Work Text:
September 5, 2023
Soft humming filled Stan’s ears, he thought he was dreaming.
Fingers ran through his hair and scratched behind his ears, it felt like heaven.
Maybe he had died. If he did, this was heaven.
“My Marshwalker.”
Oh.
He wasn’t dead, but instead in a private spot. His own personal heaven. A smile crossed his face as he realized he was with his king.
“It’s been a long day, I know. Training was hard today, yes?”
A voice like honey and a touch like silk. Yes, Stan would be happiest here.
“Yes, my king.”
His own voice was hoarse, rough with exhaustion, nothing like his lovers.
“Look at me, my dear.”
So he did.
Stan smiled up, allowing himself to look at auburn curls and emerald eyes. The king hummed a song, one that was made for Stanley and no one else.
“You are truly beautiful, my king.”
“As are you, Stanley.”
September 6, 2023
Stan squeezed his arms around Kyle’s midsection, kissing his shoulders tentatively. The redhead protested as he shuffled under the covers more.
“5 more minutes….”
“You said that, like, 30 minutes ago.”
“3 more minutes…”
Stan smiled, never wanting to leave the bed himself. It was warm, and Kyle was here with him. He would stay forever if it wasn’t for Sheila yelling at them to come eat breakfast.
“Your mom's going to come up here.”
Kyle groaned at that, rolling over to face his lover with a scrunched-up face. His sleepy eyes stared into his lovers, and they shared a brief kiss.
“Ready?”
“No.”
“Come on, Ky. I’ll take you to that cafe you like for lunch.”
A smile covered the redhead's face as he pressed more sleepy kisses to his lover's cheek.
“You’re so good to me.” The redhead whispered when he sat up, stretching his muscles.
“Come on, baby. Your mom will think we’re doing something wrong if we stay any longer.”
“Fine, I’m coming.”
September 7, 2023
“That all you got, princess?”
“Stop calling me that, you brute! Just because I don’t go slamming my opponents into walls and spitting blood doesn’t make me a princess!” Kyle huffed as he skidded to a stop. His arms were crossed, and an angry flush covered his cheeks as he straightened his gloves.
“Aw, don’t get your feelings hurt, Ky. Since you’re a princess and I’m a ‘brute,’ that means I can protect you from all the bad guys who wanna hurt you!” Stan said, stopping next to him. He reached for the redhead’s hand, but the other smacked him away.
“Don’t touch me, asshole. I don’t need you and your fucking knight in shining armor complex.”
“I think it’s actually called a hero complex-”
“What fucking ever! Three laps around the rink, let’s go!”
Both of them quickly took off, and Stan smiled. Kyle was always so competitive, and he hated when Stan teased. The blue-eyed male considered letting Kyle win, but he knew that would make the redhead angrier. Stan let Kyle get ahead of him, mainly just to look at his ass; he bit his lip. Damn, he loved the way those stirrup pants hugged Kyle’s ass. So fucking hot.
In hindsight, Stan deserved what happened next for perving on his best friend/crush. It was rare that Stan lost his footing, but he did this time and went tumbling face-first into the ice. He groaned at the collision and couldn’t even brace for it. He slid for a moment, the blades of his skates squeaking awfully
“Stan!” He heard from the other side of the rink and the sound of Kyle’s blades on the ice nearing him. The redhead skid to a stop, reaching out to help his friend up. “Are you alright, dude? What happened?”
Stan turned his head slowly to look at the other, nearly blinding himself with the brightness of the fluorescent lights. He opened his mouth to speak, but he closed his mouth as he stared ahead of him.
Kyle was glowing. His hair was like fire, his eyes sparkled against the ice, and he was just…. Absolutely breathtaking. Stan swallowed thickly as Kyle helped him up; he always thought Kyle was beautiful, but it was like 10fold now.
“Stan, your nose is bleeding! Come on, let's stop for the day.”
“You’re really pretty.”
The redhead flushed and helped Stan skate over to the railing. He mumbled a small “shut up” as he pinched the dark-haired male's nose.
Now on solid ground and with his skates off, Stan held a tissue to his nose as Kyle took off his own skates.
“Has it stopped yet, dude?”
“My love for you? Definitely not.”
The same red flush from earlier decorated Kyle’s face, and he hit Stan in the shoulder. “Your nosebleed, dumbass!” Kyle scolded.
“Oh… Also, no, but my love is more important.”
“Stan, stop. You don’t love me.”
“Of course I do! You’re cute, have a fiery personality, and a nice ass; it’s adorable how angry you can get, you pout when tired, and you’re such an amazing person. How could I not be in love with you?”
Stan had a dreamy look in his eyes as he swooned over his freckled friend. Kyle stared, eyes blown out and face rivaling his hair as he spoke.
“How hard did you hit your head?!” He screeched, and Stan laughed.
“Not hard enough to forget my feelings for you.”
“Stan… Let’s get your nose to stop bleeding and then get you home.” Kyle whispered, gently caressing his cheek as he changed out his tissue. Stan simpered, attempting to lean into his touch. The redhead quickly pulled his hand away and turned to look at the rink.
“I really wish you meant what you’re saying, but I know you’re loopy after that fall.”
Once Stan’s nose stopped bleeding, Kyle lugged the man into his truck and drove them to their shared apartment. Stan continued to flirt with him, whispering sweet nothings and attempting to hold Kyle’s hand as he drove.
“Your eyes are so pretty; they remind me of emeralds.”
“You’re so nice to me. I don’t know what I would do without you.”
“If you had an onlyfans I’d be your number one subscriber. I’d buy your highest tier and give all my money to you.”
“I love you.”
“I wanna take you on the nicest date you’ve ever been on. Anywhere you’d want to go, I’d take you. I wouldn’t care how much it cost.”
“I wanna marry you one day.”
“You’re so perfect.”
By the time Kyle pulled into the parking lot, he looked as if he was going to cry. Stan asked why his pretty face was frowning, and the redhead hopped out the car. The dark-haired male watched from the window as Kyle wiped his eyes and ran a hand through his hair before rounding over to Stan’s door.
“Come on, let’s go. We have to get you to bed.”
“Are we going to do something there?”
“Stop! Stop it, Stan! Stop talking, stop flirting, stop- just stop everything! Please, I can’t take it! It’s not fair to me, and it’s not fair to you when I know you don’t mean it.”
Kyle’s teary eyes stared into Stan’s tiredly, and surprisingly, the dark-haired male stopped talking. He let Kyle lead him inside the apartment and to Stan’s own room. With a look in his eyes, Stan watched the redhead bring a rag to his nose to clean off the dried blood.
“Are you mad at me…?”
“...No. I’m not. You just don’t understand how much it hurts to hear you say things like that when I know they’re not true. You’re just too out of it to hear yourself….”
“I love you….”
“I know you do, Stan. You just don’t love me in the way I wished you did.” Kyle sadly brought the rag away from Stan’s face and set it down on the nightstand. He smiled weakly, ruffled his friend’s hair, and began to remove the heavy layers that adorned his body. Stan allowed this to happen, and eventually, he was laid back in his bed.
“Can you stay…?”
“Well, I live here, Stan. No, I mean, like... With me.”
“Oh…” The redhead flushed; they had shared a bed before, so this wouldn’t be that bad. “Okay, sure, just let me shower and change.” Stan nodded and watched with a small smile as Kyle left.
In the early morning hours, Stan held Kyle close against his chest, and the two stared at each other as they began to wake. Kyle didn’t push his friend away, and Stan made no attempts to move as he smiled.
“Are you feeling any better?”
“Yeah, thanks for bringing me home.”
“I wasn’t just gonna leave you there.”
“You’re right; that was dumb”
“Well, so are you. So, that makes sense.”
“Hey, Kyle?”
“What’s up?”
Stan leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to his friend's forehead and pulled the other closer to his chest with a hum. Blue eyes watched as the redhead’s face flushed. He began to stammer, but Stan spoke before he could form a coherent sentence.
“I love you more than anything.”
A bright smile covered Kyle’s face as he hugged the dark-haired male tightly.
“I love you too…”
September 8, 2023
Kyle hummed as he shuffled around the kitchen in search of a specific spoon. Stan was behind him, flipping through his textbook with no interest. The dark-haired male tapped his pencil with a huff, looking back at his lover.
“Ky, I don’t wanna do thisssss.” He whined, watching as the redhead stirred the pot of noodles in front of him.
“Dude, don’t be like that. You have two more questions, and dinner is almost done. You can do it; I know you can.” The freckled man said.
“But it’s so boringgg.”
Kyle sat the spoon down and walked over, laughing at how quickly Stan latched his arms around his hips. He kissed through the fabric of Kyle’s shirt with a sigh. The redhead ran his hands through Stan’s hair, looking him in the eyes.
“I want you, not this stupid assignment.” There was a certain sultry that filled his words. It made Kyle shiver and trail his eyes back to the pot on the stove.
“After dinner, okay?”
“Orrr, I could bend you over the table-”
“Oh, won't you look at that, the oven beeped!” Kyle said, shuffling away with a dark blush on his face. Stan whined, but it quickly turned into laughter as he watched his lover avoid eye contact.
September 11, 2023
Stan panted tiredly as his body flopped next to his lover. His face was red and slick with sweat, but a playful grin covered his features as he reached for Kyle. The redhead's face was also flushed and sweaty, his once harsh grip on the bedsheets loosened, and his hips slowly fell to be against the bed.
“Fuck….” Kyle moaned out airily, his gaze unfocused as he came down from his high. Stan wrapped his arms around Kyle’s shaking hips, pulling the other against his chest. He kissed against his face, whispering sweet nothings as the other shook.
“You did so good, baby, so fucking good. Took me so well, and you look so pretty doing it.” Stan whispered, giving Kyle’s ass a squeeze. The redhead let out a broken moan, forehead dropping to the other's shoulder.
“You’re all fucked out, aren’t you? Aw, poor baby. Let's get you cleaned up.” Stan said. He gently removed himself from the bed, frowning at Kyle’s desperate whine. “I’m coming right back, honey.”
Stan left for the bathroom and turned on the shower. He made sure it was just the right temperature and that Kyle’s favorite towel was on the counter. After hooking up their Bluetooth speaker, Stan moved back to the bedroom, where Kyle laid half awake.
“I wanna cuddle…’ Kyle whispered as he was scooped into his lover's arms. Stan kissed his temples while he carried him bridal style to the shower.
Keeping Kyle on shaky legs, Stan cleaned him quickly and gently. Kyle whimpered as he was cleaned out, but at least he knew his lover was doing it thoroughly. Stan played the redhead’s favorite after-sex songs and wrapped him up in the fuzzy towel once it was all over.
“Stan….” Kyle’s voice was thick with sleep as Stan put his own hoodie over top of his body. The redhead smiled at the familiar feeling, allowing himself to be wrapped in their comforter.
“Mmm… your so warm….”
When had Stan changed the sheets? He didn’t know and didn’t care either. All that mattered was the warmth surrounding his body when Stan held him. A few kisses and declarations of love were shared between them before sleep washed over them both.
September 12, 2023
“It’s really snowing, isn’t it? Are your parents going to be okay?” Kyle asked, looking out of Stan’s kitchen window.
“Yeah, the roads are closed, so they found a hotel to stay at,” Stan said as he placed a small pot on the stove. The redhead turned curiously, watching as Stan sat a box he couldn’t see on the counter.
“What are you doing?” Kyle asked, trying to peer over Stan’s shoulder, but the other kept it hidden. Stan turned and pressed a kiss to Kyle’s cheek. The blue-eyed male held a mischievous smile on his face as he began to push his green-eyed lover out of the room.
“It’s a surprise! You can’t come in here or my room.”
“Huh? Since when did you have a surprise for me?”
“Since I came up with it in my head two minutes ago! Go in the living room!”
“And do what?”
“I don’t know, just don’t go in my room or in here,” Stan said, coaxing Kyle out of the kitchen and onto the couch. The redhead huffed as Stan made him sit, looking at his lover with suspicion.
“You’re going to love it,” Stan said, pressing a kiss to Kyle’s cheek before leaving.
The redhead listened as pots and what he assumed to be cups clattered around from the kitchen. Kyle tried to figure out what his boyfriend was planning, but after a while, he decided to check the comments of his latest tiktok.
Kyle doesn’t know how much time had passed, but suddenly Stan ran from the kitchen and up the steps. More clattering and loud noises came, and Kyle was tempted to just go up there and see what the hell was going on, but he decided against it.
Kyle often gave Stan tangible gifts, stuff he could hold on to and reminisce on because Stan liked that stuff. Stan, on the other hand, often showed Kyle how much he loved him through actions and words. He put his heart into every date he planned and each poem he wrote for Kyle. Stan did this because he knew how special it made Kyle feel, the warm and fuzzy feeling spreading between both of them.
“Kyle! Come here!”
Making his way up the steps, Kyle couldn’t help but wonder what Stan was doing. At the top of the steps was Stan, a wide smile on his face as he eagerly grabbed Kyle’s hands. “I know our heater is shitty, and I know it’s still really cold, so I thought we could do something simlpe.”
Stan opened the door, and Kyle’s jaw dropped; he had never seen anything like it.
Old string lights hung from the ceiling, creating a peaceful orange glow around the room. A stack of movies and video games sat on Stan’s bed; next to it was a tray with snacks and two cups of hot chocolate, still steaming. Mountains of pillows and blankets sat on the bed, lined up to look comfy. Kyle realized his favorite blanket was in the middle. It was warm, cozy, and it was easy to see how much love Stan put into it.
It was perfect.
“Stan,” Kyle cooed, wrapping his arms around his lover, “This is beautiful!” he smiled, pressing kisses to Stan’s cheek. They hugged for a little while before Stan brought him to the bed, where they cuddled and watched movies until the sunset.
Kyle looked out the window once again, watching as the streetlights came on. Stan had his arms wrapped around Kyle’s waist, soft snores leaving his mouth. The redhead ran his hands through Stan’s dark locks and smiled softly.
“I love you so much, baby.”
September 13, 2023
Kyle pulled his hood further over his head cautiously, and he’d never been around so many humans before now. Leaving the castle was always dangerous, but he shouldn’t feel worried with his Marshwalker by his side, right? The young prince turned to his knight, nearly shocked by the smile that graced his face.
“Do you know the song the bard is playing?” Kyle asked, attempting to look curious so as not to show the shock he was truly in. Stan turned to him, his smile only widening as he nodded.
“I do; it was a common one where my family stayed before we moved to your kingdom.” He spoke low, adjusting Kyle’s hood to hide his stubborn auburn curls. “It’s one of my mother's favorites; she and I always danced to it.”
There was something about the way Stan spoke that made Kyle’s stomach turn, something in his eyes that made him feel uneasy, and in his stance that made him want to run. Kyle watched as the crowd of people danced, and Stanley tapped his feet. He looked away.
“Would you….Would you like to dance with me?” The question made Kyle’s cheeks burn. It was unprofessional to be in love with your personal knight, yet he was. It wasn’t like dancing together necessarily had to be intimate; it could be something done between friends. Innocent, platonic.
Stan turned quickly, eyes blown wide, a red flush coming over his own face. Oh no, was he embarrassed to dance with Kyle? Or did the thought of it make him so angry that he turned red? Kyle was about to dismiss the idea, but suddenly Stan smiled and outstretched his hand.
“It would be an honor to dance with you, Kyle.”
Kyle tried not to swoon as he grabbed Stan’s hand a made their way to the dance floor. It wasn’t until they were actually on the dance floor that Kyle realized he didn’t know the moves. He was about to comment on this when suddenly Stan pulled him closer. “You gotta go like this,” Stan said, and they began to dance.
Many songs passed, and Kyle and Stan left the tavern, laughing happily. It was fun; Kyle had fun! He never knew humans were so lively with their dancing. The smile on Kyle’s dimmed a bit as he saw Stan looking back at the small place.
“Stanley? Are you alright?”
“Huh? Oh, yes, my apologies.”
They walked deeper into the woods until the building was out of view. The silence of their journey was beginning to become deafening, so Kyle decided to speak. “Did you have fun?”
“Yes! I would call it one of the best nights of my life! I loved getting to talk with other humans, and there were so many things I hadn't eaten, seen, or heard since I was young. It truly was amazing! Oh, what I would give to do that again. What about you? Did you like it?”
Kyle stopped walking, that twisty feeling returning to his stomach. It felt as if a frog was stuck in his throat, and his eyes burned with what he hoped wasn’t tears. The redhead turned away and, instead of answering, reached into his satchel to pull out the ancient ruin.
“I enjoyed it. Human culture is lovely, but I am exhausted.” Kyle said as he stared at the stone slab. “The castle of Larion, just outside the eldest prince’s chambers, please.”
The gems in the stone glowed green, and Stan watched as a circle of magic encased them both. Suddenly, they were back in the castle, outside of Kyle’s chambers.
“Good night, Stanley.”
“Wait, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing; as I said, I am tired. I dismiss you for tonight.”
“Kyle-”
Kyle shut the door. He admits it was rude, and he feels bad for being so quick to do so, but he needed to get away.
Would Stanley be happier with the humans…?
Kyle removed his cloak and bit his lip. The redhead knew that not everyone was friendly to Stan for being human; that and how fast he moved up the rankings. Was it so bad that Stan was unhappy? He undressed quickly, wanting nothing more than to sleep away all the doubt in his mind.
Stan looked so happy when he chatted with the bartender, drinking ale and eating. Kyle had never seen him look like that, so bright and full of amazement. Stan had this aura that belonged with them. He would do anything for Stan to look like that again.
He sniffled as he got into his bed. It was weak to cry, foolish. Especially when you’re crying over a love you cannot have, but Kyle always felt like a fool when his feelings with Stan got into play.
A foolish man in love; that’s all he’ll ever be.
September 14, 2023
Kyle woke up, his mind foggy and body. It was a restless night, filled with tossing and turning. A feeling of dread loomed in the back of his mind that made him feel sick.
The young prince stretched with a yawn. He wanted to stay under his covers, never seeing the light of day until his mind could settle. But, alas, that would never be an option. So Kyle climbed out of his bed and made his way to his personal washroom. A bath would do him well, maybe breakfast too.
Kyle went about his morning, reading a chapter of his book, before a knock hit his door. The redhead knew who it was; Stanley was right on time, as usual. Yet, that feeling he worked so hard to push down rose again as he said enter.
“Good morning, my prince, breakfast is ready,” Stan said with a smile as he opened the door. Kyle closed his book and stood without a word, afraid that if he spoke, everything he’d been working so hard to keep in would spill out. Stan frowned at Kyle’s silence, his eyes holding nothing but concern for the other. “Are you alright?”
“I am fine, let us go eat-”
“Are you ill?”
“I just told you I am fine, Stanley.”
“You seem shaky; maybe we should see the medic.”
“I said I’m fine.”
“But you look tired. Kyle, I can bring you your break-”
“Marshwalker! If I say I am fine, then I am fine! Do not continue to question me! Stay in your place!” Kyle’s voice was harsh, laced with venom as he stomped towards the door. Vines grew with each step, tiger lilies sprouting with them to symbolize his anger.
“Kyle, I’m your friend! Something is obviously bothering you!”
“Yes, friends! That’s all we will ever be! Let’s just go to breakfast; I need to clear my mind.”
Stan shut the door before Kyle could leave. If it was anyone else, they had the possibility to be beheaded. But this was Stan, and Kyle loved him too much to even think like that. “What is that supposed to mean?”
“Oh, what is anything supposed to mean? I mean- You obviously don’t know; you don’t know much at all! But I see things; I’m meant to be observant with everything I do!”
“Kyle, what? You’re not making sense.”
“What I’m saying is you were happy last night!”
“At the human tavern? Yes, I was, but what does that have to do with anything?”
“You are not happy here, but you were happy there!”
“So you’re upset because I was happy? Kyle, I-”
Kyle gripped his hair in frustration, letting out an annoyed yell as vines wrapped around him. If he kept speaking, the truth would come out. More vines grew around the room; Hemlock flowers bloomed with them, Foxgloves following after. Fear and insecurity.
Stan was silent as the flowers bloomed around him, more appearing when he reached out to comfort Kyle. “Kyle, why are you so upset? What’s making you so afraid? I want to make it better.”
“I’m upset because you were happier there than with me! I’m afraid because I’ve been up all night worrying about the fact that maybe you’d be happier living there instead of being my personal guard! That thought scares me, Stan! It’s scary because I-” He covered his mouth before the words could escape his lips.
The knight placed a hand on Kyle’s trembling shoulder, and Kyle doesn’t know if he was more afraid or distraught that it was Stan seeing him like this. The hand turned into a hug, holding him tightly. The redhead wanted to fight back, but it seemed as if his body had no strength, so he was forced to lean into his knight's warm grasp.
“Would you be happier if I simply… relieved you of your duties? You could live amongst the humans, join the guards there, and find a lovely human to marry. You’d never have to worry about anyone ridiculing you for being human ever again; you would live your life in peace.”
“My prince, I would rather die than be relieved of my position. My loyalty is to you; leaving is never an option. Why would you worry yourself like this, Kyle?”
Kyle’s mother always said that a weak ruler was one who cried in front of his subjects, and yet here he was, crying in Stanley’s arms. He was exhausted, and Stan provided the comfort he craved. Part of him wanted to just stay there, to ignore what was to come when he spoke. But he pulled away and held out his hand, his palms glowing green. Kyle studied Stan’s eyes as a single Gardenia bloomed in his hands.
Secret love.
“Stan, I love you. I know I shouldn’t, but… I do. I’m so sorry….”
Stan’s eyes were glossy as he stared at the flower in Kyle’s hand, he sniffled, and Kyle was worried he had ruined his relationship with the boy. Delicately Stan took the flower from the redhead, studying each petal carefully as he did so.
“I’m sorry, and I understand if you don’t want to be my guard anymore….”
Stan raised his hand and placed the flower behind Kyle’s ear. He caressed the other boy's cheek and smiled, moved down on one knee, bowing his head.
“I, Stanley Marshwalker, pledge my loyalty to the eldest prince of Larion. I promise to protect and serve, keeping him safe from any danger that attempts to come his way. I will stand by his side no matter who tries to stop me. I am honored to be your personal guard.”
Stan looked up, a smile on his face as he grabbed Kyle’s hand.
“I didn’t pledge my loyalty to you for nothing, Kyle. You’re my best friend, and I, if I’m being honest… I love you too.”
“No- Stan- I am in love with you. It’s different than how you feel-”
The knight jumped to his feet and cupped Kyle’s cheek. The words died on the redhead's tongue as Stan essentially stared into his soul.
“I know how I feel. Kyle, I am in love with you too.”
Warm lips pressed against Kyle’s, and he felt like he was flying. Kyle melted into the kiss, knees feeling weak as Stan pulled him closer. The redhead hummed and placed his hands on Stan’s shoulders.
“There’s no kingdom I’d rather be in than yours.”
September 15, 2023
“Kyle, you just don’t understand! You’re too young!”
“No, ma, I understand perfectly! I’m finally fucking happy for once, I’m growing up, and I’m not under your control anymore! I’m sorry if you can’t deal with the reality of this situation anymore, but I’m not a kid! I’m an adult, and I’m not gonna stand by listening to you ridicule the one person who has always been by my side! I’m sorry that the fact someone is in love with me is so unbelievable to you!”
“What about your education, Kyle?!”
“Stan and I have been dating for two years! I was a straight-A student then, and I still am now! Just because I got a B+ on a test doesn’t mean I care any less about my education! That was the highest grade in the class, Ma! Any normal parent would be proud of their child and praise them, but no! You just-”
“Mediocrity does not get praise in this household!”
“It obviously does because Ike is a C and B student, but you post all his shit is on the fridge!”
“You watch your mouth, young man! Your brother is a good boy, and everyone deserves praise!”
“Then what about me?! You always push me to the side for him! It’s not fair-”
“See! There you go again! You let that Marsh boy mess with your mind! You think talking back to your mother is okay, and it’s not! Under my roof-”
“Your roof?! You don’t even have a job! It’s all Dad's money! No wonder he takes so many cases abroad! I wouldn’t want to be near you either! And don’t talk about Stan like he’s some delinquent!”
“I have had enough of you trying to tell me what to do and say! You have gotten too big for your boots, and if you keep acting this way, then you can get out of my house!”
The room went silent as Kyle stared at his mother, angry tears filling his eyes. Slowly, Kyle got up from the kitchen table, nodding as he looked at her. “Fine.”
Kyle left the kitchen and began to stomp up the stairs, pushing past his shocked little brother. The redhead threw a random bag from his closet onto his bed and began to fill it. Clothes, toothbrush, money, charger.
“Kyle, what are you doing? Mom didn’t mean it literally! She’s just being stubborn; stop putting stuff in there!”
“Can you shut the fuck up? It’s not like you're going to get in trouble for anything, so go be mom's golden child somewhere else.”
Ike opened his mouth to protest, but Kyle was already zipping up his bag and turning to leave. Kyle stomped back down the steps, his bag slung over his shoulder. The redheaded woman turned to see what the commotion was and was shocked to find her eldest nearing the door.
“And where are you going?”
“I’m getting out of your house, like you asked.”
“I- You- Uh-” Sheila stuttered dumbly, watching as Kyle opened the door and left.
“Fine, go live on the streets! See if I care!” She exclaimed, but Kyle’s was already nearing the edge of the driveway. Sheila slammed the door shut, turning to see Ike standing on the steps. “Go to bed!”
Kyle walked down the street silently. His back already hurt, and the weight of his bag wasn’t helping. He wouldn’t end up on the street, he’d be with Stan, and Stan would help him no matter what. How dare his mother talk so illy of Stan? Stan loved him, and he made sure Kyle knew he loved him. What did his mom have against him? Kyle was bound to lose his virginity eventually, and he was 18 now!
He wasn’t going to be her little bubbie forever. Why couldn’t she at least be happy that it was with somebody he loved and not a random hookup? Kyle wrapped his arms around himself as the sun set above him. Stan would be leaving work with Kenny by now, so that was about a 30-minute wait.
Kyle sat on Stan’s porch and just waited. Cars drove past, and as the streetlights came on, the air got colder. But Kyle didn’t even think to knock on the door. No, he wouldn’t step inside until Stan came home. So, Kyle waited and watched. Watched the cars pass, ants take crumbs back to their colony, the sky changes from pink and purple to orange and yellow, and the streetlights illuminate the town.
Suddenly, he was blinded by his boyfriend's truck pulling into his driveway. Even on the lowest settings, his headlights were still bright. Stan hadn’t noticed him yet, shutting off his car before he began texting on his phone. Kyle felt his phone buzz in the pocket of his hoodie, yet he didn’t smile. Or maybe he couldn’t. He didn’t really know, nor did he care. Stan was home, and he’d be safe.
Stan got out of the car, swinging the keys on his fingers and whistling a tune. That’s when he noticed Kyle, stopping abruptly to try and figure out who was on his porch. It didn’t take long. “Kyle? How long have you been out here? I thought you were grounded.” Stan said, walking closer.
As Kyle came more into view and his features became more clear, Stan could clearly see the frown on his face. “Baby, what’s wrong?” He asked, now rushing to be by his boyfriend's side.
Kyle told himself he wouldn’t cry. Angry tears filled his eyes the moment he walked out of his house, but he said he wouldn’t cry. Even as waited for Stan, the redhead forced himself not to shed a single tear because what if someone saw? What if Cartman saw? Or his mom, his dad, hell, even Bebe Stevens. Everyone would know that he wasn’t as strong as he made himself out to be. They would see how weak he was.
But now, as Stan was gently cupping Kyle’s cold cheeks in his warm hands, all Kyle wanted to do was cry. Tears filled his eyes once again, and Stan didn’t try to shush the small sobs that left Kyle’s body. He didn’t turn away in disgust or stare in disbelief. No, instead, he picked the redhead up gently and took him inside while tracing comforting circles on his back.
Kyle was taken up to Stan’s room and sat in Stan’s lap, where he happily snuggled against his lover.
“Can you tell me what happened?”
“I basically got kicked out/ran away.”
“What?!”
“So, y’know how my mom caught us having sex last week, and that’s how she found out about our relationship? Well, home has been tense ever since then, and I guess me getting a fucking B+ set her off. We had this fight about me, you, school, everything you could think about. She said, ‘If I keep acting this way, I’ll have to get out of her house.’ She was fucking implying that I break up with you, Stan! I’m not- I would never-” Another wave of tears came crashing over Kyle, and he began to sob once again.
Stan pressed gentle kisses and whispered sweet words, hoping to calm him even a little. Stan handed Kyle tissues and a water bottle from his mini fridge. Stan decided that while Kyle was staring at the bottle, he would crack a joke to lighten the mood.
“What? You think I just had soda and beer in there?”
Kyle whined. “You’re not funny!” He began to sob even harder, and Stan was quick to apologize, punctuating each one with a kiss.
“I’m sorry! I’m sorry, baby! I’m so sorry! I thought it would make you laugh! I’m an idiot; I’m so sorry.”
Once Kyle was finally calmed down, he changed into some of Stan’s clothes (something Stan now knew not to joke about) and was cuddling with Stan. They agreed that Kyle would stay at his house for a couple of days or until Sheila calmed down. Kyle let out tired sniffles as he tried to sleep.
“I’m sorry…”
Kyle opened his eyes, confused by his lover's words. “Why are you sorry…?”
“I feel partially responsible for this. That day… You said it would be too risky, but went along with it anyway for me. We wouldn’t be in this situation if I hadn’t listened to you-“
“Hey. I wanted it just as much as you did, so don’t blame yourself. It’s nobody's fault but Sheila’s for not being understanding. Either way, it doesn’t matter. We’re with each other right now, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Stan smiled and cupped Kyle’s cheek, kissing him passionately and pulling him closer. Kyle knew at that moment there was no place he’d rather be.
September 18, 2023
“Dude, I just can’t think of anything. My stupid brain won’t work.” Stan whined, slamming his head down onto his closed textbook. Another whine left his body as the pain settled in, and Stan lifted his head to give Kyle a pitiful look.
Kyle sighed as he closed his own book, some science fiction bullshit that Stan didn’t really care about, and crawled over to Stan’s side of the bed. He pulled the book out of Stan’s folded legs and moved between them. The redhead kissed the red spot on his lover's forehead and smiled.
“Don’t call your brain stupid; it’s just tired.”
“Well, it needs to wake up. If I don’t finish this shit, I’m failing that stupid fucking class.”
“As much as I love seeing you taking initiative in getting your school work done, maybe you should take a break. We could go out to lunch, then your brain will feel better.” Kyle smiled as placed Stan’s head on his shoulder.
“That sounds nice….” Stan whispered, snuggling closer. He leaned closer into Kyle’s touch as the redhead raked his fingers through the other boy's hair. Stan doesn’t know how long they stayed like that, but eventually, Kyle was pulling him out of the bed.
“Do you want me to drive? You kind of look like shit.”
“Gee, thanks, baby.”
“Oh, hush. I’m driving.”
“But I always drive.”
“That’s when you don’t look like you haven’t slept in 8 years.”
Stan felt better when he ate, and he seemed much more alive, too, so that was good. Kyle smiled as the color came back to Stan’s face but said he still had this tired aura around him.
“What if we took a nap? Yeah?”
Stan leaned into Kyle’s hand that was cupped around his cheek, holding the other one in his own hand. “I want to, baby; I want to more than anything. But my school work-“
“Aren’t you the same person who’s constantly telling me not to overwork myself? What makes you think I’m going to let you do the same?”
Stan looked into his lover's eyes and saw the determination in them. Kyle didn’t want him to work himself sick like he often did to himself. The redhead knew how much pain he was in: head pounding, longing for his work to be over, and an overall stuffy feeling crowding his body. Stan knew Kyle knew what he was going through, so he listened.
“Okay, baby. I’ll nap with you. You’re right.”
“I always am.”
Stan chuckled as he was pulled towards his own bed, flopping down and quickly wrapping his arms around his lover. They both sighed contently, holding each other tightly. Stan couldn’t help the small hums that left his mouth as Kyle raked his fingers through his hair. “I love you, Kyle.”
“I love you too, Stan, now sleep.”
So Stan did. He laid with his boyfriend as sleep slowly crowded over him.
September 19, 2023
Kyle’s arms were on Stan’s shoulders while the other boy’s hands were on his waist. Stan smiled at his lover as they began to dance to the beat of the music in sync. Stan was staring into Kyle’s eyes, love in his eyes. “You’re a bad dancer”
Kyle looked at his lover, the moment broken as he began to laugh. “Not as bad as you.”
“Come on now, you have two left feet.” Stan laughed, pulling Kyle closer to him. Stan placed his head on Kyle’s shoulder and kissed down. Kyle sighed and snuggled against him as well, humming to the sound of the music.
“Hush your mouth. I dance beautifully.” Kyle said. Just after that, he stepped on Stan’s foot. They both laughed, snuggling closer to each other. They swayed together, smiling to themselves.
“I love you, baby,” Stan whispered, pulling Kyle’s cheek to look at him.
“Love you too, hun. Happy Valentine.” Kyle whispered as they danced in their living room.
September 20, 2023
SBBF <3: baby r u feeling okay???
SBBF <3: you seemed really sad when we were walking to ur class
Kyle looked at his phone once his teacher left the room. He couldn’t help the small smile that covered his face. Stan was always so concerned when Kyle seemed even a bit down; it made the redhead's heart flutter to know how loved he was by Stan.
Ky <3: I have a migraine, but I’ll be okay.
SBBF <3: my poor bby
SBBF<3: u wanna come over later???
Ky <3: Sure, love :]
SBBF<3: finish the heart
SBBF<3: <
Ky <3: <3
Ky<3: Love you!
SBBF<3: luv u too
Kyle walked out of his last class, bag slung against his shoulders carelessly. His migraine had gotten progressively worse after his teacher began to scream at the class for work he never assigned. He tried to push through the crowded hallways, annoyed at the younger classman not getting out of the fucking way.
The slamming of lockers went through his ears, each bang adding another throb. Kyle groaned as he grabbed his books from his own locker. He was so happy this day was over; he just wanted to cuddle with his boyfriend and sleep. Everything felt fuzzy, and he barely realized the arms around his waist.
“Hey, baby. You ready to go?” Stan asked, kissing down on Kyle’s shoulder. The redhead nodded sluggishly, turning around slowly and properly hugging his boyfriend. He could fall asleep like this… Stan was just so…. warm.
“Kyle, hey, don’t sleep yet. Are you alright?”
“Migraine.”
“Oh,” Stan said as he pulled back and intertwined their hands, “Want to stop by the drugstore and get some Tylenol or something?”
“I think your mom has some in the kitchen.”
“How do you know that and not me?” The redhead shrugged and mumbled something about Stan being oblivious to most things. They began to make their way out of the building, hand in hand. Once in the car, Stan pressed a gentle kiss to Kyle’s cheek.
The redhead grumbled and curled himself up into a small ball. Stan frowned. He must’ve been really feeling bad. It made Stan feel awful; he wished he could take Kyle’s pain and put it onto himself. But, alas, the only thing Stan could do was drive.
“Do you want something to eat?”
“No…”
Stan hummed and quickly began the route to his house. Once inside, Stan brought two pills and a glass of water to the redhead. Kyle took them quickly and laid down on his lover's bed.
“Cuddle me?”
“Of course.” Stan was quick to hop into the bed and hold Kyle tightly. They sighed in content; Stan gently ran his fingers through Kyle’s curls while the redhead scratched Stan’s back.
“I love you.”
“Awe, Kyle. I love you too.”
September 25, 2023
“I’m sorry, baby,” Stan whined, trying to wrap his arms around Kyle’s waist, pressing his front to Kyle’s back. The redhead quickly pushed his boyfriend off before going back to the bathroom mirror angrily.
“Apologize to my ass, legs, neck, and throat, you dickwad.”
“I can do that in more ways than one if you want me to.” The redhead threw the makeup sponge he was using at his boyfriend.
“Because of you, it hurts to sit and stand! My throat is killing me, and I’m covered in hickeys! You managed to leave some on my fucking mouth, and my neck is basically one big hickey! Do you know how much makeup I have to use now? Kenny invited us to the beach too, and now I can’t even get in the water now!”
Stan frowned, reaching to pet his lover's head only to get smacked away again. “I’m sorry, baby. But, in my defense, you kind of get mad at me when I’m not rough.”
“I-well- don’t listen to me then!”
“You remember the night before Ike’s Bar Mitzvah? I couldn’t leave marks on you, but you wanted it so badly that you pushed me out of you and wouldn’t let me fuck you until I did.”
“Well- Can you at least admit that you were rough.”
“I fuck you how I know you like it, but I am sorry. I didn’t mean to leave so many hickeys or make it be that painful to sit or stand”
“And making me scream so loud that my voice is hoarse.”
“Or make you scream so loud that your voice is hoarse. I’ll do whatever I can to make it up to you.”
Kyle gave a small smile and let Stan’s arms wrap around his hips. They sighed contently, and the redhead leaned back into his lover's touch. The sound of thunder came from outside, and suddenly, Kyle gained a Cheshire smile.
“You really wanna make it up to me…?”
“I’ll do anything,”
Kyle smirked and pressed his ass against Stan’s crotch. “Why don’t you show me how sorry you are.”
“Fuck…. You’re unbelievable.”
November 6, 2023
Kyle placed a cool rag on Stan’s forehead, gently petting his hair as he whined. The dark-haired male attempted to escape the coolness by pressing himself deeper into the pillow, but a gentle scold from his lover made him stop.
“It’s cold, Kyle….”
“I am aware, but your fever needs to break, my love. You’ve dealt with worse before, right?”
“Mhm….”
“Then I know you can handle this, Shed. Now, you relax while I go tell the others.” The alien boy's tail gently caressed his hand before swaying behind Kyle as he left.
The tool-themed superhero whined as Kyle left, but his body was too weak to do much more. This was awful. Stan was supposed to be a hero, and heroes didn’t come down with colds. He was supposed to help, protect, and aid those in need. Now, he was on the side of civilians.
If he felt any better, he’d hop out of bed and continue to fight crime, but each movement brought a fiery ache in his body that he just couldn’t handle at the moment.
When had he become so weak…?
He reached up slowly at his communication watch. A few new messages from Kenny asking about updates on Stan. Marjorine said she was on her way to heal him, and Kyle said that he would tell Kenny of Stan’s condition when he got to base.
Stan groaned as he lazily flicked through his watch, hand falling to his face when his vision began to blur. If anyone was going to heal him, he wished it was Kyle. It’s a common misconception made by most who meet the alien that he could heal things such as illnesses. He would always be asked why he wasn’t a medic like Marjornie. The redhead would begrudgingly explain that his power dealt with cell regeneration and didn’t include destroying infectious cells like Marjorine.
“I have great news, ҰҭҾҸҵҺҳ (darling). Marjorine should be here in about 5 minutes.”
“I wish you could heal me…”
“You know I feel the same, but I can’t. So, there’s no reason to complain.”
Stan made a face, and Kyle frowned, walking over and gently caressing his cheek with the fluffy end of his tail. Stan turned and looked, his face turning warm and not just from his fever.
“What is the matter? I know you're sick, but it feels as if there's more that's troubling you right now.”
Stan sighed. “I just hate being sick; it makes me feel so weak. Like, I’m a hero! This shouldn’t be happening to me…”
“Love, you were out on patrol during the coldest night of the year without your jacket. Not to mention, it was raining. This was bound to happen; I’m just surprised it didn’t happen sooner! That alone shows that your body was fighting the infection for at least a week. Stan, you are so strong. I just wish you could see what I’m able to see when it comes to you. I love you so much. Your personality, talents-”
“My looks?”
“Yes, even your looks. But I also love how strong you are; you’re able to fight through the toughest battles and come out unscathed. Don’t let a single cold bring you down.”
“I love you so much.”
“I love you too.”