A/N: I really don't like this chapter at all. I don't know where I keep getting these sappy conversations. I've decided I don't want to make the boys kill themselves or run away since that's been done too many times before. I have no idea how this is going to end up so please bear with me, as updates may be coming a little slower. As always, keep the feedback and ideas coming! Thanks.

Tuesday morning found Stan Marsh in a foul mood. He had lain in bed all night last night trying without much success to figure out what he was going to do about Kyle and the whole slave thing with Cartman. He had to let Kyle know how weird he felt about being in a gay relationship. It wasn't that he didn't love him or anything, because he did. Very much. It was just that this was all new to him and it even frightened him a little. He needed comfort, he guessed. From the one he loved. He needed reassurance that everything was going to be ok and nothing bad could ever happen.

As he stumbled to the bathroom, he silently vowed to find the time to talk to Kyle today.

During 4th period English, Stan kept glancing at the clock and fiddling with his pen. He'd never been this antsy before in his life. It wasn't as if he were standing up in the front of the room and giving a speech to thousands of people. Just Kyle. He didn't want to break up with him, but the idea was too tempting to turn down. Unless Kyle convinced him otherwise, he didn't know what else to do.

Maybe it would get Cartman off their backs if they did. Fat chance of that. He'd rat on them anyways, just to annoy them. He let the teacher drone on and on, drowning out his depressing thoughts.

The loud clamoring of the bell startled Stan out of his daze. "Don't forget your papers are due tomorrow!" The teacher called above the buzz of the students. Stan and his class mates broke for lunch. Stan made a beeline for his locker. He rested his forehead against the cool metal, relishing in its feel.

He nearly jumped out of his skin when he felt a hand clap him on the shoulder. "Jesus Kyle! Don't do that man." Stan scolded him between clenched teeth. Kyle sported a grin. "Sorry dude. I didn't realize you'd be this jittery."

Stan smiled weakly. It was now or never. "Listen. You're not too hungry, are you? I was hoping we could talk somewhere." Kyle's grin slowly faded and he raised an eyebrow in alarm. "Why? What about?" he asked worriedly.

"Oh nothing really. I just feel we need to discuss a few things. You know, clear the air between us."

Kyle shrugged. "If you say so, but I really don't see the need."

Stan touched Kyle's chest. "It's just that I'd feel a lot better if we talked. Please." He looked imploringly into Kyle's eyes.

Kyle just nodded. "Ok. Where did you have in mind? The cafeteria's not exactly soundproof."

"I know. Just follow me." Stan hitched his backpack higher on his shoulder and started to walk away. Kyle stared after him, more confused than ever, before tagging behind.

Kyle bumped into Stan as Stan stopped short. They were facing a small, wooden door on the lower level.

"The basement?" Kyle asked in surprise. Stan nodded sheepishly.

The basement of South Park High School was rather large and roomy, filled to the brim with antiques, old yearbooks, extra cleaning supplies, and other miscellaneous items. This was the first time either one of them have been down here.

They slowly and carefully made their way down the old, rickety steps. It was musty, smelly and dingy. And a little creepy. Kyle coughed as a cloud of dust and dirt spiraled up. He waved a hand in front of his face. "When was the last time this place saw a broom?" he choked.

Stan's eyes roamed the room, spotting a few blankets on top of a stack of boxes in a corner. He picked a couple up and spread them down on the hard, concrete floor. He gestured for Kyle to join him. He did, sitting Indian style. Stan did the same.

They shared a moment of awkward silence before Stan finally found the courage to speak.

"Kyle. I don't – I don't know how to say this. The reason why I didn't go over to your house yesterday wasn't because I had to stuff to do for my mom. It was because I was afraid of us. I know I said I'd be willing to try us out, but I'm too scared. I don't want to hurt you – "

Kyle desperately clasped both of Stan's hands in his own. "Don't do this to yourself, Stan. I know I shouldn't have said anything last Saturday, but now I'm glad I did. I really am. Stan, you're the one I want to be with for the rest of my life. There'll be nobody else but you. You gotta believe that." He paused. Stan was silent. "Tell me one thing. Were you ever gonna let me know me that you felt the same way?"

Stan looked down. "I don't know. Probably not." His eyes welled up with tears, threatening to stream down his face, but he didn't care. "I'm so ashamed."

Kyle leaned forward and brushed his lips against Stan's warm, right cheek. "Don't be. I don't want to put any pressure on you, but to me, this feels right." Stan's tears fell freely, overwhelming him.

Kyle threw his arms around his boyfriend, hugging him for all he was worth. Stan hugged him back, grateful Kyle wasn't mad at him at least. He felt so much better now that Kyle knew where he stood.

"I only want what's best for you. I never want to cause you any pain." Stan murmured into Kyle's neck.

Kyle pulled back so he could look at Stan's adorable face. "Then shut up and kiss me. Tell me you'll love me forever." Stan eagerly caressed his lips against Kyle's. Kyle moaned into his open mouth.

They leaned backwards onto the blankets, Stan enjoying the feel of his boyfriend's hands exploring his lower half. "I love you." He uttered.

Kyle smiled softly.

Stan's own hands wandered idly down toward that pesky zipper on Kyle's jeans. He was just about to tug it down when the bell signaling the end of the lunch period shrilled. His eyes widened in panic. He practically forgot they were still in school!

He glanced at his watch. Shit. They were late. They quickly neatened themselves the best they could and Stan folded the blankets and put them back where he found them. They gathered their belongings, checking to make sure they had everything.

Taking Kyle's hand, Stan led the way back up the stairs. Cracking the door open an inch, he checked to make sure the coast was clear. He breathed a sigh of relief. He dropped Kyle's hand once they were back out in the brightly lit hallway.

They made their way to their next class, neither of them noticing a dark clothed figure at the end of the hallway, watching after them with a wistful expression.