I thought I'd write up a happier chapter this time since the last one was so dark, and I want to make this a happy ending story (this isn't the last chapter, but I'm progressing towards it.) Sorry it's so short. Thanks for sticking with me guys, and as always you are awesome. Please leave a review of you liked, it helps me continue the story.

Ch 13

Stan was discharged from the hospital five days later, and Kyle was there every step of the way as Stan got progressively better.

"How are you feeling today, Stan?" Kyle asked, as Stan sipped on some water.

"Better, thanks."

They sat on the edge of Kyle's bed, Kyle holding his friend's hand tightly. Stan didn't mind it. Stan liked it when Kyle held his hand. It was a soothing feeling for him; it made him feel a lot better that his friend was there to support him. Stan was finally realizing that Kyle wanted to help him, to see him get better. And Stan was almost six days sober. He felt better than he wanted to project. His withdrawal symptoms were wearing away, slowly but surely.

"The Broncos VS. Dolphins is on tonight, Stan. Will you watch it with me?"

"Of course, dude."

The two hadn't gone to school in a week, Kyle insisting on staying with Stan for a few more days until he saw vast improvement. His mother and father reluctantly obliged.

Stan's mother and father were back, and upon seeing Kyle, thanked him for watching their son. They were stuck in a snow storm in Denver and couldn't make it back in time to see their son in the hospital, and had no service on their cell phones to answer Kyle's calls. All was finally falling back into place. Stan was getting the therapy he needed, and Kyle was becoming more and more hopeful with each passing day.

The hours ticked away and it was time for the game. Stan and Kyle sat on the couch, popcorn in hand and candy in the other. And of course, Kyle holding Stan's hand. He didn't want to let go. He felt if he let go, things would go wrong. Kyle scooted closer to his friend.

"Broncos are going to win, Stan."

"Of course, dude."

Kyle leaned on Stan's shoulder.

"Stan?"

"Yeah, Kyle?"

"I love you, dude. You're my best friend."

"I love you too, man."

"No, I mean…" Kyle began.

The two had grown together quickly since Stan had left the hospital. Kyle rarely let go of Stan's hand, but he was afraid of what would happen at school if he were to do so.

"I… I think I…" Kyle began again.

"I like you more as a friend, too, Stan." Kyle said quickly, his face heating up slightly. "I know I always have. I just… didn't believe it. Then I realized it. We have grown so much together over the last few days. I see how much I care about you. I almost lost you, Stan. I don't know what I would have done if I did."

Stan wrapped his arms around Kyle. He didn't have the words to respond.

"It took a tragedy like this for me to realize it." Kyle mumbled into Stan's chest. "I love you, Stan. Please remember that."

"I'll remember, Kyle." He hugged his friend close to him.

The boys were finally able to return back to school. It was a Wednesday. Cartman and Kenny were not at the bus stop yet. This was an opportunity for Kyle to hold hands with Stan. He reached over and grabbed his friend's hand, smiling. Stan smiled back. Cartman and Kenny strolled up to the pair, and upon seeing Stan, Cartman stood as far away as possible. Stan wondered why Cartman was acting to strange. As if that wasn't new.

"Cartman," called Stan. "Why are you so far away?"

"Uhh, no reason." Cartman replied, unable to mask his shock that Stan wasn't beating the shit out of him already.

He scooted closer, and upon seeing Stan and Kyle holding hands, he could barely contain a snicker. Stan didn't care, and neither did Kyle.

Kyle moved closer to Stan until their bodies touched. Kenny mumbled something incoherent and there was a snicker from Cartman.

"Heh, right Kenny." Cartman replied.

"We don't care what you think anymore, Cartman." Kyle said, rather plainly.

The bus rolled into view. The four boys boarded the vehicle and Stan and Kyle continued to hold hands.

I can finally be me. Stan thought, smiling to himself.

The two sat at the very back, as close as possible. Wendy tossed a look at Stan and Kyle, frowning. Stan waved at her, smiling slightly. Wendy scribbled on a piece of paper, holding it up to Stan while Kyle was looking out the window.

Can we talk? It read.

Stan nodded.

Wendy approached Stan, Kyle had gone off to take a drink from the water fountain. He was reluctant to let go of Stan's hand, and it took some prying.

"Hey, Stan."

"Hey, Wendy."

"So I guess you're with Kyle now, huh?"

Stan shrugged.

"Yeah. I guess. I don't know if it's official yet."

"So, we're over with now, huh?"

"Y-yeah…"

Wendy smiled, and Stan thought he saw tears in her eyes. "That's all I wanted to know. I wish you happiness. Seriously though, you two are meant for each other. I always knew."

Stan's face felt hot.

"Thanks, Wendy."

"I'll be your best girl friend if you ever need to talk to someone, alright?"

"You'll always be my best girl friend, Wendy."

Stan hugged her. "Always."

Kyle returned from the drinking fountain, wiping his mouth on his sleeve.

"Hi, Wendy!"

"Hey, Kyle." Wendy smiled. "I'll leave you two alone. See you guys later!"

Kyle reached over and grabbed Stan's hand. "Am I… am I being too clingy, Stan?"

"Of course not, dude… I, uhh… like it when you hold my hand." And it was the truth.

Kyle smiled.

The two spent the night over at Kyle's house that Saturday. School was slightly rough for the pair, kids laughing and pointing as they strolled through the halls, holding hands. And the occasional wadded up piece of notebook paper. But they didn't care. Stan could finally be who he was. Without worrying. Without the trouble of keeping it a secret.

The two sat and played a card game on the floor of Kyle's room. "Go fish." Kyle replied, when Stan had asked for a five. Stan picked up a card from the top of the pile.

"Wanna watch a movie after this?"

"Wanna watch one now?" Kyle replied.

"Sure." Stan hopped up from his spot on the floor. He wanted to pick a scary one, so the two could cling on to each other if the one got scared. Stan laughed inwardly.

"How about… Donnie Darko?"

"Nahh, that one's too trippy for me."

Kyle got up and walked to Stan. He browsed the movies until he found a different one. Kyle had the right idea.

"This one. Insidious." he sounded out the word. "What's this about?"

"Oh, it's about some kid who gets taken by a demon or something, I dunno. I've never seen it. Why do you have this on your shelf if you've never watched it?"

"I don't know. Do you want to watch it?"

"Sure."

The two stayed up late, curled up in the bed, the blanket wrapped around each other. They clung to each other like wet dishcloths.

"Damn, this movie is fucked up." Kyle's voice wavered slightly. "I don't think I'll sleep tonight."

"I'll protect you." Stan replied, wrapping the blanket tighter around the two.

"What if that demon thing comes out of my closet and gets me?"

"Then I'll fight it off."

Kyle felt his face heat up.

"Yeah, you wouldn't. You're a huge puss."

"Am not!"

"Yes you are." Kyle laughed, playfully punching Stan in the shoulder.

"Boys, go to bed!" Kyle's mother shouted from the living room.

"Alright, mom!" Kyle shouted back.

Stan switched off the TV.

"I'll turn off the light." Stan proceeded to turn off the bedside lamp when Kyle stopped him.

"No, please… I'm kind of, uhh… scared." Kyle whispered the last part.

"Now who's the puss?"

Kyle huffed. "I'm not a puss!"

Kyle curled up in the blanket, wrapping it around himself.

"Goodnight, Kyle." Stan rolled onto his side, facing the other way.

"Goodnight, Stan."