AN: I'd like to thank Oyaji and ihatecalifornia for unknowingly giving me (lack of a better word) "the strength" to continue writing and all my reviewers.

Kyle slammed his locker shut and jumped out of fright as the face of Wendy Testaburger appeared out of nowhere bedsides him.

"AHHH!"

"Hi, to you too Kyle." Wendy smiled, clutching her books.

"Holy Moses Wendy! You don't sneak up on people like that!"

"I'm sorry Kyle. I just wanted to chat."

Kyle could tell by the innocent look in her eyes she wanted a favor. "What can I do for you Wendy?"

"Well, now that you ask-" If I didn't ask you would've brought it up anyway, Kyle thought annoyed.

"I thought you might like to ask Bebe to Daniel's party?"

"How did you hear about that?"

"I have my sources."

"Uh huh, well you must've heard wrong. It's just gonna be a guy thing. Not really a party at all."

"Really? Cause Stan is bringing me."

"He what? I mean, he is?"

"That's right. And I don't want to be the only girl there, besides you know Bebe likes you..." Wendy nudged Kyle twice with her elbow and gave a wink.

Kyle slowly turned beat red. The fact that Bebe was still hung up on him after all these years was a nice compliment.

"But Wendy..."

"Yes?"

"You know I don't feel about her that way. And I always feel uncomfortable knowing when I turn around she's staring at my ass."

"You just have to get to know her better. You never gave her a fair chance."

"Yes I did remember? And she was like a sis-"

Wendy flew her hand up to cover Kyle's mouth, "Shhhhhhh! Don't say that!"

"What! Sorry, but it's the truth."

"Look Kyle, let me level with you. JUST DO IT KYLE. OK?" Wendy stuck a threatening finger in his face.

Kyle raised his arms up as if she was pointing a gun, "OK! God Wendy, you scare me sometimes!"

"Good. Thanks Kyle. I owe you one." Wendy smiled sweetly and then skipped off leaving Kyle behind, shaking his head.

After paying a visit to Kyle, Wendy caught up with Stan who was shuffling through the crowded hallway to get to his class.

"Stan! Hold up a minute!"

Stan turned around and waited for her to catch up.

"Hey babe." Wendy went on her tippy toes to peck Stan on the cheek. "I just wanted to ask you something."

"Yea?"

"When were you going to tell me about Daniel's party?" Wendy wrapped her arms around Stan's neck and he managed to gently pry her away.

"How did you hear about that?"

"Um, Kyle told me. He's taking Bebe."

"What?"

"Yea, so what's the story? It's our two month anniversary! Did you forget!"

"No, I thought-"

"Doesn't matter. I forgive you. So when is this party again?"

"Sorry Wendy, I don't think you can come. Don't worry you won't be missing out on much."

Wendy stopped in her tracks. "Excuse me? Why can't I go?"

"Can we please not do this now? I'm going to be late."

"No Stan! I want to know."

"Number one, it's not my place to invite you. Number two, it's a guy's sleep over."

"So? I am your girlfriend. It's our two month anniversary! They should expect me to come and if you really mind, I won't sleep over. I'll leave at the end of the night. I don't see the problem though. Daniel's dad isn't home so who's stopping me from sleeping over? Unless you're afraid were gonna do something." Wendy winked and gave Stan a playful nudge, but Stan kept standing there, numb.

"Why are you being so cold Stan!"

"I guess I'm trying to make it easier for what I'm about to say."

"Huh?"

"Wendy, we have been fighting constantly over stupid stuff lately and I feel like I'm stepping on egg shells trying to please you. Every time I see you after a fight, you act like it never happened. We have to work this out. You can't keep ignoring the fact that we are having problems."

Wendy stood silently for a couple of seconds; her mouth agape. Finally all she could get out softly was, "I don't know what you're talking about..."

"Wrong answer." Stan's eyebrows creased and he gritted his teeth, "Fine, if you insist on not handling this in an adult matter, I suggest we take a break until you're mature enough."

"Excuse me? Pardon me Stanley Marsh? I don't think I understand. Two months ago you were miserable! Two months ago you begged me to take you back! And I did! And now you're willing to take a break!"

"I think it's for the best-"

"Save it." And with those words Wendy stormed off, leaving Stan as he was to begin with, numb.

Daniel's POV

I had managed to avoid him and everyone (just incase they found out) all morning. But now I had to face this. I had Chemistry Lab next class and my lab partner... can you guess? Is Kenny. I honestly wasn't sure what to expect when I walked though that door.
I scan the room. Kids were still busy filing in and Kenny was no where to be seen. A wave of relief washed over me that he wasn't going to show up and that made me feel even more guilty. But I spoke too soon.

"Kenny McCormick, you're la-"

Mr. Huntermark, our teacher, didn't allow himself to finish his sentence after seeing the huge shiner Kenny had on his left eye. His nose was also a deep purple color from popped blood vessels. I hate seeing him like that. Usually when he'll come in looking like that after a rough night facing off with his dad, I'll ask him why hadn't he come to my house? He'll always respond with, "I didn't want to burden you". That's Kenny. Always thinking of others. Now I see my best friend's face all busted up and I hurt for him this time because it's all my fault. So today when the kids in class stare at him and whisper, "his dad is a monster". I'll know it's not his dad, it's me. I'm a monster.

The class grew quiet and instead Mr. Huntermark handing him a tardy slip, he advised Kenny to take a seat, ignoring what was clearly displayed on his face for all to see. That hood doesn't cover up much like it used to. I'd like to believe it's shrinking, but the truth is Kenny has gotten bigger. I wished he'd give it up, seeing it is a constant reminder we're getting old.

He takes the seat across from me without making eye contact. Mr. Huntermark begins to explain the instructions of the lab. I'm not paying attention. Instead I can't take my eyes off Kenny's face. It looks worse close up. Now that I think about it, I don't remember giving him a black eye... Did I hit him more than once?

Finally the teacher shuts the hell up and we have to proceed to confrontation. I realize what it is I'm feeling in the pit of my stomach; fear. Those blue eyes pierce my soul. I swallow some spit to easy my dry throat and to swallow my pride.

"Kenny, I'm sorry. I don't know how to fix things between us, but I don't want to loose you as a friend."

I reach across the table and brush back some blond strands to reveal his shiner a bit more. I touch the skin gently with my finger and he cringes.

"I'm so sorry Kenny... I didn't- I don't want to hurt you. I don't even remember doing it I swear..."

He still says nothing. Doesn't even move. I hate him for doing that. Just staring. His pupils are so pure and dilated, like some damn disney character- like bambi after I shot his mom. It makes you want to laugh, but you can't cause you know he's dead serious. And you can't yell at him to cut it out cause that'd be plain wrong. -I'm going to loose it really soon if he just doesn't say something soon! Anything!

"You don't remember?" Yes, thank god he speaks.

"I- I really don't. I m-must've had a rage black out i guess. I don't even know what could've made me THAT mad..."

LIAR, a voice inside screams. I ignore it.

"It's ok Daniel. I believe you. Look it's my fault, I shouldn't have... I shouldn't have k-kissed you. It was stupid on my part cause I was perfectly aware you despise 'fags'. So let's just forget it ever happened. All right?"

I can't believe how easily he is forgiving me.

"Uh, no one else knows right?"

"Well Cartman-"

Immediately fear strikes my heart once again, "Cartman!"

"Dude, don't worry. He only knows that I like you and believe it or not, he promised me he wouldn't tell a soul. And so far he hasn't."

"So hang on a second... since when did you start having feelings for me?"

Kenny now reminds me of a bambi caught in the headlights. I regret asking, I don't really want to know... or at least part of me did for that matter.

"For... awhile now. Anyway we should get started on the lab-"

"What's your definition of awhile?"

"I don't know exactly..."

"Over a month?"

"Yea."

"Over two months?

"Well, yea."

"..." I couldn't believe how long he's been hiding this. All this time my best friend was gay for me. I think he could sense I was growing angry again thinking about it. I could feel the look on my face was one of disgust and horror. I can't hide those kind of feelings.

"Daniel, I promise this won't happen again. I'll get over you and like I said before we can just forget about the whole thing."

And that was it, end of discussion.

Except, half way though the lab, there required the use of HCL and so I went to grab the bottle. So did he.

I jerked my hand back super fast causing the bottle to tip sideways and splash onto Kenny's hand.

Oh. Shit. HCL Hydrochloric acid. HOLY WICKER BASKETS. HOLY TOASTERS. HOLY SHIT...

Kenny yelped cradling his right arm with his left. I was frozen. Luckily Mr. Huntermark rushed over and forced Kenny to run his hand under cold water.

"You're luckily you only got a little on you. It could've been much worse. Be VERY CAREFUL! Both of you! You are young adults for crying out loud. If you can't handle a simple lab, get out." Mr. Huntermark left us with that last remark and I was left with Kenny glaring at me.

"Dude... What the fuck was that?"

What was I suppose to say? I didn't mean to do it. It was a reflex. Wait that sounds good.

"It was a reflex. I'm sorry."

"A reflex? Since when?"

"Since..." O, I can't get out of this one.

"Since I told you I liked you." Kenny snorted. "I can't believe you. Don't you trust me?"

"I- I don't know anymore." It was the truth.

"I can't believe this. I promised you not to worry. Just- just forget it. Finish the lab yourself."

Kenny walked right out of the classroom. I was the only one who noticed.

Daniel's POV

I mope around till lunch time when I know we are going to have another face off. I am wondering if I should just skip and make up a lame excuse later. Or maybe I should sit somewhere else, but then he'd just think I hate him even more. I stall as much as I can, taking my sweet time at my locker and waiting till the halls have become dead silent. I drudgingly begin to make my walk towards the cafe when I hear something. It's faint but I'm pretty sure... yeah someone is crying. I turn to my left at the door to the girls' bathroom. Yup it's coming from there and my curiosity has the best of me. I press my ear against the door to see if I can make out the voices.

"It's just not fair Bebe!"

"I know Wendy, there there."

"I mean, a break! What the fuck is that! I- I thought-t we w-were i-in l-love!"

That last sentence was followed by choking sobs and I was having trouble making out the rest so I pressed my ear harder against the door... big mistake.

I fall flat on my face, not reacting in time to put my hands out. So here I am on the floor of the girl's bathroom. I slowly raise my head up and shake it to get some black whips of hair out of the way. Wendy has stopped crying and is just staring at me while clutching a tissue. Bebe is right next to her also looking a bit surprised. I can think of nothing else to do but laugh. They both look at each other and start cracking up too. Bebe reaches her hand out to pull me up.

"Daniel you perv, do you always sneak a peek in the girls' bathroom so gracefully?"

"Yes- I mean no! I mean... I gotta go." I try to high tail on out of there, but Bebe is holding on to my coat sleeve and I love it too much to wriggle out of it and run away. Damn it. I spotted a maxi pad and tampax dispenser and wanted to DIE right there.

"Come on! Let me go!" I squirm and whine like a little pussy. I am desperate to leave.

"No, wait. How much did you hear?"

"Not much!" My God that girl Bebe is freakishly strong.

"Really? Wendy, wouldn't Daniel look lovely in pink sparkly eye shadow?"

"OK! OK! I got the gist that Stan wants to break up with Wendy!"

"Not b-break up! T-take a break-k!" Wendy blubbers.

"See Daniel, we'd like to know what the hell goes on in the male mind. So if you'd kindly give us your opinion, we'll let you go."

"Ugh! Just break up with him already!" Bebe lets go of me.

Wendy stops sniffling. "WHAT?"

"You heard me! I'm sick of the fact that every word that comes outta that guy's mouth is complaining about you!"

"You know Wendy he has a point. I've been telling you to move on from along time ago. You can't date the same guy forever, you have to broaden your horizons."

"But- but..."

I start to sneak backwards toward the door and bolt out of there. As I walk towards the cafeteria I pause.

"What just happened? God, girls are crazy."

Daniel's POV

I grab a jello pudding and toss it on my tray. I only have a few minutes left to eat. I approach the usual table. Stan and Kyle were sitting across from each other. Next to Stan was Cartman and then Kenny. I plop down next to Kyle, spacing myself evenly across from Cartman and Kenny.

"What am I diseased?" Kenny growls.

"No." I replied dully. I move over a little, but not completely. He doesn't say anything.

"So why are you so late? Too busy bending over at some AIDs fest?" Cartman asks laughing at his own joke.

For a spilt second I am about to tell him the truth so Kenny doesn't think it was about him, but I look over at Stan and Kyle. They are in deep conversation, but the mention of Wendy's name might get Stan's attention.

"I- I was-"

Yes, saved by the girls. Bebe and Wendy come up to our table.

"Stan, can we talk in private?"

All of us look up.

"No, whatever you have to say, you can say it in front of my friends."

"Fine. Don't say I didn't ask. Stan the bottom line is, I think we should break up for good."

"Huh?"

"I'm sorry Stan, but that's what it has come down too. I hope we can still be good friends."

Wendy then cleared her throat and glared over at Bebe. Bebe looked sadly down at Kyle.

"Kyle, I'm sorry I can't go with you now on Tuesday night. Cause of Wendy... you know it's a friend alliance thing and I have to support her."

Kyle shrugged, "I understand."

Bebe smiled. "We can hang out another time though."

"Yea, sure."

Kyle really didn't seem to care. Instead his eyes were locked on Stan, who at the moment was frozen with shock.

"Ok! Enjoy the rest of your lunch." As they walked away Wendy leaned over towards me and whispers loudly, "Thanks for the advice."

Both girls strut away in a fit of giggles and Wendy glances back to throw me a flirty look.

What. A. Skank.

The whole table is dead silent and we all stare at Stan. I guess we are waiting to see if he's going to blow his top, not give a damn or break down. More likely break down. Instead he turns to me.

"What the hell did she say to you?" O shit... he looks... deranged.

"I- I don't know man. I wasn't really paying a-"

He jumps up out of his seat so fast I don't have time to react. He slams his hand down hard on the table and it creates a loud hollow bang. Now the whole cafeteria is silent.

"I HEARD WHAT SHE SAID TO YOU! WHAT DID IT MEAN!"

Am I scared? Maybe, but there is no way in hell I'm gonna show it. Not Daniel Rouses. So I stand up too. My mind searches for how to answer him and what my next course of action should be-

Yes. Saved again, this time by Kyle, who stands up and rests his hand on Stan's shoulder.

"Stan, come on. Let's cool down ok?" Stan's eyes remain focused on me, but Kyle manages to steer him out of the room.

Cartman shoves what's left on his tray at super speed into his mouth and rushes off saying, "Igottogo!". Where he is headed, I haven't a clue.

Kenny slowly gets up and leaves too, not wanting to be left with me.

I am sitting alone. The table all of a sudden has tripled in size. It is extremely awkward.

"Stan, please come out and talk to me."

The lanky, slightly taller boy was leaning up against a bathroom stall, running his hands through his red curls, out of frustration. He was relieved that he had stopped a potential fight from happening, but after he got Stan out of there, the dark hair boy sprinted ahead, locking himself in the second to last stall.

"Stan, please." Kyle coxed, but never got a response.

On the other side of the stall door, the shorter but stocker built boy was ironically leaning in the same position as Kyle except for his head being down and arms crossed.

Kyle thought he heard a tiny whimper echo off the tile walls.

"Stan? Are you all right?"

Stan shuffled his feet to show signs of life.

"You know you don't need her Stan. You know- you know you still have me Stan?" Kyle waited for an answer.

"Kyle?"

"Yea?"

"I don't want you to see me cry."

Kyle turned around so he was facing the graffiti covered stall.

"Stan, I've seen you cry before."

"Yea, but those were all a real long time ago."

Stan had a point. "True, but do you remember the last time I saw you cry?"

"No." Stan replied blankly.

"You shattered the bone in your arm falling during that rough game of ice hockey."

"O, yea. So?"

"So don't you remember? Everyone asked after you fell if you were ok and you said yes, but wasn't going to play anymore. You got up and started to walk off and I ran after you. You had walked to a pay phone to call for help and I asked why. You faced me and suddenly I realized you were crying really hard and was in so much pain. But you chose to hide it before. You made me promise not to let the other guys know and I didn't Stan. I've never told a soul. I'm your best friend Stan. Right?"

There was a slight pause, then Stan unlocked the door and came out.

"You're right."

Stan wiped his eyes with the sleeve of his jersey. Kyle wanted to cry at that moment too. Seeing Stan with such sad, worn eyes broke his heart.

"By the way, I'm sorry I ruin your chance with Bebe cause of this whole mess."

"Nah, I don't care. I never liked the girl. You of all people should know. I just invited her because you invited Wendy."

Stan flashed Kyle a puzzled look. "That's strange cause I swore I was bringing Wendy cause you were bringing Bebe... yea Wendy said... O." Stan's face fell as realization sunk in.

Kyle shook his head in exasperation, "We've been had! Geeze, do you see what I mean when I say you're better off without her? She manipulates to get what she wants."

Stan nodded, smiling at Kyle and took his hand.

Wendy Testaburger. The name alone brought forth a choir of angels. She manipulates to get what she wants, she is a hippie too smart for her own damn good, let's not forget gorgeous, kind, out spoken.

He was going over all her wonderful qualities and it motivated him to hobble faster in search for her. Never in his wildest dreams did he think to get an opportunity like this. Finally, Wendy was single and was finished with Stan.

Eric Cartman was getting his secret wish.

After the two "queers" left the cafeteria. Cartman had noticed Wendy leave out another door in tears. The thought of going after her and coming to her rescue was all too tempting to resist.

He remembered when they were kids...
(flashback)

"Help! Help me please!"

The sound of summer was interrupted by high pitched screaming. Every kid stopped what they were doing in the park, including Stan, Kyle, Kenny and Cartman.

"Where is that coming from?" A young Kyle asked out loud.

"I'm not sure." Kenny replied.

But Stan and Cartman both spotted the damsel in distress. Wendy was up in a near by tree hanging upside down by her legs.

Cartman was frozen, mesmerized by her beauty as her shouts rang out. Stan immediately sprung into action.

Stan ran up to the tree, "Wendy! What's wrong!"

"O, Stan!" Wendy cried as tears streamed down her forehead, "I was showing off and I don't think I can pull myself up! I'm slipping!" Wendy started flailing her arms and Stan started climbing the tree.

A crowd formed and Cartman among them, inaudibly proclaimed, "I'm coming Wendy."

He started climbing the tree racing against Stan, but it wasn't easy for the over weight boy to climb a tree, yet he pushed himself and actually caught up to Stan.

"Almost there Wendy." Cartman whispered and reached out for the branch above his head.

There was a loud crack and he fell. Down on the ground, his whole body burned with pain, but what hurt the most was his heart. From below, he got the perfect view of Stan helping Wendy up right. She kissed him on the cheek and he barfed. The crowd cheered. What goes up must come down... Cartman received a face full of Stan's vomit.
(end flashback)

A teenaged Cartman had followed her down the hall and into the art wing of the building were student's works were put on display. There was a huge glass window, almost the size of the entire wall, over looking the school field. It was incredibly bright at this time of day since the sun shone from that side of the building. And it was here he found her looking out that glass window, the sun's glow lighting up her pale skin and her hair engulfing the rest.

"Wendy."

She gasped and spun around.
Cartman could feel his stomach in his throat and the room began to spin with Wendy focused in the middle.

I have to stop getting so nervous or else I might never get another chance... "Sorry if I startled you."

Wendy wiped away smudged mascara and acted as if it was never running. "What do you want Cartman?"

Cartman took a couple of steps toward her, "No need to be so hostile. Give me some credit, I'm not that stupid. I know what's going on."

Wendy turned back to the window, "Still, what do you want? Can't you see I want to be alone?"

"Wendy, I don't think you should be alone. I don't want anything, but to make you feel better. I swear to Hitler."

Interesting... Wendy thought. Can he be serious?

Cartman slowly sat down beside her and carefully placed his arm around her shoulder. He braced for the moment when she would knock him away and scream, but she stayed still and cried a bit more.

The sound of students returning to class from lunch grew increasingly louder and she wiped her eyes again.

She looked at him. Could that also be a tear?

"But why?"

"Why what, Wendy?"

"Why are you trying to make me feel better?"

This is it, he told himself. Say it.

"Because... I like you."

Wendy squinted her eyes and looked at him as if he suddenly possessed three heads.

As if coming to a realization she pushed him away. "Cartman... Eric... I'm sorry, but... we- we're too different people. I don't know what else to say. I'm shocked."

Cartman half expected this response. "It's ok Wendy. I figured you never noticed before." And with that he walked away towards his locker. But would the Eric Cartman we know give up so damn fast? Never. An evil smirk crept up on his face as he spotted Butters taking a drink from a near by water fountain.

"Butters."

"AHHHHHHH!" The meek blonde jumped back, managing to get some water all over the front of his sky blue shirt.
"G-golly Eric! Your v-voice still gives me the creeps after that time I thought you were d-dead. You shouldn't sn-sneak up on a f-fellow like that!"

"Ah, calm your titties Butters. I just wanted to chat."

"A-about what?"

"O, just this and that."

"S-sorry Eric. You- you always manage to get me introuble." Butters then preceded to leave when Cartman uttered words that made him stop in his tracks.

"I wouldn't leave if I were you Butters, unless you want everyone to know that you like it in the ass."

The way Cartman said it was so calm it sent chills through Butter's spine. He had to be bluffing, Butters thought, he says crap like this all the time... he had to be lying...

Butters took a small step forward.

"O, I'm not lying Butters. Take another step and you'll regret it."

Butters turned around, not showing his usual timidness, but rather there was a mad look in his eye similar to that of a certain Professor Chaos.

"You know what Eric Cartman! You don't scare me! Not anymore! This isn't freaking Jr. High! OK! SO JUST BACK OFF AND LEAVE ME ALONE!"

But Cartman just stood there, completely unaffected.

"I saw you and Pip making out in the park on Sunday."

"No... no- you- your-"

"I was on my way to the arcade and I saw a snack cart in the park so I stopped by and bought a bag of cheesy poofs and-"

"No way! You were watching! That- that was you?"

"Yup."

"Well, I don't care! I'm not doing you any favors so go ahead tell everyone!"

"REALLY Butters? Is that REALLY what you want? I overheard your conversation as well that day and tell me; could you really emancipate your parents? Have them hate you, disown you? Survive on your own at the age of only 16? And what about Pip? You REALLY think he's ready to come out? What do you think his sister will do to him? And lets not forget your God. You'll be kicked out of your parish for being homosexual. Tell me Butters, is Pip really worth sacrificing your steady life?"

Cartman's mouth was twisted into an evil smirk and his eyes were black like a bottomless pit. Makes it so ironic his motivation was love.

Butters wanted to say yes in response, but Cartman had good points. There was too much at steak and things haven't gotten to lowest points yet... maybe one favor for Eric wouldn't be so bad...

"Eric... what do you want?"

"I thought you'd never ask."