Cartman glared at Kyle with such intensity the redhead was taken aback. Sure, the fatter boy usually wasn't kind especially to him but lately he had seemed different. 'In a good way', Kyle ventured 'maybe the change would be a permanent one.' Now, he was guessing he was wrong.
"No. If you want to go see the damn doctor, go by yourself." Cartman looked beyond discussing the point.
Kyle rolled his eyes obviously and left the car slamming the door hard behind him. He opened the door once more to say something angrily.
"You'll never change; and to think you actually cared."
Kyle walked in the stark white waiting room, signing in without really paying attention to what the receptionist was saying, and sat down on a couch near a window. 'How could he act dare he say it sweet one minute and then hateful as the Devil himself the next?'
"Excuse me, um, Mr. Broflovski, was it? The wait will be about 20 minutes is that okay with you or would you like to reschedule? I apologize for the delay and I understand you have a scheduled appointment. Plus you're early."
The receptionist lady was gushing and rambling now. Great, thought Kyle, just freaking great. If he hadn't pissed Cartman off enough by slamming the car door to his precious Mercedes and yelling at him, the wait would surely give the hateful boy any excuse he needed to leave him here.
Kyle decided since he was already at the doctor he might as well wait.
"Yes, that's fine." Kyle replied with little emotion. He checked his phone and opened the only text he had.
Kenny: Kyle ummm I kind of want to touch base with you about something but you have to swear not to tell Stan or fatass. Can you promise and call me in a few minutes?
Kyle raised his eyebrows. 'Okay, not the text I wanted to receive but at least it wasn't some dumbass asking if I was gay again. That shit was getting annoying really quickly.'
Since no one else was in the waiting room and the doctor was busy anyway, Kyle opted to call Kenny.
Kenny answered on the second ring, "Thank God you weren't busy Kyle."
"Not at the moment, but make it quick, I er, I'm on a tight schedule today."
Kenny laughed, but didn't say anything. The blond was clearly stalling. Kyle had known him long enough to pick up on this.
"Spill, Kenny. I know it's important since you decided to use correct grammar."
"Okay, God this is embarrassing." Kenny rambled and Kyle could picture the boy in the orange hoodie running his hand through his short blond hair. It was a nervous habit of his since childhood that he hadn't seemed to break.
Kyle smiled slightly. Regardless of what it was about, talking to Kenny was a nice change. He had been avoiding Stan, Kenny, and everyone else because of his illness and, depending on what the answers today were, maybe that could change. The irony of the situation was that, other than pissing him off by making him in his debt, Cartman had been understanding and helpful so far. Kyle could have slapped himself. 'Cartman being helpful? Someone call the presses. The fatass never did anything out of the kindness of his heart. There was always a motive somewhere, but still, taking him to the doctor? What did Cartman possibly have to gain from this?'
"Kyle are you still there?" Kenny inquired. Kyle refocused his attention. How did almost every scenario bring his thoughts back to Cartman? 'Get it together' Kyle told himself.
"Yeah I'm here dude. What's your issue Kenny? I don't have much time left to talk."
"So, the party on Friday," Kenny began. "You're coming right? You and Cartman?"
"First off, yes I know about the party. Second, I'm not sure yet. I have a lot going on. Third, why would I know about Cartman's plans and why are you referring to us as a unit?"
Kenny laughed lightly. "Don't play dumb Kyle. I know the way he looks at you and I know you left school with him today."
Kyle was distracted again, "What do you mean the way he looks at me? Like the way he stares at me plotting the next way to humiliate me or cause me pain? And yeah, I needed a ride, what of it?"
Kyle could picture Kenny's smirk over the phone, "Kyle, Kyle, Kyle, you're the most naïve of our bunch that's for damn sure. You know, I'll let you figure out for yourself what that look means. And ahhh."
Kenny continued, "Okay well I'll tell you really quick just because if I don't tell someone I'm going to explode. I'm meeting a girl at the party."
Kyle deadpanned, "Kenny, sorry for not being more enthused, but you're meeting some random girl at the party. That's not really breaking news bro."
"No", Kenny said, "it kind of is and she's far from random." Kenny now sounded nervous, almost scared.
"Oh no Kenny, you're not meeting someone else's girlfriend there are you? Whoever he is will end up kicking your ass. You know you can't really fight." Kyle scolded.
"It's nothing like that," Kenny said but didn't elaborate further.
Kyle glanced at his phone screen quickly. He still had approximately 10 minutes to kill before the doctor was supposed to see him.
"Forgive me for thinking that," Kyle said sarcastically.
"Just tell me Kenny. I promise I won't tell Cartman or Stan or anyone else."
"I know Kyle and I trust you. It's just-. If the girl finds out I told anyone that we're meeting at the party or texting even before we're there, she might beat me up."
Kyle was thoroughly confused now. "So your girlfriend is violent…"
"Not my girlfriend! God she would kill me for even having this conversation right now. But I know you don't have much time Kyle, so I'll just tell you straight. I'm meeting Stan's sister Shelley at the party."
There was dead silence from Kyle's end of the phone and he thought the redhead had passed out at the news.
"God I knew I shouldn't have told you Kyle. I'm sorry for not telling you in person but you've been so busy lately and I really couldn't tell anyone else just yet."
"That's fine. I'm not mad or anything. Sorry I was just really shocked. I have to go Kenny, but don't worry your unbelievably strange secret is safe with me, but you do have to tell Stan before the party at least. Bye dude"
Kyle's name had just been called and he walked back with the doctor, frightened beyond belief.
The doctor seemed kind as he gestured for Kyle to sit on an examination table and asked for his symptoms while checking his vitals.
"Well, I've passed out several times and sometimes my heart just pounds painfully for no reason, but the most worrisome part is that I have passed out for minutes up to a time and my friend convinced me to come to the doctor. And well here I am."
The doctor smiled kindly at Kyle. "Okay, well let me finish up with these routine tests and give me a few minutes and I'll let you know where you stand okay?"
Kyle nodded. He was clearly terrified.
He swung his legs back and forth as the doctor closed the door behind him. He forced his thoughts to something that wasn't health related or Cartman related. His thoughts shifted to being bullied earlier. 'Why Clyde? Seriously, Clyde should have no reason to physically assault him. There's no way he actually thought that he had feelings for Red. Then again, Clyde could be incredibly stupid at times.'
Kenny realized he had been alternating between staring at his phone and staring blankly at the TV for the last 20 minutes according to his wall clock. Stupid, smart, forward thinking Kyle.
"Damn it!" Kenny cursed aloud, resisting the urge to punch something. Kyle was right. If there was one thing Kenny had learned from the many years they had been friends, it was that the ginger usually was right.
He was damned if he told Stan. The dark haired boy would freak out, naturally. The sister who was practically the bane of his existence when he was younger was talking to a childhood friend of his.
Kenny could just picture telling Stan and Stan subsequently cursing him out asking him why her and threatening him at the same time. Despite the Marsh siblings odd history, Stan was very protective of Shelley and would risk being beaten up to make sure his sister would be okay in the company of her dates.
But Kyle was right. 'Fuck it all'. If he told Stan now, or at least today, the football player would have time to cool down before the party. It was likely he wouldn't say anything or would say very little. If he didn't say anything and Stan found out when the two met up, World War III was a definite possibility.
Kenny gulped and slowly flipped through his contacts. With Stan's name highlighted and Kenny trying not to hyperventilate, Kenny hit send.
Kyle jumped when the doctor knocked on the door. He was wondering if Cartman had left him yet. He was too pissed off at the other boy to text/call, but really wish he knew if he would have to walk back home. It was getting dark outside.
The doctor breezed in, holding his clipboard next to him stiffly.
"Good news or bad news first?"
'Really? This is how he started.' Kyle made eye contact and refused to look away. He hoped his expression bordered on mild indifference and strength of character and not how he actually felt: frightened and hopeless.
"I'll take the good news first."
The doctor smiled in an attempt to reassure Kyle. "Your blood glucose levels are good and the other tests checked out fine, so your diabetes is under control."
Kyle nodded. "And the bad?"
The doctor sighed. "Well, I noticed you have a heart murmer which may have been causing your fainting spells. Either you recently developed it or it has been missed in the past. In either case, there are several things that must be done."
The doctor continued, "Are you sure there isn't a parent or guardian you would like me to discuss this with? Although many people have these and are fine, others can be quite serious."
Kyle almost panicked, "No, no, my family is very busy. I'll just tell them the news when I get home." Kyle wasn't the best liar, far from it. But maybe the doctor wouldn't pay enough attention to his body language to detect it.
The doctor narrowed his eyes. "Right, well, moving on. I'd like to run a few more tests at a later date. Here's a written excuse for you to avoid all strenuous physical activity until we figure out if this is the cause of the fainting issue. I'd also like you to wear this heart monitor for about a month. I'll check your results when you come back for the other tests."
The doctor ran a hand through his brownish gray hair, "Kyle, it isn't that I don't trust your judgment but I know you're only 16. Are you positive I can't reach your parents?"
'Shit. If he kept pushing it, the doctor might just tell him to leave and not agree to see him anymore.'
"You can call my dad's cell. He recently got a new one, so I'll just read it off from my contacts." Kyle spoke suddenly.
The doctor called the number while Kyle was in the room. (A/N: I know this doesn't ever happen, but I need it to for this part, sorry if this irritates anyone).
"Yeah?! Who is this?" A very irritated voice answered quickly.
"Is this Kyle's dad? I would like to share some medical results with you over the phone if you have a moment."
Kyle held his breath. This was bound to fail. He would have preferred giving the doctor Stan's number. The only reason he chose Cartman's was because Cartman knew all the details, but the chances he would play along were slim to none.
There was a long silence.
"Yes this is he. Sorry was finishing up some work. Go ahead."
The doctor looked less suspicious and ended up sharing with "Kyle's dad" aka Cartman the results so far.
"Gotcha, I'll take good care of him." Cartman said and the phones disconnected.
Kyle was floored. "Looks like you weren't lying. Sorry, Kyle, it's just a precaution since you're under 18."
The doctor looked sheepish and apologetic now. "Oh! Sorry, here's your excuse for strenuous activity and the heart monitor. Once again, sorry for not believing you. Just pay at the second door to your right on the way out."
"And don't worry too much Kyle. I don't think it's too serious, just taking precautions. Have a good evening."
Kyle paid and walked outside, expecting to have to make the long walk back home in the fast approaching dusk.
Cartman was sitting in his car, feet up on the dash, staring at his phone. Probably playing a game or something Kyle guessed. He tapped on the window.
Cartman glanced up sharply then unlocked the door. He put his phone aside.
"Mind telling me what the fuck that was all about Jew?! First you slam my car door and disrespect me, then you give them my number and expect for me to pose as your dad. Seriously!"
"Sorry." Kyle said not making eye contact with the angry boy beside him.
"For- what exactly?" Cartman couldn't let anything go. He had to goad him about this now of all times.
The redhead glared at Cartman now, "I'm not spelling it out for you dumbass! I'm sorry for giving the doctor your number though. I couldn't believe you went along with it, so uh thanks."
Kyle mumbled the thanks part quietly, but the satisfied smirk on Cartman's face told him he had heard him.
"But why?"
"He thought I was lying to him and kept asking if my parents were available to talk about the results. You saved my ass big time." Kyle hated admitting it, but Cartman had really helped him out.
"So that's 2 favors you owe me now." Cartman flicked his fingers up in thought, "But I'm taking you home now. You already took up my whole afternoon. I could have been doing something cool."
Cartman began the 20 minute drive to Kyle's house. He wasn't driving recklessly exactly, but Kyle cringed at how quickly he was taking some of the corners.
Kyle was frustrated now, "I knew you weren't just being nice. Ugh you're insufferable."
Cartman snorted and the car grew silent.
Kyle's worry at what the doctor said flew back to him. "Besides, you heard what the doctor said and you clearly don't even care. You probably want me to drop dead."
Cartman slammed his Mercedes brakes so hard, Kyle nearly hit the windshield. And that's why you wear a seatbelt kiddies. Dirt flew up all around them and Kyle couldn't believe they hadn't crashed.
Note to self: pissing Cartman off while driving is a death wish.
He turned to Cartman who was looking positively livid. Kyle could tell his face was red even in the twilight of evening and his hands were clenched into fists.
He then turned his full attention to the redhead next to him and grabbed both of Kyle's shoulders. Cartman was inches from his face at this moment.
His expression unreadable, Cartman all but yelled in Kyle's face, "You have no fucking idea what I want. So don't act so high and mighty."
Kyle forced himself not to cringe or shirk away, feeling bold he replied evenly, "Well I can tell you don't care. It doesn't take a genius to-"
Cartman grabbed him again, probably to try and strangle him Kyle guessed. Unexpectedly, Cartman was hugging him tightly.
What the hell.
Kyle could feel the heat of Cartman's body against him and decided it was preferable to being strangled, definitely. In fact, he rather liked it.
Cartman finally spoke, "I probably won't ever say this again. But take care of your fucking self Kyle! Do what the doctor said. I enjoy harassing you too much for you to die."
Kyle's eyes widened. Cartman's voice had almost sounded like he was- Crying?! Kyle reached a hand up to Cartman's face to see if his suspicion was correct, but the larger boy jerked away as if he'd been burned at Kyle's touch making sure that Kyle couldn't see his face, even though it was dark outside.
Kyle's head was spinning. He couldn't believe it. This was Cartman. Eric Cartman. A person who did everything for himself and only cared for himself (maybe his mom on the rare occasion), but his attitude just then. 'Kyle had known him long enough to know that Cartman was saying he cared about Kyle in a very rude, fucked up way, but still and yet expressing his concern.'
Kyle worked up his courage and scooted in the seat closer to Cartman and touched his arm gently, almost as if he was touching something breakable.
Cartman didn't move but his voice cut through the stagnant air, "And I meant what I said. You stick near Stan, a teacher, or me at all times. Don't fucking go anywhere by yourself trying to be a damn martyr. Seems like that's what you're good at. Or I will be forced to kill Clyde." Cartman's voice no longer shook.
Kyle turned the light in the front of the car on. He wasn't sure why, but he needed to see Cartman's face now. The usually confident, sadistic expression was absent. All Kyle saw was reserved concern and some other emotion. Maybe the other emotion was fear. Yeah, Kyle guessed. He was probably afraid Kyle would yell at him or call him a liar.
The redhead knew that Cartman wasn't lying and awkwardly hugged his enemy, er friend, fine, frienemy.
Cartman slowly returned the hug pulling Kyle nearly into his lap.
"I-" Cartman began, but then Kyle turned his head. Piercing green eyes met chocolate brown ones. "Nevermind." Cartman said. And Kyle knew not to ask even though he was curious as to what his friend would say. He decided after that confession; he could consider Cartman a friend at least provisionally.
The two hugged for a little while longer. Cartman turned the light off and cranked his car up again getting back on the road.
Cartman and Kyle made light conversation the rest of the way, ignoring the intimate moment between them.
"See you tomorrow, Kyle." Cartman said as Kyle got out of the car. Kyle grinned and waved before he stepped inside his house.
Cartman felt hot. He touched his face. Oh God no. He was blushing. 'Fucking Jew and his fucking smile.'
But he realized he wasn't mad at Kyle at all. He didn't even care that he had inconvenienced him.
No this was why he became mad as he pulled out of the Broflovski's driveway. He had never blushed from someone else's smile before. Only from embarrassment or ridicule.
At least it was too dark for Kyle to see. That would only raise more questions that Cartman himself didn't know the answers to.
"Kyle! Where were you? We were all worried sick." His mom scolded him while hugging him.
"I'm fine, Mom. I was hanging out with Cartman."
Both his mom and dad made shocked faces. His dad's mirrored most surprise; his mother's more angry.
Sheila continued, "I don't understand why any of you even talk to that boy. He's a detriment to society. He is as disgusting as his mother, probably has the same profession as her as well. He is beneath you Kyle."
Kyle had the sudden urge to defend Cartman.
Gerald caught the air of tension and set his paper down, sighing inwardly. 'Why can't I get a break?!'
"Ike is already asleep. Kyle, I'm glad you're home safely but you know better than to hang out with friends on a school night. Let's discuss this at a later date." His dad interjected.
Kyle smiled sheepishly. 'Good old Dad.' "Night mom, night dad." Kyle went to go upstairs.
"What's in the bag Kyle?" His mom inquired.
"Just some snacks from Cartman's." Kyle added quickly, "They're okay for me to eat I promise."
"Goodnight Kyle, but this conversation is far from over young man."
A/N: I liked this chapter a lot. It's also a lot longer than usual, hopefully to make up for my lack of updating and the fact I'm about to go on vacation. Review please!