(A/N: Thank you again for the reviews, faves, and alerts, much appreciated! This chapter is kinda short and fluff-ish? Anyway, enjoy and, as always, please forgive typos!)
Stan sat on the sofa in Cartman's basement with Kenny. It had been weird at school. At the end of the day, Cartman had practically pawned Kenny off on him and directed Stan to keep an eye on him until he got back from wherever the hell Cartman had vanished to. To make things even more awkward, Cartman had implied it was Stan's responsibility since Kenny was his boyfriend. And Stan tried to protest while both he and Kenny turned three shades darker than tomatoes, but Cartman wasn't having it and Kyle had vanished long ago. Of course, the one time Stan wished Craig would randomly pop up to help guide him as he'd been doing, the guy was nowhere to be seen. Still, even though Stan knew he himself was redder than a tomato, he was glad to see Kenny in that state, it was rather cute.
They had been playing a video game for the better part of an hour, both on the sectional, comfortably close like before, and Stan thought that he liked seeing Kenny so focused on something. He wanted to do more, he really did, but he decided he wouldn't unless Kenny made the first move. Of course, he wanted to kiss again but not if it ended as it had before. He winced when he heard his stomach grumble. It was getting late; where was Cartman? Did he just plan to not come home? It was awesome how much of a wingman the guy was turning out to be but this was also starting to get suspicious.
"Are you hungry, Stan?" Kenny asked and Stan thought his stomach must be louder than he realized and he liked how much Kenny said his name. No one else was even here but he still addressed him with his name.
"Yeah," he replied with a nod. He paused the game and looked over. "Do you mind if we break for dinner?" Cartman's mom had left for the evening but on her way out stopped in and told the boys that there was food in the fridge for them whenever they got hungry.
"Of course not," Kenny readily responded, standing up and stretching out and Stan really felt it was unfair because he suspected that Kenny was not feeling all the same feelings he was at this moment. He hoped his eyes didn't look too appreciative and also stood up, heading towards the stairs. He stopped when he realized Kenny wasn't following.
"Hey, are you coming? I could use some help finding things in the kitchen." A complete lie, but he wanted Kenny with him and maybe, just maybe, he could make something happen. He remembered Kyle telling him that he and Cartman were already all over his case regarding food, but Stan still wanted to try. Kenny looked uncertain for a minute before giving in and nodding, following Stan up the stairs. Stan smiled, proud that Kenny had given in so easily. Maybe Stan had more power than he realized. He wondered if Kenny knew how much power he had and hoped it would take him awhile to discover it because Stan already knew good and well that he was wrapped around the other's finger.
Once in the kitchen, Stan feigned ignorance of where the plates were, the silverware, and even the pantry. Based on the bemused smirks he was getting from Kenny, Stan knew that the other was onto him but he didn't care. He liked how small the kitchen in Cartman's house was; it forced them to stay in close proximity and brush up against each other and, damn, why did Cartman's kitchen suddenly seem like the best place in the world? Stan was pretty sure he'd never thought that before. The only second he wasn't thoroughly happy was when he noticed a fridge free of alcohol and he knew, he just knew, that was Cartman's doing. He'd have to have a word with him later. Stan's hand hovered over the plates for a second, debating if he really wanted to jump headlong into this, but he was already so far deep into this, he supposed it didn't truly matter at this point. "Will you join me?" Kenny looked startled for a second, smirk falling from his face and mouth pressed into a thin line, clearly debating how to respond. Stan waited a beat before adding the innocent questions that he'd noticed seemed to get Kenny to do just what he wanted. "Please? For me?"
There was another tense minute of silence before Kenny shrugged. "Okay. Just today." Oh, they would see about that just, Stan thought rather gleefully as he pulled down two plates out of the cabinet.
"Awesome!" Stan exclaimed, grinning widely. "I don't know if you've heard but I'm pretty damn amazing in the kitchen!" He was rewarded with a laugh and just when he thought things couldn't get better, Kenny was suddenly right next to him offering help and Stan quickly agreed that he would love help; because, after all, it would mean Kenny was still in the kitchen with him. And maybe Stan hadn't been totally correct in his thoughts about Kenny earlier because the other teenager was all up in his space and Stan totally welcomed the invasion. Soon they had to move to the table, which Stan wasn't totally thrilled about, but his stomach sure was. He had made two rather nice veggie quesadillas, cut into thirds and he was delighted with how they turned out. They steamed nicely and smelled heavenly and he hoped Kenny would at least take just one bite. Kenny sat across from him, looking at the plate in front him, while Stan looked down hungrily at his own plate. He looked up from his plate to Kenny and they locked eyes for a moment. Stan bit his lip as he realized this would be it, he could already see Kenny shuddering. "Please?" he whispered, picking up a piece of his quesadilla and biting into it.
Kenny took a deep breath and brought his hand to the quesadilla. He picked one of the pieces on the plate up with trembling fingers and slowly lifted it. He paused before his mouth, glancing around the room furtively and Stan knew he was checking to see if his brother or sister's spirits were going to show up just to knock the food out of his hand. They didn't and Stan held his breath while Kenny took a small bite, still glancing around the room until his gaze landed on Stan who stared at him with such tenderness, Kenny thought he might just stuff the whole quesadilla down his mouth if he could just to make the other happy. It was weird, he hadn't felt anything like this in ages yet he was beginning to realize that he cared very much about Stan, he was sure he hadn't cared this much about someone since his family with the exception of Eric but he was an outlier. It had been too long since he'd let himself enjoy food and Stan wasn't kidding around when he said he was a damn good cook because it was amazing. He looked at Stan who was looking at him expectantly.
"This is amazing," he complimented and was rewarded with a Stan that beamed, looking thrilled to death with the compliment. Still, it had been so long since he'd actively ate, it was hard to chew and swallow, but he'd eaten one third and was quite proud of himself. He stared at the second and third pieces, willing them to vanish, Stan had already finished his, Kenny was aware that he was eating way more slowly than any sane person. He had to finish this, though, he didn't want to insult Stan and he wanted him to be happy. His brother and sister's spirits hadn't jumped out of the walls, but he did wonder what kind of nightmares he would have later because of this. There was a hand on his shoulder and he started, not even having heard Stan move out of his chair. Suddenly there were fingers under his chin, turning his head and forcing him to look up at Stan.
"Kenny?" Stan asked with concern. Kenny had been staring at what was left of his quesadilla for a while and hadn't responded to Stan in several minutes; to say Stan was alarmed wouldn't do the situation justice. "Kenny?" he asked again and then felt relief wash over him when Kenny finally started responding and the clouded look in his eyes gave way to confusion. He smiled slightly, though concern was still clear in his eyes. "You don't have to eat anymore. You did so good, I'm so happy." He moved a little closer and wrapped Kenny up in an awkward hug since he was standing and Kenny was still sitting. Bending down a little, Stan planted a light kiss in his hair and muttered a soft "thank you." Kenny loved the feeling and he hoped Stan held onto him a little longer and tighter, however, the wish was short lived as someone joined them in the kitchen.
"Seriously? There's a whole basement downstairs!" Cartman exclaimed, not entirely thrilled at the sight that greeted him in his own kitchen. "A whole fucking sectional, a bed, but, noooo, instead you hug and whatever at the kitchen table," he muttered as he marched past them to the fridge, opened it to poke his head in and see what was available. It was at that moment that his mind clicked with what his eyes had just seen. He whirled away from the refrigerator until he was looking at the other two again, Stan standing behind Kenny, his arms wrapped loosely around Kenny's shoulders and Kenny with a plate of food in front of him. "Did you-are you- eating?" he asked hopefully. Stan grinned triumphantly, proud to have been the one to get him to eat. Kenny just offered up a half-hearted smile to Cartman and nodded. Stan noticed the look the two exchanged and suddenly he wasn't so sure about Cartman, his arms tightening just a little more around Kenny. His friend didn't know why but he certainly wasn't complaining about Stan holding him tighter. He looked down at what was left of his quesadilla.
"Eric? Do you want the rest of my quesadilla? Stan made them and they're amazing!" And now Stan was definitely not sure at all about Cartman anymore because that was the most he'd heard Kenny talk at once, so at ease, and he fought to quash the jealousy that was rising up in him. Cartman was Kenny's best friend; how was this any different than how he spoke to Kyle, his own best friend? Really, shouldn't Stan feel happier that Kenny was starting to feel this comfortable around him? But, still, he couldn't help but wonder how long Kenny had felt comfortable around Cartman. The other two remained completely oblivious to Stan's inner turmoil. Cartman practically dashed to the table, wanting to check out the food that Stan had convinced Kenny to eat. He eagerly picked up a piece, inspecting it.
"It's really that good, huh?"
"Yeah, it really is!"
Cartman rolled his eyes. "I mean, you haven't had real food in forever so I'm sure anything would taste-"
"It's really good, if you don't want it, I'll finish it," Kenny declared, cutting his friend off before he could finish and Cartman frowned; everyone was interrupting him lately. Cartman was just impressed Stan had gotten Kenny to actually eat and there was another feeling that took him a few moments to figure out what it was; gratitude. He bit into the piece of quesadilla he grabbed and chewed contentedly. He doubted Kenny would actually be able to finish it even if he wanted to.
"That is amazing," he agreed with Kenny and turned his eyes towards Stan who regarded him warily. "This is damn good, hippie, I gotta say, I'm impressed."
"Thanks," Stan muttered, still not sure what to make of Cartman. Kenny must have sensed the unease because he reached one hand up to place it reassuringly over one of Stan's arms that was still wrapped loosely around his shoulders. Cartman happily took a seat near Kenny and reached over to eat the rest of the quesadilla.
"So, you staying the night, Stan?" he asked casually even though he knew there would be school the next day. He was loathe to admit it but he would rather have Stan here since he would be the one dealing with Kenny's night terrors instead of himself. The other day had been a welcome relief and Cartman was starting to feel a little too indebted to his alcoholic prone friend; he might even have to buy him a case of beer, but Cartman couldn't do that. If he was being honest, he wasn't sure how well a drunk Stan would handle Kenny during his nightmares.
Stan sighed. "No, I'm already pushing it with my mom and I don't want her to be upset," he answered honestly even though he really didn't like the idea of leaving Kenny with Cartman; he wasn't sure why, it hadn't bothered him in the least until now. It was late, though, there was no light coming into the house and he was sure that he probably should have been home an hour ago. He hadn't checked his phone in about as much time so he was sure he had some texts and calls from his mother. "I actually should be going home," he said with regret. He so wanted to stay but he didn't want to upset his mom anymore than she might already be. He was grateful to have a good relationship with her, at least, in comparison to what he saw from his friends' relationships with their moms, he felt he got a pretty good bargain on that end. His dad was another story, but he was still his dad. He took his time sliding his hands off Kenny, making sure to give the blonde's shoulders a comforting squeeze before disentangling himself completely. He witnessed Cartman and Kenny exchange another look and Stan could have sworn that they were communicating by expression alone and, dammit, not even he and Kyle were capable of that. Kenny pushed his chair back and stood up also.
"Let me walk you to the door," he offered with a smile and Stan immediately forgot his annoyance with Cartman for the moment. Kenny slipped his hand into his as they walked out, only letting go once they reached the door; it wasn't a long walk but Stan felt pretty great by the time they reached the door and he knew it might be cheesy, but he was really hoping for a kiss. Kenny stood there, suddenly shy again. "Thanks, Stan, for the food and helping me, you know, just thanks," he tried to express the enormous amount of gratitude he felt towards the other but there were no words as far as he was concerned. He could thank Stan for every second the rest of eternity and it still wouldn't be enough. Stan offered up his own charming smile realizing this was it and he'd have to hold out longer for another kiss and it would be okay because he'd already had a taste of one to know it would be worth the wait.
He nodded. "Have a good night, okay? You know you can always use Cartman's phone to get in touch with me if you need to," he made sure to tell him because thinking of Kenny having nightmares and Cartman being the one to comfort him made him jealous all over again and he really hoped it was Lianne comforting Kenny instead, but he doubted it as Cartman's mom didn't always get home before the morning. He smiled again and walked out the door, glancing behind him to give Kenny a good-bye wave before disappearing into the shadows of the night.
Kenny sighed and shut the door once he could no longer see Stan walking down the street. Walking back to the kitchen he felt worry start to bubble up within him. Cartman was still eating the quesadilla rather happily. "Hey, can you text Stan to make sure he made it home okay in a few minutes?" he asked as he sat back down, wishing Stan's arms were around him again. Cartman rolled his eyes but agreed. It was silent for a few minutes and Cartman pulled out his phone to shoot off the text, getting a reply right away, and informed his friend that Stan had made it home just fine. After a couple more minutes of silence, Cartman finished off his quesadilla and looked at Kenny.
"Are you going to tell him?"
Kenny frowned, not liking where this was going. "Tell him what?"
"All of it? Any of it?"
"I already told you…"
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, you want him to stay normal, whatever the hell that even means anymore," Cartman cut his friend off. "But I wasn't talking about the whole dying and coming back to life thing though that is something you should try to address eventually. I was talking about the rest of it."
"Are you?" Kenny challenged him and now Cartman was the one frowning.
"What do you mean? It's not mine to tell…" he trailed off guiltily, immediately realizing he wasn't being fair to his best friend at all. "I mean, you know what I mean…" he finished lamely, knowing Kenny would instantly know what he meant.
And Kenny did instantly know. "Yeah," he mumbled, "I know. But, no, I don't want to tell him all of… that." He paused again and looked at Cartman, eyes full of misgiving, "Should I? Want to tell him?"
His best friend could only answer with a shrug. "I don't know, honestly." There was another pause as each reflected on what the possible consequences could be and Kenny's reflections were much darker than Cartman's. He frowned at Kenny. "I really don't think Stan would be as upset or as horrified as you think." Damn, the day had finally come. He was actually saying good things about that hippie. Kenny just looked away and it took all Cartman had not to sigh in frustration. Instead, he decided to address other things.
"Do you want me to sleep downstairs on the sectional tonight?" he asked quietly. Kenny's face turned red and he refused to look the other in the eye again but did nod, signalling he would like someone nearby. "Good, I was hoping to watch a movie tonight, anyway," Cartman said, hoping to ease his friend's discomfort and Kenny felt that fierce gratitude again. Stan and Kyle had always said they were super best friends as kids, but he suspected he got the better end of the deal even if they didn't realize. Of course, he was aware of how much it had cost to get this kind of friendship out of Cartman and he wondered what it would be like if all that had happened hadn't happened; if they would even still be friends. Either way, everything had happened and he was just grateful that Cartman was here.