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The dining area was decorated with streamers and hearts. Every classroom had at least one reminder that today was Valentine’s Day. Even the student government of Duke set up a fundraiser to send singing teddy grams to anyone who pays. Even in his dorm, Kyle saw red. And it wasn’t because of the celebratory mood that his RA was in.
Rather, his Valentine’s Day plans were ruined just a few days ago. Stan had called, his tone apologetic to the point where Kyle knew it was not good news. Even now, as he sat on the fourth floor of the library, nose buried in his psychology book, the conversation played in Kyle’s mind.
“Hey Stan! What’s up?”
“Um, promise me something?”
“…What’s wrong, dude?”
“I’m sorry, I can’t make it this weekend. Something came up and…”
“Seriously? This is the third time, Stan. You can’t just skip ROTC practice and make it for Valentine’s Day?”
“Dude, you would think that I tried! It was a last minute thing and-“
“Ugh, whatever, Stan. Just let me know when you do have a day to come see me. You know, your boyfriend?”
Before Stan could reply, Kyle hung up. He did regret the snarky comments toward Stan. However, this was their first year at college, their first year actually away from one another. Even though the pair had only been dating for almost a year and a half, being away from Stan, his super best friend, honestly sucked for Kyle. Prior to winter break, the pair would visit each other almost every weekend. Kyle has made friends at college, feeling more comfortable as he left high school behind. Sure, he kept in contact with his classmates, but college was a time for new connections and strengthening old ones.
But, as Kyle groaned out of frustration, placing his book down on the table next to his laptop and phone. Picking it up, he dared to open it, tempting to look at his text messages. Stan had sent Kyle messages, either wishing him a good morning or night, or just to let him know he was thinking of him, but Kyle felt like shit. After swearing off alcohol, Stan could be so understanding. Kyle was patient, until he wasn’t. Then, he just shut off, ignoring the problem.
Just like right now. Instead of replying to Stan’s “Happy Valentine’s Day, babe,” text, Kyle ignored it. He liked to say he could not be bothered, but he knew that wasn’t the case. Kyle suspected Stan knew that wasn’t the case as well, but he didn’t prod about it.
As his finger hovered over the text messages, Kyle pulled away at the last second, choosing to pocket his phone instead. He felt shame at the action, like a child being caught doing something he wasn’t supposed to. So, in order to combat this feeling of regret and loneliness, Kyle packed his backpack, throwing it over his shoulder and pulling his ushanka on. Readying himself to brave the North Carolina winter. Even though South Park was perpetually cold, there was something about being near the ocean that caused a different kind of biting. That, or else it was his guilt toward being so cold toward Stan.
Huddling into himself, he was thinking about sucking it up and facing his pride. But, the passing thought soon apparated as he started toward his dorm.
“Wish he were here right now,” Kyle said to no one in particular. Students were either already huddled inside, by themselves or with their own loved one, celebrating Valentine’s Day. Unlike Kyle, who will not only be alone, but hungry as well, since he was studying for so long any place with decent food will be closed or loaded with couples. He really should have taken Stan’s offer to just Skype, but he was sure his boyfriend was now asleep.
Making his way to the dorms, Kyle fobbed into the building, trying to ignore the sounds people obviously enjoying themselves. He trudged upstairs, starting to ignore the buzzing of his phone in his pocket. It could be Stan, he hoped, but he also knew his friends were aware of his situation. No plans with his boyfriend who lived hours away because said boyfriend was busy with something that would help pay for college.
Making his way to his dorm door, Kyle paused as he was digging his key out of his pocket. His eyes were on the ground, but saw something odd. The crack at the bottom of his door had light coming out from behind it. Kyle swore he turned off all the lights behind heading out for the day.
His breath hitching, Kyle pulled his phone from his pocket, fist clenched firmly around it. He hardly had time to look at the screen as he opened it, pressing the phone icon and clicking on Stan’s name. He stepped back from the door, glancing up and down the empty hallway as he heard the ringtone only respond, going to voicemail. Feeling tears prick at the corners of his eyes, Kyle sucked in a sharp breath.
“Stan,” he started, his voice soft, to not alert his possible intruder to his presence. “You know how I turn off my lights every time I leave my dorm? Well, they’re on. And I haven’t been back to my dorm all day. I don’t know why I didn’t just call campus security right away. I guess you’re my security, dude. Oh fuck, that’s cheesy. Well, I’m going to try and fight this guy, or girl, or whoever it is. Happy Valentine’s Day.”
He didn’t even wait before hanging up, pocketing his phone and mustering any and all might to enter his dorm. Taking out his keys, Kyle carefully turned the lock, hearing the heavy ‘thunk’ of the locking mechanism slide out of place. Taking a deep breath, Kyle pushed in the door and clenched his fists.
A figure stepped out from near his bed, making the ginger only hear the door slam behind him, dropping his keys to the ground as he reeled his arm back, hearing a loud ‘crack!’
“Ow, dude, what the fuck?!”
As rose petals started to scattered in the air, Stan sat on the ground, clutching his very bloody nose. Kyle felt his knuckles sting, but he ignored it as his mouth hung open in shock and awe. How could Stan be in here? Wasn’t he supposed to be back at Clemson, apparently training or whatever ROTC had him do?
But, as Kyle knelt down, carefully placing his hands on Stan’s shoulders, he felt the heat of his boyfriend’s body, the strong muscles in his shoulders, wiry black hair and slightly tanned skin before him. The usual bright blue eyes were closed tight in pain. Kyle’s heart still fluttered as Stan managed to open one eye, glinting with a sense of pride.
“Dude, who thought you would punch like that?” Stan said, his voice muffled behind his hand.
This comment made Kyle laugh, hanging his head as he chuckled. “Because I thought you were an axe murderer. Or Cartman, either one would have been worthy of that punch, dude.” Kyle looked at Stan, seeing the blood start to drip from between his fingers. Sighing, Kyle slid his hands up and down Stan’s arms before placing them under his elbows, ushering him up. “C’mon, we should get that taken care of before you bleed all over my floor.”
“What? You don’t what your boyfriend’s blood all over your dorm? Isn’t that supposed to be super romantic?” Stan teased, earning a Kyle glare™️. Said red head playfully pushed Stan, but not hard enough to make him fall over. Instead, he led the other boy over to his bed, sitting Stan down.
“Stay here,” Kyle simply put, his hands patting Stan’s shoulders before heading over to a cabinet, digging out a box of gauze, gloves, antiseptic wipes, and other medical supplies.
“Jesus dude,” Stan observed, “Did you raid a Walgreens or something?”
Rolling his eyes, Kyle sat beside Stan, facing his boyfriend, as he pulled on the blue gloves. “You’ve met my mom, right?”
“Oh god, how could I forget?” Stan muttered, wincing as Kyle gently prodded the broken nose. “So, what’s the diagnosis, doc?”
“Aren’t you the one studying to become the animal doctor?” Kyle teased back, starting to wipe at the blood on Stan’s face. He skillfully navigated the reddening area of his boyfriend’s rounder nose. Despite having Sharon’s eyes, Stan was cursed with his father’s nose, as the former football player puts it. Kyle, however, has other thoughts of his ‘cursed’ image.
“You know,” Kyle mumbled, the fallen, comfortable silence being broken, but not in an unwelcome way. “You still look like you,” he finished, placing the blood wipes in the garbage he set beside the bed before gingerly cupping Stan’s face, taking in the boy before him. “I like that.”
Stan’s crooked smile wasn’t as wide as usual, as any major movement in his face seemed to shoot sharp pain to his broken nose. It still made Kyle’s heart flutter. “Even if you’re mad at me?”
“Dude,” Kyle sighed, his hands remaining on Stan’s face. “You know I could never stay mad at you.”
“Really?” Stan’s eyes lit up, the bright blue drawing Kyle in. He felt as if he were starting to lean forward, as if for a long-awaited kiss.
“Really.”
‘CRACK.’ Came the sound of Stan’s nose being forcibly, but skillfully as Kyle removed his hands from his boyfriend’s now fixed nose. Stan, however, bent over, cupping his face as he let out a muffled cry into his hands.
“What the fuck?” he said, peeking out at Kyle who had now discarded the gloves, sitting straight up and sliding the trash can away with his foot.
“Stop whining,” came a light badgering from Kyle as he popped a single-use ice pack, handing it off to Stan who held it against his soon to be bruised nose. “It’s still not as bad as that time Tolkien broke your nose senior year.”
“But it hurts emotionally since you’re my boyfriend, dude,” Stan replied, his voice nasally as the ice pack covered up most of his face, making Kyle hold back a chuckle at the sight. Sitting up and gently tapping his nose, as if to see if it still had feeling in it, Stan held the ice pack on and off, his gaze not leaving Kyle's. The pair often spoke more between looks than words could ever comprehend. Right now he could see the regret that Kyle felt. In return, Stan was already forgiving his boyfriend. After a tap that hit just the right spot, Stan winced, dropping his hands and turning back toward Kyle. “But seriously, are you mad at me? Like, that phone call a few days ago…”
“I was mad,” Kyle reluctantly admitted, his hands folded in his lap. “It’s our first Valentine’s Day as an out couple. And, I hadn’t seen you in a few weeks. Call me clingy, but I was looking forward to today.” Kyle shrugged, his eyes finding everything interesting besides his boyfriend, who was now looking at him with a pitied reverence.
“I thought you hated Valentine’s Day,” Stan simply said. Before Kyle could retaliate, Stan reached over and took his boyfriend’s hand. “But,” he interjected, “I understand. I felt the same way. That’s why I wanted to surprise you.”
“You certainly did that,” Kyle mused, looking at the roses that now scattered the floor, along with a spattering of Stan’s dried blood. “I am glad to see you, however.” Kyle scooted over to Stan, placing his head on his boyfriend’s shoulder, squeezing his hand.
“Me too,” Stan mumbled into Kyle’s red curls before placing a kiss atop his head. Kyle glanced at their joined hands, his freckled one intertwined with Stan’s tanner skin. There were callouses on his boyfriend’s hand, as felt them as Stan maintained contact.
“Honestly, I can’t remember the last time I was that pissed at you, dude,” Kyle said, sighing at his childish behavior.
“I can,” Stan shrugged, causing Kyle to lift his head and stare at his boyfriend with deep confusion.
“What, when?”
“Don’t you remember? That play you made me do senior year! Romeo and Juliet.” Stan reminded, waving his free hand as he elaborated. “We were still not telling anyone about our relationship, Garrison was being a major pain in the ass during rehearsals because none of us could dance, and Nichole…”
“Fuck, I remember,” Kyle breathed, staring off into nothing as he recalled the spring semester of senior year. “I did not get that mad.” He quickly recovered, only for Stan to sputter out a laugh.
“You wouldn’t talk to me because of that cast party incident!” He dropped Kyle’s hand, but slid his arm over his boyfriend’s shoulders, pulling him in for a kiss to the temple of the now fuming red head. That was a story for another time.
Kyle did not want to admit that memory did get to him due to the insecurity that plagued him at times. Like earlier in the week when he thought he wouldn’t get to see his boyfriend. But, as he leaned into Stan’s side, breathing in his boyfriend’s musk, the familiar tones of sandalwood and pepper comforted his nerves. He wrapped his arms around Stan, sliding onto his boyfriend’s lap as he adjusted himself, now stable enough to place one arm around Stan’s neck. Pulling the other boy down, Kyle pressed his lips against Stan’s, relishing in the feeling of the kiss. His heart fluttered, as if this were their first kiss. God, Kyle missed this feeling. Comfort, warmth and euphoria filled Kyle as he felt Stan’s hands on his body. He would attempt to swing a leg over to straddle his boyfriend, but the first and last time he tried that he accidentally kneed Stan’s balls, ruining the moment.
But now, as he and Stan continued to deepen the kiss, pressing his tongue against Stan’s once he got the chance, Kyle did not want this moment to end. Yet, Stan pulled away, chuckling as Kyle tried to follow, a small whine escaping him.
“Have I ever told you how much I love you?” Stan said, causing Kyle to open his eyes fully, taking in Stan’s soft gaze. It was as if Stan were looking at the most beautiful person in the universe, not a boy with messy red curls, a lanky frame that could hardly gain muscle, dotted freckles across his body, and pale skin that burned far too easily in the summer months. However, if he said anything like that in front of Stan, he knew that all those negative perceptions would immediately disperse after Stan’s words of affirmation.
Not to mention, they never actually said those words to one another. They felt it, no doubt about that. But, whether it was the newness of their established romantic relationship or just young love nerves, they never spoke the words ‘I love you’ aloud to one another. Not until know, in which Stan said it with no hesitancy or remorse. Just with all of his heart.
“You could mention it again,” Kyle finally responded, earning a peck on the lips from Stan who was smirking, still wincing from the pain of a recently broken nose.
“I love you, Kyle Broflovski,” he said once more, with just as much heart and love.
“I love you too, Stanley Marsh,” Kyle replied, before closing the distance once again in a generous kiss.
The rest of the night was spent in the dorm, rose petals forgotten on the floor along with their clothes that soon followed.