Author's Note:

Here, I'm in a good mood so here's another update. As always, there will be yet another update on Sunday. And then we'll probably just go back to an update every Sunday deal because of life.

Aww, I remember a long time ago when I first wrote this chapter I felt like I could potentially end it here. Or, well, with the first half. I don't want to give anything away. In fact I almost ended it with the lyrics. I left it for awhile but then I got the Bunny fever again and I was convinced there was more that needed to be told. And there was. Which is why this is currently over six hundred freaking pages. (When will it end?!)

This is just... fluff. Tons of fluff. This was another one of my absolute favorites to write. And seriously, you should listen to the song. Because... it was the entire basis of this story and it's just a beautiful song anyway. There is one other song that is, in my head, the perfect song for Bunny... but that'll be shared later. Actually, two. You'll see later. Like I said :).

Title from "Sanctuary"/"Passion" By Hikaru Utada

Oh, and this is the one I have in mind for this chapter: watch?v=fz2eJl5KSzI

Chapter Seventeen: Wonk Uoy Naht Noitceffa Erom Deen I

By the end of fifth hour, Kenny had a splitting headache. He was sleep-deprived, blurry eyed, and feeling incredibly stupid. He was ecstatic when he found out it was only a half-day due to the homecoming game. That meant all that was left was lunch, the pep rally, and a brief football practice before the game. He truly was excited when he entered the cafeteria, yet his slumped figure at the table made it seem otherwise. The blonde waved lazily at Karen, then rested his head on the table.

Kyle grabbed his packed lunch from the refrigerator and walked to their usual table. He saw Kenny's orange parka and fought off the feeling of odd overwhelming happiness as he laid eyes on the teen in the same spot he sat in everyday.

"Hey!" Kyle chirruped as he sat down at the table, "are you excited for the pep rally?" Kenny slowly raised his head and gave Kyle a disbelieving look at his cheeriness. "I mean, you and Stan are both nominated for homecoming king." Kenny shrugged his shoulders and lifted his head so he now sat normally.

"I'm only entered in as a joke, you realize that, right?" he asked in deadpan. Kyle slowly nodded; it was because the seniors would get a kick out of the school's manslut being king. He heard them all talking in his chemistry class. "So have you and Stan butt-fucked yet?"

Kyle nearly choked on the bite of apple he began to chew. He slugged him on the shoulder and shook his head.

"You ask that every fucking day. Jesus Christ..." he trailed off, "I'll call you when we do," he finished; his voice dripped with sarcasm. But his harshness melted when he saw Kenny's grin.

"Or during. That'd be pretty hot," Kenny cheekily answered with a smirk on his face. Kyle slammed his forehead against the table and shook his head. Stan joined the table, patted Kyle's back, and gave Kenny a stern look.

"Dude, you're gonna know when we do it. One of us is gonna have a limp for a week. So no phone calls and no sneaking in," Kenny pretended to pout and sent his puppy dog eyes to Stan. "No."

"Oh, I'll be there," Kenny drawled with his characteristic smirk. Stan rolled his eyes and laughed quietly as he examined his chili dog.

"This is kind of grey..." he trailed off, shrugged, then ate it anyway. Kyle wrinkled his nose as he continued nibbling his apple. "Tastes okay..." Kenny watched the chili dog be devoured and couldn't help the small growl from his stomach; he had eaten more than enough last night though.

Butters sat down with a pack of Easy Mac and a juice box. "Hey fellas!" He exclaimed happily as he scooted closer to Kenny. The golden-blonde boy jumped when feeling Butters' hand squeeze his thigh.

His cheeks heated and he instantly pulled the strings on his hoodie. In revenge, Kenny's hand conspicuously massaged his inner thigh as he ate, causing Butters to struggle with such a simple task. Kyle watched them curiously; something was different. Very different. He glanced to Stan to see if he noticed. The black haired boy was watching them suspiciously; so his feelings were accurate.

"What did you two do last night?" Stan asked slowly, slightly in a sing-song voice as a grin spreading on his lips. Butters blushed and shrugged his shoulders.

"Butters..." Kyle prodded, causing him to squeak. He didn't know what to say.

"I can tell you three things, and you can believe whichever you want. We got high together. Or we went to Taco Bell. Or we gave each other blowjobs." Kenny answered calmly as he unzipped his hoodie; a faded Led Zeppelin t-shirt hung baggy on his skinny frame.

"...I honestly can't say which one I believe more." Kyle said in shock, turning to Stan, who nodded.

"Either way, I loved it," Butters added, much to Kenny's surprise. "I wanna do it all the time." Kenny's breath hitched as Butters cupped him through his jeans. Kyle peered at the flushed boy.

"Kenny, you okay?" He nodded.

"It's probably the Taco Bell..." Kenny murmured with a smirk, trying to fight off the growing bulge in his jeans. Kyle rolled his eyes.

"What's that?" Stan asked, reaching across to Kenny. Butters glanced over to where the quarterback was pointing and blanched. The ash blonde boy felt his own neck and grimaced slightly; the skin was sensitive. But Butters was seeing a very dark, splotchy hickey just above the collar of his shirt.

"What do you think?" He asked innocently. Butters had stopped touching him by then and had scooted a couple of inches away from Kenny.

"A nasty ass hickey, who'd you lay, a vampire?" Cartman asked as he sat next to Stan. Craig, Token, and Tweek joined them.

Kenny smirked. "Or something..." he trailed off. Butters busied himself with his macaroni and cheese; he was afraid of what Cartman may say if he did anything too suspicious. Both Kyle and Stan noticed this, however. Kyle couldn't get over the fact that there had been a change; a seemingly big one. Like when Stan finally...

Kyle's eyes widened as he looked at Butters. The blonde accidentally made eye contact and immediately looked away.

"What?" Stan asked worriedly. Kyle looked away from the two blondes ahead of him and tried to find something, anything, else to blame. He would not be having this discussion in front of Cartman. His eyes fell on his younger brother; perfect. Kyle shook his head and coughed a little.

"Nothing, I just... think my suspicions on who Ike likes have been proved." Kyle covered quickly, rubbing the back of his neck as he nodded his head in Kenny's direction. Some of the boys turned and realization dawned on their faces. Turning back to the table, Token and Tweek looked to find out who was going to speak first.

Kenny turned and watched as the younger Broflovski walked up to the trash can with his younger sister to throw away the remnants of a lunch most likely shared between the two. Ike murmured something to Karen who laughed louder than Kenny had heard her in a long time and playfully hit his arm. The black-haired boy ruffled her hair and continued their conversation as they walked back to their table.

"Well it's bound to happen, Kinny. All the freshmen say she has the biggest tits they've ever-" Stan could barely hold Kenny back as he lunged at Cartman. The stocky boy cried out in terror and Butters helped pull Kenny back down. His muscles were tense, fists clenched, and teeth gritted tightly. "Well it's true, welfare whore," Cartman grumbled numbly.

"Dammit Cartman, just keep your fucking mouth shut!" Kyle cried.

"Suck my balls, Jew."

Craig groaned in annoyance as he clawed at his hair.

"Why did I sit here?" he grumbled mostly to himself.

"Well at least it's not Bridon Gueermo, right?" Kenny sighed and nodded, looking at Karen who was, in fact, sitting next to Ike and a few other boys and girls in the freshman class. He grimaced slightly.

"I'm... sorry?" Kyle wasn't sure what to say. Kenny just looked up at him and shrugged. It wasn't necessarily Ike he was upset at; it was the fact that she was interested in dating now. She was fourteen, she was too young for that. And suddenly he felt like a major hypocrite.

"It's kind of funny though, I mean Karen and Ike? I'm pretty sure Shelly and Kevin had something going on for awhile so that's kinda like..."

"That's cuuuuute!" Cartman mocked, "you could all be related to poor-ass scum!"

"Shut the fuck up!" Kenny sighed wearily. "Kyle, tell Ike if he likes my sister he has to talk to me," Kyle nodded and smiled weakly at Kenny, who slumped over on the table. Butters knocked his leg with his in attempt to cheer him up.

After awhile the conversation went back to "normal." Everything was as it always had been. Except as everyone talked about Bebe's party last week, Kenny just smiled softly and listened intently.

"That was the best, but the alcohol was shit."

"Better than at your party"

"Clyde, aren't you having a party tonight?"

"Yeah, after the game. You're all chipping in on booze."

"Fuck that!"

They continued this banter and began to repeat quotes from the party. They all laughed and fired inside jokes from the night back and forth, causing everyone to laugh hysterically, except Kenny. Butters noticed the ghost of a smile on his face and he furrowed his eyebrows.

"H-hey I don't remember much from t-that night. W-would you mind telling me what all happened?" he asked, Stan snorted.

"That's 'cause you and Kyle ended up in the bathroom with Kenny."

"Yeah, dude, you're fucking crazy! The only person as wasted as you was Craig." Token laughed, Craig rolled his eyes.

"Didn't you end up projectile vomiting like fifteen feet?" Clyde asked, Kenny shrugged.

"I don't remember a fucking thing," he truthfully said yet wore a smug smile.

"Yeah, he did. On Bebe's homecoming dress," Kyle added, "and then you made me hold your hair back for twenty fucking minutes. That was disgusting," Butters laughed nervously and nodded.

"I usually hold my liquor well," shrugging slightly, "sorry dude."

"Well mix it with rotten milk and you've got a reenactment of "The Exorcist". And don't say sorry to me; Bebe's vowed revenge on you at the pep rally."

Kenny blanched and slowly glanced to the junior girls' table. Bebe glared at him with a sadistic smile that rivaled Craig's, then pointed to the clock. It read 1:12, which meant-

"All football players, cheerleaders, and marching band members please report to the new gym at this time." Principal Withers announced. The entire table, minus Craig, Tweek, and Cartman, stood up and walked towards the cafeteria doors.

"Between you and me," Stan murmured to Kenny, "I hope you get homecoming king." Kenny scoffed and smiled crookedly before shoving him slightly.

"Dude, I'd be the fucking homecoming jester," Stan rolled his eyes and wrapped an arm over his shoulders as they headed to the locker rooms. Kyle and Butters waved at them as they ran to the music room.

"So how's Style?" Stan grinned and blushed a little as they entered the locker room.

"Great, awesome. My mom knows and I'm telling my dad tonight. It's already been eight months, it's so weird. Can you believe that?"

"Nah, seems just like yesterday," Kenny replied coolly as he discarded his shirt and pants on the bench.

Stan had his jersey in his hands and helped him get his arms in; they always did that. It started in junior high after the boys made fun of them for dressing each other yet after the won the championship everyone considered it their good luck charm.

"You are covered in hickeys, dude." Stan acknowledged as Kenny wriggled into the jersey.

"Better than bruises."

"Technically it's the same thing," the black haired boy quipped, "who is it?" Kenny stuffed Stan's arms and head in his own jersey and straightened out the fabric for him.

"Oh, I never kiss and tell."

"Boy or girl?"

"Depends on the day..." Kenny murmured, considering this. He then shrugged again and slipped his feet into the too-small tennis shoes Stan had given to him. He would put on the borrowed cleats later.

"Dammit, Kenny, you're my best friend, I think I deserve to know."

"It's not you, it's the fact that I'm protecting him, Stan."

"Butters?" he mouthed, Kenny sighed heavily as he twirled his helmet in his hands. "Details. Now."

"You are so fucking gay right now," the blonde retorted. Stan slugged his stomach and Kenny groaned quietly as he was dragged to one of the locker room corners. No one thought anything of their private conversations anymore. Everyone knew how close Stan and Kenny were. Kyle had been included in that yet now most of the populace was in the dark on just how close the Super Best Friends really were.

"You and Butters... did what last night?"

"We got high. We went to Taco Bell."

"What else?"

"I ate a churro?" Stan gave him a look, "Look, I either ate a churro or got the best blowjob ever. Take your pick because the story ends in two different ways."

"...start with the churro."

"He got the munchies so we drove to Frisco for Taco Bell. He got a shit ton of food, too. And then we played Pac-Man. We went to Stark's Pond and chilled for awhile."

"And...?"

"Well we split the churro Lady and the Tramp style. I think I was on Lady's end but I'm not quite sure. No, wait, Tramp's, Lady ends up with meatball... heh." Stan rolled his eyes as Kenny snickered, "So then we just started making out and then I gave him a blowjob because I'm really good at those, I can show you if you-"

"No." The raven-haired boy glared at his friend, who smirked.

"Fine, you're missing out though. Anyways, I gave him a blowjob at the pond and then we went back to my house and he gave me one. Which I swear I died and went to heaven, see 'cause he's a bit of a scratcher and a biter and I'm a bit of a masochist," Stan's eye twitched.

"Too many details..." he mumbled uncomfortably, "you gave each other blowjobs and... are you dating or just fooling around?"

"That doesn't matter right now. I just-"

"Dude, yes it does. Butters is in love with you, you realize that, right? You're only going to hurt him if he's your plaything."

"It's not like that," Kenny barked quietly; there was no way he was getting into a fight with Stan about how he felt. He was the one who had been harboring feelings since he was eleven years old. "I asked him to homecoming, happy? You don't understand, I don't want to-"

"You don't want to ruin his chances at a good life because you're poor and don't deserve a good person because of your low self-worth. You think you'll drag anyone down who has a semblance of a chance at a good life so it's skanks for you, right?" Kenny cleared his throat and shuffled slightly; that pretty much summed it up.

"Well fuck that. Because coach told me there's a couple of scouts coming tonight for you. I wasn't supposed to tell you. But Kenny, you've got a chance. You're not going to be stuck here, even if you don't play football. Fuck what everyone says and thinks, there's a chance for you so get over this bullshit about you not being good enough. You're not gonna get stuck here."

Kenny's jaw dropped.

"Why me?"

"Have you not seen the papers? You're third in the state for rushing..."

"Shit, son..." Kenny trailed off, shaking his head in awe. That was before, though. Now it wouldn't happen; he wasn't good enough, he wasn't conditioned, and Stan could even be lying. But Stan wouldn't lie about something like that.

He didn't have time to ask or even finish the conversation. The boys cried out, some whistled, and Kenny was yanked down about a foot by his shoulder-length hair.

"You ass fucker, you're coming with me," Bebe hissed. Kenny smirked at her lopsidedly.

"Always," she rolled her eyes as he patted her bottom, and dragged him out of the locker room. She pushed him into the girls' locker room and slammed him against the wall.

"You fucking owe me for my dress. So you're not gonna join your fucking team. You're gonna join mine for the pep rally and maybe, just maybe, if you do right, I'll let you play your stupid fucking game tonight." Kenny's face fell as Bebe smirked evilly. She had killed him before, so he didn't doubt her words.

The gymnasium was full of teens talking and clapping along to the school's fight song. Butters was excited to just watch the assembly and cheer on his favorite two players. He played the drums as cheerfully and excitedly as he possibly could. He was just so happy; he loved being able to play music and nothing could tear down his good mood. Butters played the snares in time with the bass drum and felt as if his drumming could shake the earth; he played that way, at least. Kyle was standing close by playing the alto saxophone; there was no particular order they had to stand or play in at the pep rallies.

After they played the Park County High fight song, "Another One Bites the Dust", which was Butters' favorite to play, and "The Final Countdown" they sat down on the bleachers.

Kyle sat next to Butters, anxiously tapping the keys on his saxophone. His knee was bouncing similar to Tweeks' and Butters placed a calming hand on him.

"Are you okay?" Kyle nodded and turned to face Butters. Coach Wilson was going on and on about how proud he was of his team and how they were going to pulverize Pueblo; it was the same speech he gave every year, he just changed the name of the team they were playing against.

"Yeah, it's stupid but I want Stan to be homecoming king and I'm worried about what Bebe is going to do to Kenny."

"Well yeah, but they're friends... she might just be saying that."

"She can be a major bitch though. Anyway, did you know a scout is coming to watch Kenny?" Butters' eyes widened and he looked to the first row of bleachers to find Kenny. He wasn't there.

"Does he know? From where?"

"It's a surprise, and in-state I think. Hopefully we'll find out tonight." Kyle whispered softly. Butters grinned.

"That's amazing!"

"Now, let's hear it for the best team Park County has ever had!" Coach Wilson cried; surprisingly the student body cheered loudly. The freshmen lined up first, Ike included, followed by all six of the sophomores.

"How about our juniors, give a loud cheer for number nine- Token Black!" Token walked with his helmet in hand and waved. The cheers were almost deafening. "Number thirteen- Stan Marsh!"

Kyle cheered the loudest, which was an incredible feat, for the star quarterback. Butters whooped and clapped happily as well as the muscular boy ran to stand next to Token. He was grinning madly. "Number twenty-seven- Clyde Donovan!" Another uproar filled the gym as he ran to stand next to Stan; the two high-fived. "Number forty-six- Kevin Stoley!" A few more players who Butters and Kyle knew were from North and Middle Park were called. "Number sixty-nine- Kenny McCormick!" Bellowing cries echoed in the gym for the team's wide receiver. However, no one stepped forward. "Kenny!" Coach Wilson barked, upset, this time. "Marsh, go find him!" Stan nodded, set his helmet down, and quickly ran out of the gymnasium.

The rest of the role call was announced and the senior co-captains gave speeches of their own. All eyes were on the two empty spots, however. Butters glanced worriedly at Kyle who patted his shoulder.

"He's going to be here, he always is." Butters couldn't help but laugh at the irony of that statement. His knuckles rubbed together nervously and bit his lip until it bled. He hadn't felt this nervous in a long time.

The pep rally continued with a few games that the senior boys were forced to play and two performances by the dance team.

Stan had returned without Kenny and was talking in the corner with his now red-faced coach. Kyle clapped Butters sympathetically on the shoulder; neither could shake the weird feeling and nervousness that perhaps something was wrong. Butters knew Bebe wouldn't put him in any danger but he knew how angry and bossy she could be; she was too controlling in the theatre department and he just knew they were going to butt heads next year on who was going to be captain.

The cheerleaders ran out, Bebe included, and Kyle couldn't help but notice she looked too peppy and overboard she was with her excitement as they performed their intricate routines. Butters noticed this as well and began to peer around with nervous eyes for Kenny.

She and Wendy ran up to the microphone, pompoms waving wildly, and she began to giggle.

"Thank you so much!" She cried happily, then began to laugh a little. Wendy looked at her momentarily before taking the microphone.

"We'd like to announce that tonight is a green out so everyone wear green and be the loudest student section in Colorado!" She exclaimed, then handed the microphone back to Bebe before running back to the squad.

"We have a special performance by a very special person. I've been waiting for this for a long time." Red shut off the lights and Bebe ran to the locker room.

Silence filled the gymnasium except for two whispers and an annoyed groan from behind the corner. Butters' heart hammered in his chest and Kyle glanced warily at him. Bebe's tennis shoes squeaked as she hurried back to the center of the floor.

The sound of clicking heels echoed in the gym and a low murmur was heard as a very tall, very skinny girl followed behind in a thigh length puffy powder blue dress made of satin and fine netting.

"Oh my God." Kyle gasped, covering his mouth. Butters gawked. "That's Kenny."

The lights turned on and the person in the center looked up with cerulean eyes through straightened golden blonde hair.

The students laughed and some gave wolf calls while the teachers gasped and exclaimed as Kenny McCormick stood before them looking like Alice in a vomit-stained dress. Butters squeaked and his cheeks turned pink. He could see he was wearing makeup; his eyes were lined elegantly with smokey liner, causing his blue pools to appear an ice color. His cheeks had a natural looking pink tint and his lips were plump and shiny with gloss. Kyle shook his head in disbelief.

"How does he always manage to look pretty like that? I mean, really?" he whispered to Butters, who glanced at him as Kenny cleared his throat.

"He is a Princess, after all," Butters murmured, causing Kyle to scoff. He shifted uncomfortably and looked around. Finally his eyes settled on Butters and he smiled weakly.

"I, Kenneth Daniel McCormick, formally apologize to Bebe Renee Stevens for puking on your homecoming dress. You looked way hotter in it than I do."

Someone from the bleachers yelled "faggot!" and laughter echoed through the gym. Butters visibly winced and his heart thudded painfully as Kenny just smiled softly. Kyle closed his eyes and shook his head.

"I kind of am just a bunch of sticks, if you look at me from the right angle. So sure, I'm a faggot, why not?"

Kyle laughed into his hand and Kenny sighed heavily into the microphone.

"I'm supposed to do something embarrassing but the fact that I pretty much will do anything if asked defeats that purpose, sorry B. But I think if I have a mic I could say or do something, right?" Butters was hanging onto his every word. He remembered sharing his darkest secret with Kenny; and yet here he was. His eyes stung as he watched a boy, his best friend who was always pegged as something he wasn't, stood brave in front of hundreds of students and faculty, as well as his football team and coach, in a frilly dress. It was flamboyant, yes, yet it was more than Butters could ever do as well as so many other identity-confused teens. And Kenny managed to look so confident although his nerves were probably on high.

"Uh, okay... well... I know a lot about sex. And when I say a lot I mean a lot. I've seen and done a lot of crazy things. I know a lot of people, some in this room, are gay or bi or lesbian... some are genderqueer or transgender too. I don't get why it's a big deal. You call me a fag? I don't care. You like dudes? Do 'em. If you like chicks then get at it. And if you like both of them then that'll be a really fun night, right? If you wanna be a guy go ahead and if you wanna be a girl, by all means go ahead. If you feel like you're both? That's okay too because what's not to love, right? I say this seriously, no jokes about it. I like people. I don't see why I can't think girls are hot but be totally in love with a boy who sometimes sees himself as a girl. I could totally love someone transgender. Love is love, people, and if you think I'm a fag then that's cool, I guess, but really I call it queer. We're in the 2000s not the Stone Age... heh... well I kinda am..." he laughed quietly to himself.

Butters shook his head and laughed as tears leaked from his eyes. Complete silence filled the room. Kyle's lungs screamed for air; he hadn't known he was holding his breath. He couldn't believe it; Kenny just came out to the entire school. His football team included. Gasps and murmuring ensued as Kenny stood up at the front of the crowd awkwardly, unsure of what to say or do. The underclassmen had turned to Karen whose jaw was slightly agape as she watched her brother.

"I... I literally have no shame. I have no embarrassment because... well... I really don't care. I'm standing here in a dress and I'm completely comfortable. Except it's a little itchy, the poofy stuff, and it's a little drafty." Some people laughed. "Anyways, um... there's one more thing I have to do before someone tries to beat me up. I'm supposed to sing this mashup I made because I wanted to sing In This Moment rather than Ke$ha. But... Bebe you realize this has been an epic fail so... I just feel like I should sing this song because it's a step in the right direction. And I know someone out there will understand what I'm trying to say."

There was no music, just a microphone and a voice rarely heard but rich and so varied in range. Kenny took a deep breath and locked eyes with Butters momentarily; he found him. Kyle watched Butters wipe his eyes and rub his knuckles together as Kenny smiled and closed his eyes.

"In you and I, there's a new land..." Kenny sang slow and smooth in the microphone. Butters covered his mouth with his hands and shook his head. Kyle looked at him curiously.

"Angels in flight
I need more affection than you know
My sanctuary, my sanctuary, yeah
Where fears and lies melt away
Music will tie
I need more affection than you know
What's left of me
What's left of me now...
I watch you fast asleep
All I fear means nothing..."

"Is that the song from Kingdom Hearts II?" Kyle asked the blonde beside him in total disbelief, he nodded.

Butters brushed away tears as he listened to Kenny sing in a comfortable tenor range. He was still as he sang with his eyes closed and a calm expression was on his face. This was their song; after they played Kingdom Hearts and Kingdom Hearts II Kenny had said that the moment the credits had ended. He remembered that, years ago, as two ten year old boys had been throwing words around. They hadn't realized what that meant. Or maybe Kenny had all along.

Had Kenny liked him that long ago?

This was what he needed; proof that he meant what he said last night and the other times. That what they had going on was more than fooling around. Butters knew, as he listened to the passion in Kenny's voice, that he was pouring his entire heart and soul into the words.

"In you and I, there's a new land
Angels in flight
I need more affection than you know
My sanctuary, my sanctuary, yeah
Where fears and lies melt away
Music will tie
I need more affection than you know
What's left of me,
What's left of me...
So many ups and downs
My heart's a battleground

I need true emotions
I need more affection than you know
I need true emotions..."

Kenny continued to sing, emotionally now, eyes still closed, as if reaching out and trying to find the one who needed to hear the words the most. He poured his heart into his soulful singing. His feelings were expressed on his open-canvas face, and Kyle looked to Butters. He smiled as he saw his eyes were closed as well, with tears slipping through quietly. He shook his head then turned to look at Stan, who was watching with his hands folded and pressed against his mouth.

"You show me how to see
That nothing is whole and nothing is broken
In you and I, there's a new land
Angels in flight
I need more affection than you know
My sanctuary, my sanctuary, yeah
Where fears and lies melt away,
Music will tie
I need more affection than you know
What's left of me,
What's left of me now..."

Kenny's face was hot as he belted out the final bridge. His body was shaking with emotion as the lyrics floated in beautiful tones from his vocal chords. This was the only way he knew how to express himself. This was his way to maybe show exactly how he felt. As he held the note, he bowed his head and tried to dig out all he could so he could be truly open for him. It only left him vulnerable.

"My fears, my lies..
Melt away..."

Stan stood up and ran to him as he softly sang the last words. Kenny remained still with eyes still closed. The black haired boy wasn't sure what to do or say so he just stood there, waiting for Kenny to move. Or speak.

"Just like them, you've always had my heart," Kenny said weakly into the microphone.

Kyle stood up and started clapping and pulled Butters up as well.

Bebe stood, along with Wendy, Karen, Ike, Token, Clyde, and Tweek. Craig looked at the blonde on the gym floor with unfocused eyes. Cartman gawked. Kyle hollered out to him and in a moment, most of the people at the pep rally had begun to clap.

Stan took the microphone from Kenny, who was now oddly quiet and looked highly uncomfortable. His arms were folded over his chest and he looked rather nauseous.

"If anyone wants a go at my best friend and brother then you gotta go through me first. And then you gotta catch him. He isn't our star wide-receiver for nothin'." Stan said with a grin as he patted him on the back, "and for the record, I know you're all thinking it. He makes a really hot girl."

Principle Withers took the microphone promptly and cleared his throat. Stan turned to the blonde to lead him back to the team but he was gone. He saw Kyle racing down the bleachers with Butters right behind him and Karen not too far behind them.

"W-well that surely was a... pep... talk...?" Mr. Withers trailed off unsure of what else to say.

"That way," Kyle said to Stan, pointing to the exit on the left.

The four bolted for the door yet were abruptly stopped by Bebe who had Kenny's football gear in her arms.

"Here..." she murmured, handing Butters the uniform and Stan the pads. "I don't know where he went, but tell him we're way more than cool." She said with a smile. Stan nodded and they pushed passed her as fast as they could.

They split up and checked the locker rooms and his favorite closet to sleep in. The classrooms were locked and the bathrooms were all empty.

"Kyle!" The red-head turned to find his brother running toward him. "He's at the field!"

"How do you know?"

"It's a hypothesis. Everyone's going to the bonfire after this. No one will be at the field until 6:00 and he probably wants to be alone." Kyle shook his head in disbelief; Ike had a very valid point. He ushered him to tag along as they walked out the front doors. Stan and Butters ran ahead of Karen, Ike and Kyle.

"Do you think people are gonna h-hurt him?" Stan shook his head at Butters' question.

"Nah, no one is really going to care. Plus it's Kenny and he wouldn't let anyone bother him." Butters nodded and panted heavily as he tried to keep up with Stan.

"St-Stan?" Butters asked, the dark haired boy slowed to a jog. "How... how did you end up... dating Kyle?"

The black haired seventeen year old smiled affectionately at Butters, who was blushing profusely.

"I knew it," Stan chirruped, grinning at the blonde, "Kyle kind of did it actually. Well, he asked me, anyway. We went to a hockey game and then to Village Inn. Push came to shove and we were boyfriends roaming around Denver. It's not much different than how we were before... so just do whatever you want to do. It's a big step. But... my mom knows and I'm telling my dad tonight. Shelly only knows because she walked in on us... but it's not as scary as I thought."

"She walked in on you doing what?" Stan gave him a look, "You did it in the butt?!" he whispered, causing Stan to snicker and smile at Butters' innocence. "Did it hurt?"

"Yeah... a little but it was totally worth it because... well, I dunno, it was Kyle. That made it better."

"So Kyle topped?" Butters asked slightly disbelievingly. Stan nodded slowly, giving him a confused look as they opened the gates to the field entrance.

"We both did... do... when we do it."

"Oh..." Butters trailed off, "so you don't always have to top or bottom?" Stan laughed out loud and shook his head as he patted Butters' shoulder.

"No, it's all preference and up to you, dude," he replied with a grin as he ran down the steps. Butters looked around and grimaced when he didn't see Kenny on the green turf.

To: Kenny

Sent: 1:43 P.M.

Where are you?

His heart was pounding wildly as he looked around; he hoped Ike was right. As his eyes flickered through the bleachers, he caught sight of someone and bolted. Stan quickly followed suit.

Butters gasped for air as he approached Kenny, who had stood up from the metal bleachers. He had taken off the dress and heels so he was shivering before them in a pair of boxers too large for his frame.

"I was so worried about you, Ken! Y-you were... amazing. I can't believe you did that..." Kenny shrugged and smiled as Butters enveloped him in a hug. He draped his long arms around the smaller boy's clothed back and secretly relished the warmth of his body. "You're amazing," Butters whispered as he handed Kenny his uniform.

"I was originally just going to say my apology and a song but... I dunno, I saw you guys and got fucking carried away..." the blonde trailed off quietly. Butters blushed and took Kenny's hand, and they both squeezed gently.

"You sang our song..." Kenny nodded.

"Duh, I poured my heart out on that bitch," Butters laughed richly and nodded even though he had tears in his eyes. Butters opened his mouth to speak but was interrupted by Kenny wincing as a small hand smacked the back of his head.

"You idiot!" Karen cried, shaking her head as she shoved her older brother lightly. "I'm proud of you... but seriously?! Put some clothes on, Jesus," she added as Kenny let go of Butters' hand to pull on his black Under Armour shirt. It clung to him so much his ribs poked through the fabric.

"Why'd you run?" Kyle asked as he sat on the bleachers. Kenny wiggled around slightly as he pulled on his thigh and knee pads.

"Dramatic effect. I wanted to start the bonfire too but I wanted to get out of that dress. Then I did that and realized my clothes were in the locker room," he replied simply, jumping as he wriggled into the Lyrcra football pants.

"You already had drama on your side," Ike commented, Kenny shrugged as he fitted his shoulder pads.

"It was spontaneous and I looked fucking sexy." Karen rolled her eyes and sat next to Kyle. Ike immediately perched next to her.

"And you're okay with everything that went on in there?" Kyle asked slowly, Kenny nodded once as Stan put his jersey on over his head. He smoothed out the shirt and pulled it down over his gear.

"I don't give a fuck, really," he said, giving Kyle a look that the red-head boy seemed to only understand. "Now, who's ready for some fiah?!" Kenny cried excitedly with a grin as he held out his hand to Karen. The brunette sighed heavily and dug in her pocket before handing him a lighter. He smirked as he flicked the wheel and a small flame burned brightly.