Chapter 7: "Let's just keep this between us." ~Style~

Disclaimer:

We're now back with Stan and Kyle where, as you read in Chapter 5, they ended in a cliffhanger where the pair appeared as if they were about to kiss. And it should be reminded that this is AFTER their second day of school and the pair were hanging out at Stark's Pond. Okay, so let's continue.

Stark's Pond: Back with Stan and Kyle

The previous events played back briefly right from when Stan noticed Kyle holding his hands. When he questioned about it, Kyle responded, "I-I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to do that!" before he pulled his hand away and avoided eye-contact out of embarrassment.

Stan surprisingly reacted by pulling on the redhead's shirt so they were face-to-face; close enough that they could have practically kissed.

But then, the unexpected suddenly happened:

Stan leaned in even closer resulting in their lips connecting immediately.

"Mmm!" Kyle's eyes widened as he sounded with surprise.

The kiss—no doubt—lasted for three seconds at minimum before he broke away from Stan, utterly speechless and reactionless.

"I-I'm sorry..." Stan realized himself what he had done as well and visually dipped into a frown. "I... think I should go now, Kyle... I—" He got up from the ground and attempted to leave in case Kyle was angry.

"Stop..." Kyle lunged forward just enough and grabbed his hand so he would not leave. Stan obeyed his direction and sat back down. "You have no idea how conflicted you make me feel, man..."

Kyle's face dipped down in a way that caused the black-haired boy to show interest in what he said. "What do you mean?"

"You're my best friend in the entire world. You always have since we were little. Yet, the more we spent time together, the more I developed these... feelings. Feelings I wanted to suppress. But I couldn't. And I hated myself for having those feelings because that meant you would probably hate me and avoid contact. I wanted to respect you and just stay your friend. Then, years later, those feelings came back. This time I was angry. Angry that I still had this... heart for you... in that way. And I thought if you knew, it would just make things weird." He tried his best to explain. "And then you kiss me all out of nowhere... it just makes me even more confused on how to feel."

"I'm sorry I kissed you, Kyle. For real. I didn't know you had these feelings inside," Stan replied.

"Eight years, Stan. I've kept them hidden for eight years and couldn't tell anyone because I didn't want to be judged." He adjusted himself so he just sat there and stared at him. "Look, Stan. I love you, okay? There, I said it. So if you're gonna be mad at me for that then I under—" he got interrupted by a warm hug.

"I can't believe I've waited this long to say it, but... I love you, Kyle."

"Y-you... God-dammit, I love you too, what the hell." He was surprised when he uttered those words, for he knew well he liked the girls... Or so he thought.

"If it means anything to you, I've been hiding those same feelings myself lately..."

"Really?" he asked, surprised.

"Yeah, man. And it makes sense when you think about it. We compliment each other nicely, we're so close. You treat me the way I wish Wendy would sometimes and I love that."

"Wait." Kyle got up to his feet and motioned toward the water of the pond so his reflection stared back at him. "So you really have a thing for me?"

Stan stood beside his friend and followed up with a rather soothing voiced response, "Why do you think I broke up with Wendy?"

A dumbfounded expression whisked across the redheaded boy's face while he stared at him. He was at a loss for words simply due to not believing Stan would do that so he could be with him instead. Obviously, Kyle wanted some more proof before the facts could be accepted.

The thought of the dream he had rushed into his mind, resulting in him laughing a little and looked away.

"What's so funny?" Stan inquired.

"Oh, it's nothing. Don't worry."

"Well, by the way you're avoiding eye-contact and laughing clearly must mean something."

"No, no. You wouldn't wanna know, Stan, it's stupid. It's just about a stupid dream I had where you kissed me and said you loved me and..."

"Dude, that sounds awfully similar to the one I had where I also did that too!"

"You're kidding," Kyle tilted his head.

"Nah, dude. I'm totally serious. I was spending the whole day trying to figure out what it meant, but, as I said, I'm pretty sure I found that meaning now." He opened his arms signifying he wanted Kyle to come in close for a hug. When he appeared motionless, Stan took it upon himself and wraps his arms around him. "Kyle?"

"Ugh. You truly love me? Like. For real? I'm not just dreaming again?"

As a test, Stan leaned in close and bit the side of his neck hard enough that teeth marks were left, and hard enough that Kyle winced. Once they gazed into their eyes once more, the two chuckled simultaneously

"Seems pretty real to me," Stan smiled.

Kyle had no other alternative, he briefly exhaled, "Goddammit, Stan. You're not making it easier to deny."

"Then don't." Stan places Kyle's hands against his chest and continued to stare. "Because I don't want to anymore. I actually love you, Kyle. You mean much more me than to just call you a super best friend now. C'mon, Kyle," he nudged.

"C'mon what?"

"I know it's all sudden but... I want you to be mine," he replied.

He gave it a lot of thought. It was like all of his dreams were becoming reality. For the longest time, Kyle fantasized about this exact thing. And now, all he had to do was accept it. Fortunately, Kyle gave a smile back to him and wrapped his arms around Stan back.

"I would be honored..."

The pair finally concluded with a long kiss before Kyle's mother buzzed onto his phone via text message and informed that she, Ike and Gerald were going out. Kyle was pleased to hear this.

"Say, Stan? My mom just said they'll all be out for a while."

"Oh yeah?"

"Mhm!" he nodded. "Wanna head back there? Where we uh... know it's private?" Kyle asked.

"Yeah, sure. Let's go!" Stan agreed.

And with that, the redhead and the black-haired boy made their way back. But this time, they walked with Kyle's arm wrapped around Stan's that just remained at his side. Since they indirectly confirmed themselves as a new couple, it was only logical they showed it while they walked. They walked extra slowly as well; that way they could savor the whole thing.

For this was a day that none of them wanted to forget.

My notes:

A rather short one but after two long ones, I thought it would be nice to have a rather short chapter this time.

If you are reading this story around the time I posted this, this is the last chapter I will post in 2018. The next chapter, I will start writing on New Years Day (Jan 1st). Hope you enjoyed!