I do not own South Park.
Justin's POV
"So what are we going to do?" Stan asked.
I recollected what he had told me earlier.
"You're the reason he hates me!"
He seemed to lash out pretty hard, even for kids his age. It's been over twenty years since I've last seen him. I remember how kind he was to me. He truly was a good friend. So sweet and nice; always being there for those he cared about.
But now, for a man who's hatred is so manifest that even a ten-year old could comprehend. It scared me.
"I don't know. I'm just afraid of you...going out there...alone."
"Well I made it this far."
"I know you've managed to muster up the courage to run away. But the path that lies ahead could be dangerous. You could even be killed."
"Why are you so concerned about me? After having only known me for an hour?"
I was deadlocked. I knew that any excuse could be picked apart, but I tried to explain it to the child.
"Because I care for all children. Even complete strangers. Why do you think I picked you up off the side of the road?"
But it wasn't enough to convince him.
"Do you realize that the life of another child could be at stake?" he said, starting to get angry at my stubbornness.
"Well...kind of...but..."
"But what?"
I tried to think of a viable reason.
"Listen to me." he started.
"I am also gay. I'm in love with my best friend in the entire world. You may not have heard of him, but you have no idea what he means to me. Now I didn't ask to be picked up by a stranger off the road and I didn't intend on meeting the man who destroyed my father. Don't get me wrong, I understand your motive. But now I'm in a time of need. My friend can be anywhere; in the Middle East, in New York, or maybe even under this house. Now if you wish not to come with me, that's perfectly fine. But you will not under any circumstances stop me from my quest. And do you know why?"
He paused for a moment; supposedly to permit my own input, but thus he continued.
"Because I wouldn't be able to live without him."
Stan started to get up for the door.
"It's been nice meeting you."
He offered his hand.
I didn't know what to say. I didn't want this boy to be going off alone; yet I couldn't leave him.
"I'll come with you." I answered.
Stan looked at me weird.
"Why?"
The answer was obvious to me, but I was rather unsure about him.
"Because...I want another chance..."
As I had expected, Stan was confused.
"What do you mean?"
"You look very similar, if not identical to your father. I feel like this is my chance to pick up where I left off. Don't worry, I won't meddle in your life; but this is just a way for me to atone for what I did all those years ago."
Stan thought about my words for a moment.
"I did I say that I forgave you...and I will keep my word...if you really want to help me, then I'll let you."
He then stared directly in Justin's eyes.
"But whatever you do, do not hold me back. Do not act like you're my parent."
Although the older man was willing to help the boy out, that condition prevented him from immediately scribbling his name on the contract. He had to think about for a moment, but not too long.
But in a desperate effort to not upset the boy, he nodded.
"Okay. So where did you want to start?" Justin asked.
"I was previously searching in the woods; a popular place to keep people kidnapped."
Grabbing his keys, the man opened his door to allow Stan to exit with him following behind. The two got into the car and drove off.