This next chapter is my absolute favorite that I've written to date! I hope you all enjoy reading it as much as I loved writting it. Please please please, read and review. I really like to have feedback.

Disclaimer: I don't own any South Park or there characters nor any of the movies mention in this chapter.

Enjoy!

Persevere

Chapter Four

Stan woke up to the sound of his mother's car starting. It puttered and spat through his drowsy ears as he blinked out the blinding sunlight. He took in a deep breath, taking in the morning air through his nostrils. Instantly, he knew something was missing as the scent wafted through his memory.

He looked down to his side and saw his bed's sheets flung over the mattress with no red head next to him. "Kyle," Stan whispered, furrowing his brow with frustration. He groggily sat up in bed, being sure to rub the 'sleepies' from his eyes. His feet padding softly against the carpet, Stan made his way down stairs.

With a start, the teenager realized that his mother left for work at noon. His eyes grew wide with this sudden epiphany as it was obvious that he was not only late for school, but now he had no ride there! Still too tired to fully register the severity of the situation, Stan continued to descend the stairs.

In the kitchen Stan grunted to acknowledge that Kyle was sitting at the dining table. His friend looked up from the newspaper he was reading and smiled in return. "It's noon," Stan yawned, trying to sound concerned, but failing miserably.

"I told your mom about last night," Kyle informed, neatly folding the paper in front of him, giving Stan his undivided attention. "She was worried about you, you know." Stan nodded, still sleepy, unable to form words at the moment. "She let you stay home from school today. Let you sleep in for once."

The black haired boy fumbled with his mop of hair, not caring that it looked like hell and walked toward the refrigerator. "You were asleep for a long time after I got up," Kyle simpered. "I'm glad."

"Well, thanks buddy," Stan grumbled dryly, drinking straight from the milk carton.

"You know what I mean," Kyle chastised, squinting his emerald eyes. "I know it's been a while since you actually had a good night's rest. It must be hard."

"The sad thing is," Stan began, sitting down across from his friend. "I'm actually a little used to it."

"You could at least put a shirt on," Kyle offered, scrunching up his face.

"You didn't have any objections last night."



"Yeah, but that was last night," Kyle chuckled. "Now when I see you when it's light out, you look a lot more…." Kyle paused and Stan lowered the milk carton from his lips, waiting for the rest of the sentence on baited breath. "Queer, haha!"

Stan's heart sank. Another opportunity for a compliment totally wasted. For some reason, Kyle seemed a lot less compassionate than he used to. "What is that, an insult now?" Stan asked, turning away his face in disappointment.

Kyle didn't speak for a while, playing nervously with the newspaper in front of him, seemingly understanding that he had made a wrong move. "Look," he started, avoiding the subject. "Today's Friday, anyway. Which means we don't have to worry about school for another two days. Let's enjoy it!"

The spirit inside Stan rekindled and brightened again. A whole day with Kyle and no parents or rules? That would be great! "Sure, just let me get dressed. We'll go out to eat or something."

"Sounds good," Kyle agreed, his grin spreading from ear to ear, his white teeth glinting. "Oh, speaking of, dude." He stood up and did a quick turn around. "I stole some of your clothes for today. You're fucking tall, you know that?"

"No, you're just short!" Stan joked back, going back upstairs, jumping up the steps three at a time. He tried to pick out his best clothes and clicked his tongue when he saw that Kyle had taken his favorite pair of jeans. The fact that Kyle was wearing his clothes suddenly dawned on the youth and he blushed a little.

That blush turned to terror when another idea struck him. What if Kyle had looked in his underwear drawer? Not only would that be totally embarrassing as well, but….

Stan ripped through his drawer, tossing aside socks and boxers until he found what he was looking for: his stash of porn magazines. He brushed through them, each one showing big chested girls and the like until he hit the bottom of the stack. Stan's only gay porn magazine.

The boy brought it into his chest as if it was evidence to a crime. He had gotten it on a whim, never really intending to like it. The unfortunate part was… that he kind of did. Hopefully Kyle hadn't seen it. But his paranoia wouldn't go away. He had to know for sure. Something sly… some clever excuse.

"Hey, Kye?" Stan called down the stairs, his voice quivering. "You weren't an asshole and stole any of my socks or boxers did you?"

"No, why would I, man?" came the reply, and Stan let out a long breath.



"Good, you better not have!" Stan sighed with relief again. But now it was all too clear that this wasn't safe in the cliché hiding spot anymore. However, Stan couldn't think of anyplace to put it that he wouldn't be constantly fretting where it was. He had to know where the magazine was at all times.

The only logical idea would be on his person at all times. The more Stan thought of it, the more sense it made. If it was always with him, he would know where it was, and no one would find it by accident, since he would always have it. Stan nodded to himself, brushing the raven colored bangs from his eyes.

He quickly finished dressing, nearly forgetting his wallet on his bed side stand. He slipped the magazine into his backpack and flipped it over his shoulder, his eyes narrowing at the thought of his scheme. It would work, Stan was sure.

"What's the book bag for?" Kyle asked, disgust lacing his words. Stan had anticipated this question and removed some plastic bags from a kitchen drawer along with a loaf of bread.

"I thought instead of going out to eat, we could go see that new Batman movie," Stan explained, knowing full well that Kyle was dying to see The Dark Knight more than anyone. He would be so excited that the rest of Stan's plan would undoubtedly go unnoticed. "And who wants to waste money on snacks, when we can make our own and eat them there."

Stan looked up to see his friend's face alight with astonishment. He could practically see the wheels in his head stop turning with the idea of the movie. The fact that Stan was pretty sure bringing your own food into a movie theater was illegal didn't faze Kyle in the least.

"That would be so awesome!" Kyle cried out, pumping his arms in the air. "Skipping school to see the best movie of the year? I couldn't come up with a better idea myself!"

Stan's face went crimson as he grinned. It was a good plan. But he felt a little ashamed that he hadn't thought about it earlier… before his paranoia set in. But at least this was an easy way to keep the contraband hidden. Under piles of food in a backpack that would never leave Stan's shoulder.

The walk to the movie theater was full of laughter and joking. Chuckling at the poor saps who were in school today. Finally some ammo for Kyle to get back at Cartman with. The fat ass was first in line on the opening night of the movie and not a minute went by that he didn't rub it in Kyle's face.



Stan always had felt protective of Kyle; and he never knew why until last night. It was because he was in love with his best friend. This was a huge secret that Stan just couldn't keep in. He and Kyle had been super best friends since… forever! They never kept secrets from each other.

But as Stan wiped his black bangs away from his face and looked toward his red haired hopeful, he couldn't help but think that this was too big for their friendship. It might tear them apart. It's just that… Stan had always thought of Kyle as being perfect. But these last few weeks, the boy had witnessed emotions and traits that Kyle never had before. Even though they had been friends for such a long time, there were still things about each other they didn't anticipate.

Stan couldn't be like that. He couldn't change into the person Kyle was already on the brink of turning into. Maybe… just maybe if Stan was honest, Kyle would realize what has been happening to him. And who knows, maybe fantasies really do come true and Kyle might actually… he might actually….

"Stan!" Kyle shouted, finally breaching his friend's clouded eyes. "Why are you staring at me like that?"

"It's just fascinating," Stan whispered, stopping mid stride, his eyes still glazed over, looking his friend up and down. Kyle ceased walking a few paces after him and half turned to face Stan. He saw Stan's wavering eyes and blushed a little.

"What is it?" he asked nervously. "Is there… is there something wrong?"

"There's nothing wrong about you," Stan smiled. Kyle's eyes widened and Stan broke from his trance. "I was just thinking about how long we've been friends and yet… and yet we still don't know everything about each other."

"Pfft! That's a fucking lie, dude," Kyle retorted, placing his hands on his hips. "I know that you're blood type A, you're favorite food is ice cream cake, fatty. And that you're secretly afraid your grandfather might pass away some day soon, because no matter how much you deny it, you really do love him."

"Okay, well," Stan stuttered, scratching his head. "That's still not everything!"

"Yeah, whatever dude," Kyle snickered, turning back around. "We're gonna be late for the movie. So let's get going!"

Paying for their tickets, the two friends made straight for the theater, not wanting to waste time in getting good seats. The movie started with a bang, and Stan had to hold Kyle down from how much he was bouncing up and down with anticipation.



The movie was great, probably the best all year, but Stan couldn't concentrate fully on it. Kyle's presence was intoxicating and he couldn't focus with his desire so close beside him. Stan remembered all those romance novels where the boy would rest his hand on the girl's, pretending to want to put it on the armrest.

Stan felt his palms become sweaty as he slowly stretched his arm out; Kyle's hand awaiting him on the armrest. Tentatively, he place his hand down, his eyes twitching back and forth from the film to the hand. Finally, he felt Kyle's warm fingers beneath his palm and Stan's face blossomed with a fiery blush.

There was a moment of static between them, and time stood still. Stan could hear everything but the movie, he senses dull to everything but the heat of Kyle's hand and pounding of his own heart. Stan felt the air enter his lungs and exit in one solid breath that seemed to last hours. And then…

Kyle pulled away. "Oh, sorry dude," he whispered, his eyes still transfixed on the movie. Stan expected his heart to stop beating right then and there, but then he realized that this was the completely wrong time. Of course, even if Kyle had feelings for Stan, they would be drowned out by the action packed film.

For Stan, the movie couldn't be any longer. "Two and a half hours!" he marveled. "It seemed like five!"

"Yeah, I know!" Kyle jumped, a grin dancing lightly over his face. "I didn't want it to end! Hey!" Kyle grabbed Stan by the shoulders like a giddy child. "Let's go to my house! Nobody's home! We could like… totally do stuff!"

Stan felt his cheeks flare up as he was rendered speechless. "S-sure…" he eventually said. The walk from the movie theater to Kyle's house was a lot shorter, especially with Stan laughing at Kyle's absolutely horrible imitation of the Joker.

"Can you believe that was the same guy in Broke Back Mountain?" Kyle panted. He couldn't breathe fast enough.

"D-did you see that movie?" Stan asked timidly.

"No way, but I just might," Kyle replied honestly. "It doesn't matter if it's a fag movie. If he was just as good in that movie as he was in this one, it won't matter at all!" Kyle jumped up the steps to his house and threw open the door. But Stan just couldn't take it anymore.

"Kye!" He shouted, placing his hand on his friend's shoulder to stop him from moving. Instantly Kyle calmed down, hearing Stan's frightened tone. "We're… super best friends, right?"



"Yeah," Kyle replied, his voice swimming in confusion. "Always, Stan."

"I have something to tell you," Stan started, having to swallow his heart as it raced even faster. He closed the front door behind him, dropping the backpack from his shoulder and took a deep breath.

"Kyle… I-I think…" the words just wouldn't come out of his mouth. "I t-think I'm might b-be… no, I'm pretty s-sure I… I am. I think I-I'm gay." The light in Kyle's eyes faded and he took a shocked step backwards, his mouth gaping open slightly. "And w-what's more… I think I'm gay for y-you, Kyle."

The red headed teenager put his hands in his pockets and furrowed his brow, waiting for Stan to continue. "These chest pains I've been having," Stan explained slowly. "They're because every time I'm near you… my heart beats faster. Because I'm in love with you. And I guess I've always been in love with you. I just didn't really see it until just recently. And honestly… I couldn't think of any other person to be in love with. You've always just been so perfect. You're so beautiful and perfect and pure… and I just love you."

Stan stammered to a stop and took in a few more breaths, his heart feeling like it would rip from his rib cage. Kyle looked to the floor and nodded, a pensive look shadowing his face. "Wow, Stan, I mean…." Kyle brought his eyes up to his friend's. "Thanks. That's really flattering, dude."

Stan's heart stopped. That wasn't the 'I love you too' he was looking for. "That's cool, dude," Kyle continued. "I don't… I don't care if you're gay. You definitely blind sighted me, and thanks for telling me that you love me but… I'm not gay. I'm straight, Stan."

"B-but," Stan stuttered, his emotions draining from his body. He had no idea what to think or what to do. "B-but, dude!" Suddenly, the dark haired boy became angry. Kyle had to be lying! It just couldn't end this way! "You asshole, you have to be gay! I mean, you fucking like baking! And we're always hanging out together. And last night, we slept in the same bed!"

"Look who's the mature one now!" Kyle shouted back. "Putting all these fag stereotypes on me! Take a look at yourself! You fucking play sports and went out with girls for years! You're personality is the exact opposite of a gay stereotype and yet you're the queer here!"

"Don't call me that!" Stan cried, jabbing his finger into Kyle's chest. "Don't you dare degrade me like that by calling me names! I fucking poured my heart out to you and you destroyed me!"

"I'm not saying I'm not happy you were honest with me!" Kyle growled, sneering at Stan. "I am, but that doesn't mean you and I are suddenly gonna be fuck buddies!"

"Is sex all that defines a gay relationship?" Stan yelled, feeling tears burning behind his eyes. "What's happened to you? You used to be so understanding!"

"And I used to think you were straight!" Kyle shot back. "And now look! You're a fucking faggot!"

Stan's pupils dilated and his mouth dropped open. He just couldn't believe what he was hearing. He backed up to the door again and fumbled with the door knob behind his back. "I can't be here," he whispered, unable to find his voice. "I can't do this… I can't…."

The door finally gave in swinging open and Stan rushed outside and down the street leaving a trail of heated tear drops in his wake.