted to watch a comedy, against Stan and Eric who wanted to watch a horror movie, they finally ended up picking the horror one, it turned out that Kenny thought he had already seen it but it wasn't the same movie he was thinking of after all. Kyle didn't enjoyed horror movies that much, unless they were really good ones, because he would usually just end up terrified about the gross bits, but feeling empty because a lot of them, commonly didn't had a really good story to come by with them.
He put the disc inside the player and went to sit on the couch. Eric noticed that the boy wasn't really in the mood for that kind of movie and said - Guys, we should pick the other one... Kyle doesn't want to watch this one and he's the host after all... -
Kyle looked at his friend and smiled to him - Thanks Eric, that's really nice of you, but I don't mind watching this as long as it is with all of you around. My idea was to have fun all together and we're doing just that. We'll get to watch something else next time -
- If you say so... - Replied Eric, and then leaned closer to Kyle's ear and whispered - Are you sure? I don't want you to be scared afterward... -
Kyle couldn't contain a slight chuckle - You think I'm gonna be scared? -
Eric gave him a caring look and said - I know that sometimes these movies affect you... -
The red haired boy blushed and smiled a little looking at the floor - Well... Just sometimes... -
- See? I don't want you to be scared... - Said the chubby boy.
Kyle looked at him and smiled - I feel safe with you here... So there's no problem... -
Eric blushed a little and smiled to his friend, he wanted to hug him so bad that his body was almost aching from the need to wrap his arms around Kyle. But he just leaned a little closer and caressed the red haired boy's shoulder with his own for a brief moment.
Kyle really thanked him internally for that, he too was feeling the urge to once again touch Eric.
- I don't want to be rude or anything... - Said Kenny - But with all this whispering and such it sure feels like we are two too many in here... -
Kyle jumped a little, startled by that and said - Sorry guys... -
- It's okay - Replied Stan - It looks like we have a new attention grabber in the group to fill the space that Eric left open... -
- I'm just trying to light up the mood around here a little... - Said Kenny - Besides, I am worthy of attention -
- At least it seemed that way the other day, when Bebe was furiously looking for you after someone told her that you had been making out with a girl from a higher grade... - Laughed Eric.
- That was... Unfortunate... - Replied Kenny looking away - Who could have known that she was going to think we were dating after just making out a couple of times? -
- You should be more careful about that dude - Said Kyle - It's not funny to break someone's heart... -
- I know, it wasn't on purpose - Replied the blond boy - I really didn't thought that she would take it that way. Girls are difficult when it comes to those issues... -
- Say that to me... - Sighed Stan.
Kenny turned to him with an apologizing look - I'm sorry about that dude... It wasn't my intention... -
- Don't worry Kenny - Replied Stan smiling - I want to get over that thing and I can't have you all worrying all the time about what you say or not in front of me -
- Well, for what concerns me, I'm sticking to the guys side from now on... - Said Kenny with a firm nod - A lot less complications and a lot more fun to be had... -
Stan laughed - You can be an idiot sometimes, but you sure are funny to have around... -
They all laughed and after a moment they readied themselves to watch the movie. Pretty soon they all were enjoying the film and halfway trough it, Kyle leaned to the side and reclined over Eric's side. He wanted to snuggle with him like the last time they had watched a movie, but that was out of the question with his brother around the house. Kyle needed the contact with the chubby boy though, and this way he could feel warm and safe next to Eric in a cautious way. Eric smiled when he did that and tilted his head a little so it could touch Kyle's. They spent the rest of the movie like that, neither wanting or needing to move because of how comfortable and good they felt being next to each other.
The movie finally ended and the boys decided to have some dinner. They called for a pizza and waited for it playing a little more. After it came, they all went to the dinning room and sat on the table to eat. Ike joined them for dinner and they all enjoyed both the food and the laughs.
Ike seemed to be really surprised by how nicely his brother and Eric talked to each other, he had never seen them laughing like that together and he was amazed that so much time had passed without them breaking into a fight.
After dinner, Ike told them that he was going to sleep and went to his room. Kyle felt a little more relaxed with that and when they got back to the living room he felt brave enough to hold Eric's hand for a while as they all were talking. Eric was really surprised by that and at first he tried to hide their hands while giving Kyle a slightly worried look that said "are you sure?"
Kyle smiled reassuringly to him and squeezed gently his hand while nodding his head a little. The chubby boy's eyes lightened up and he smiled back to his friend.
It was near 10 pm when they heard the door opening and Kyle's parents walked trough it. He quickly let go of Eric's hand and separated a little from him while blushing a little. The red haired boy looked to his friend with an apologizing look and was surprised when the chubby boy just gave him a warm smile and chuckled quietly with a little red on his cheeks. Kyle felt better at the sight of that warm and beautiful smile and chuckled too.
- Hello boys - Said Kyle's dad - Everything went good I take it? -
- Sure dad - Replied the red haired boy - You two had fun? -
- Yeah... - Answered Mr. Broflovski, not sounding the least convinced with the answer.
- Hello Kyle, hello boys - Greeted Kyle's mother - Did you had any problems? Where's Ike? -
- No mom - Replied Kyle - Ike went to bed after dinner -
- Oh, okay - Said Mrs. Broflovski - Boys, are your parents coming for you? It's pretty late for you to go back alone -
- Yes ma'am - Replied Stan - My father should be getting here any moment now -
- Mine too - Said Kenny.
Eric remained silent and Kyle felt his heart sinking then, he hadn't thought about that. The idea of Eric walking back home alone in the cold snowy night was devastating to him. He knew that the chubby boy had been around at night many times before, but that didn't softened the truth of Eric being left alone again. Kyle immediately despised that idea and so he began to think on a way to convince his mother about Eric staying for the night, then, his train of thought was interrupted.
- And you Eric? - Asked Mr. Broflovski with a slightly concerned look.
- I'm... ok... - Started Eric trying to sound convincing - I... -
- He's coming with me - Kenny quickly said - We live pretty close after all -
The chubby boy looked at him with a big smile and Kenny winked to him subtly. Kyle felt at ease with that and smiled too.
Kyle's parents left the living room and Eric said - Thanks dude... You didn't had to do that. I don't mind walking back home... -
- Nonsense - Replied Kenny - What kind of friend would I be leting you walk by yourself in the middle of the night when we do live nearby? -
The chubby boy smiled again and Kyle said - Sorry for not having thought about that before... -
- You're not the one to blame for this Kyle - Replied Eric serious - You've been doing a lot already and I don't want you to feel sorry or responsible for the mess that it's my house. Besides, I'm used to do things alone -
- That's not the way it should be - Said Kyle looking down - That's not the way I want it to be from now on. You have to know that you can count on us Eric, and you gotta know that I want to be here for anything you need. I... Don't want you to feel alone never again... -
Eric looked at his friend and felt tears building up in his eyes, but he controlled himself and blinked a couple of times to clear his eyes. He didn't wanted to be like that right then - Thanks for that Kyle - He looked at the others - Thanks to you too guys. I really appreciate what you're doing for me. I'll always be here for you too, any time you need it -
They all smiled at each other and Kyle felt desperate to hug the brown haired boy, but sadly, he didn't dared to do that with his parents around. Though he managed to scoot a little closer to Eric and caressed gently the boy's hand, to which Eric responded by giving him a big and warm smile.
Shortly after that, they heard the doorbell ringing and Kyle answered the door. It was Stan's father, so the black haired boy said goodbye to his friends and went outside and into the car with his father. Just five minutes later, the doorbell rang again and it was Kenny's father this time. The blond boy quietly told his father about bringing Eric along with them and he said yes immediately, so both Kenny and Eric said goodbye to Kyle and got into the truck belonging to Kenny's father.
Kyle waived to them and closed the door, then he picked up everything that was left in the living room and went to his bedroom, it was pretty early but he was feeling somewhat tired and decided to get some sleep.
***Hello again! ^^ After a somewhat long time here's another chapter of this novel. It took me some more time because I was inmersed into writing the second book and didn't wanted to stop the writing streak. But today I made myself to edit this chapter and here it is.
***Maybe some people will find it a little boring but believe me that this has subtle hints for things that are going to happen next. Still, I hope you all enjoy reading this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it.
***By the way. Thank you so much for all the nice reviews this story recieved! Those little messages make my day every time they come and they keep me happy knowing that there are people enjoying this little story :3
***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'll be there for you by The Rembrandts
