Chapter Text
Wendy wakes up before her alarm for the first time in days.
The sun hasn’t even pushed its way up over the mountains yet, the pale moonlight reflecting off the snow outside her window. The world is quiet. Too quiet. The kind of stillness that makes her thoughts feel too loud.
She glances over at her alarm clock.
4:05 a.m.
Her phone buzzes softly on the nightstand, but she doesn’t react. She already knows it isn’t Stan.
He didn’t text her goodnight.
He didn’t text her at all.
Wendy sits up in bed, jaw tightening as the memory of Friday flashes through her mind. The hallway. The fight. Stan choosing Kyle once again like it was the easiest decision he’s ever made.
And the phone call.
Her chest twists thinking about it – Stan laughing, drunk, complaining about her all while she listened in silence.
About how she was jealous. Needed to ‘get over it’.
She exhales sharply and swings her legs over the side of the bed, her bare feet hitting the cold floor.
Fine.
If Stan wants to act like she doesn’t matter, then she’s going to remind him exactly why he fell for her in the first place.
She stands up and walks toward the mirror hanging on her door, studying her reflection in the dim moonlight. It’s been a while since she really tried. School mornings had turned into quick ponytails and rushed makeup – throwing things on and hoping for the best.
But today?
Today is going to be different. Stan used to look at her like she was everything. And she refuses to believe that Kyle could ever compare to that.
She opens the door and creeps out into the hallway, careful not to wake her parents sleeping down the hall. The house is silent save for her gentle footsteps. She makes her way into the bathroom and flicks the switch, blinking hard as her eyes adjust to the light.
Wendy stares at herself intently, noticing every little imperfection on her face.
The faint dark circles under her eyes, the soft lines at the corners of her mouth that feel heavier than they should. The girl looking back to her looks tired.
She reaches for the shower handle and turns the water on, steam quickly filling the room. She undresses and steps into the shower, the heat wrapping around her like a blanket. A breath slips out of her that she didn’t realize she’d been holding
For a moment, she lets herself stand there, letting the water run over her hair, down her shoulders and back, washing away the frustration and jealousy. She cleans herself meticulously, making sure to use the shampoo she knows Stan loves the scent of.
‘You smell like a field of flowers.’ She recalls him saying as she lathers the soap into her long black hair. Wendy sighs, remembering the light and adoration in Stan’s eyes.
No matter what it takes, she vows to not lose Stan.
Least of all to Kyle.
Wendy steps out of the shower, the cool air hitting her as she dries herself off. She throws on her robe and steps out of the bathroom back to her own room. Turning on the switch, she sits down at her vanity, taking a steady breath before getting to work.
She goes step by step, taking her time to apply every product with precision. There can be no mistakes today.
Foundation.
Concealer.
Soft brown eyeshadow.
Mascara.
She lines her eyes carefully, then wipes it away. She tries again. Still not right. The third time, she finally nods in approval.
As she works, she imagines what Stan will say when he sees her. The way his eyes used to widen, the smile that always followed.
There’s no way he could resist her now.
Kyle will be a thing of the past.
She is determined to make Stan want her the way he once did.
Once she’s satisfied with her makeup, she moves to her closet. She rifles through hangers, pulling out pieces she remembers Stan complimenting. The sweater he once said brought out her eyes, the jeans he told her made her look cute.
She finishes it all off with Stan’s old varsity football jacket, still thick with the scent of him on it.
When she catches her reflection in the mirror on her door, she smiles.
She looks younger.
Happier.
Prettier.
Like the girl Stan fell in love with.
Wendy takes a steady breath as she pushes open the doors of the school.
The hallway noise seems to dull almost immediately, conversations trailing off as heads turn. She can feel their eyes on her. Lingering, curious, impressed. Someone whispers her name.
She doesn’t look at any of them, keeping her gaze forward and her heart set on one thing.
Stan.
She spots him before he sees her, standing at his locker, laughing softly at something on his phone. Wendy’s steps slow just a touch as she takes him in, a small smile curling at the corners of her lips. This is it.
Her heels click sharply against the tile as she moves towards him, the sound cutting through the hallway. A quiet confidence settles over her. Finally, a chance to talk to Stan alone.
Then she sees it.
A flash of red hair beside him. Kyle Broflovski, leaning casually against the lockers, smiling at Stan like he belongs there.
Wendy’s jaw tightens for a moment.
Not today.
She straightens her shoulders as she closes the distance. Kyle isn't going to ruin this, she won’t let him.
Kyle notices her first. His smile falters as his eyes widen slightly, the air shifting around him as Wendy approaches. A knot forms in his stomach before he can stop it. He watches her move closer, watches the way that people seem to part for her without realizing they’re doing it.
Stan notices Kyle staring, his eyes following Kyle’s gaze to land on Wendy. For a second he just stares. She looks… different. Put together in a way that makes something in his chest hitch
“Hi, Stan.” Wendy says sweetly, as if Friday never happened. As if Kyle isn’t standing right there.
“H-Hi, Wendy…” Stan says carefully, his voice unsure. Kyle stands frozen beside him, eyes flicking between them. He thinks about saying something – anything – but the words die in his throat.
“Soooo,” Wendy continues smoothly, stepping closer. Her fingers trail lightly down Stan’s shoulder, deliberate and slow. “I was thinking maybe we could get lunch together today. My treat.”
Stan swallows, glancing at Kyle for just a second. Kyle forces a small shrug, trying to look unaffected. It feels like swallowing glass. His jaw tightens before he can realize.
“I… Uh-” Stan hesitates, staring into Kyle’s eyes as if to ask for permission. Kyle quickly glances away to his locker, riffling around for his books, his hands almost shaking.“Sure. Yeah. Let's get lunch together.” Stan says, looking back at Wendy.
“Fantastic.” She leans in, close enough that only he can hear. “I’ll be waiting for you.” Her lips brush softly against his cheek. It’s quick, but intentional. She turns and walks away without sparing Kyle a glance. Stan exhales, still watching her disappear down the corridor.
“...Dude,” he mutters after a moment. “What was that?” Stan says, still watching Wendy walk away. The hallway chatter seems to come back louder than before. Kyle stares at Stan blankly, feeling his chest tighten.
Stan turns back to Kyle. He furrows his brows, gently touching his cheek where Wendy’s lips grazed, trying to process what just happened.
“I, uh…” Kyle hesitates. “Guess she’s not mad at you anymore.” Kyle says softly, feeling his throat tighten. The words taste bitter in his mouth. He takes a soft breath, recomposing himself before Stan can notice.
“Yeah…” Stan mumbles, lowering his hand and glancing back towards Wendy. “Guess not.” He says softly, looking at Kyle once more. Kyle’s eyes don’t meet Stan’s. Instead, they glance at his locker once more, pretending to look for something.
Kyle sinks into his seat in his first period, glancing over at Wendy across the room as he pulls out his books for the class. He grimaces slightly as he realizes she’s wearing Stan’s old football varsity jacket, the wool pilling along the sleeves, and the faint brown stain of coffee from a spill years prior.
Wendy has an air about her today that's hard to place. Not quite arrogance, but a strong confidence that can’t be shaken.
She looks composed.
Untouchable.
Kyle thinks back to the lockers earlier in the morning. He thinks about the way she didn't even spare him a glance, like he wasn’t even there. Kyle tries to shake away the annoyance he felt, to no avail.
She was supposed to be mad at Stan, right? She hadn’t said anything to him all weekend, and now she shows up like this? Sweet voice, soft touches, Stan’s jacket wrapped around her shoulders – all while completely ignoring Kyle.
The tip of his pencil snaps against the paper, bringing him out of his thoughts. He blinks, realizing that class has already begun.
Wendy’s voice carries across the room as she answers a question with easy confidence. Kyle winces at the sound.
He looks at her again. This time, she meets his gaze. Her eyes narrow slightly, a smirk tugging at the corners of her mouth.
Kyle mindlessly runs through the day, his thoughts mainly consisting of Stan. He makes his way towards the lunchroom, scanning the tables carefully. His eyes lock onto Stan and Wendy sitting together in the corner, her nuzzled up into his shoulder and laughing at something he said.
Kyle rolls his eyes as he looks around the cafeteria, finally spotting his other two friends – well, one friend and one Cartman, that is. He makes his way over to them, plopping down in the seat across from Eric and Kenny.
“Hey, dude.” Kenny nods, his blonde hair in a messy sweep across his forehead.
“Sup, jew-boy.”
“Hey guys.” Kyle says, slightly dejected. He can’t tear his eyes away from Stan across the lunchroom. The two notice Kyle’s demeanor immediately, but only Kenny really seems to care. Kenny follows Kyle’s gaze to Wendy, who is grinning widely and leaning in to kiss Stan.
“Seems like Stan and Wendy finally made up, huh?” Kenny asks, taking a bite of his sandwich. Kyle shrugs, pulling his own lunch out of his backpack. Kenny eyes Kyle carefully, trying to read his face.
Kyle slowly starts to eat his lunch, avoiding eye contact as Cartman drones on about a new video game. He can’t help but to steal glances over at Stan and Wendy, regretting it every single time.
He truly cannot stand the way she’s all over him. Kissing him, hugging him, nuzzling into his shoulder like it’s where she deserves to be. The more Kyle’s brain races, the more he seems to lose his appetite.
“How was your weekend, Kyle?” Kenny asks. Kyle perks up slightly at the sound of his name. He shrugs again.
“It was alright. Me and Stan just hung out.”
“Awhh, the little boyfriends buttfucked all weekend?” Cartman sneered, earning him a swift kick to the shin from under the table. “OW! Fuck you, jew!”
“We are not boyfriends.” Kyle says. It comes out sadder than he means it to, feeling heat raise to his cheeks.
“Sure you aren’t! You guys just make out and have hot, steamy, gay sex all the time. Totally not boyfriends.”
“Shut up, fatass!” Kyle’s face is beet red now.
“Whatever,” Cartman scoffs. “You’re just mad that your little boyfriend is over there all cuddled up with Wendy.”
“Am not.” Kyle mumbles, picking at his food. Cartman begins droning on once again about the same video game, allowing Kyle’s brain to race once again.
He wonders if Stan would rather be eating lunch with him. Away from Wendy and her fake sweet act. He wonders if Stan will talk to him later about how annoying she’s been all day. He wonders if it's bad he hopes that Stan clocks Wendy’s act. Maybe he’ll call her out on it. Even if it's just to Kyle.
“Welp, I gotta take a shit.” Cartman’s voice yanks Kyle back to the table. He blinks, watching him walk away, left alone with Kenny who is staring at him way too intently.
“What’s up?” Kyle asks meekly.
“I should be asking you the same thing.” Kenny remarks bluntly, still staring at Kyle with that gaze that makes him want to tell Kenny everything on his mind.
“I dunno what you mean.” Kyle shrugs, his eyes darting back to his lunch.
“What gives, dude? You guys fighting or something? Also, what’s up with all that?” He motions towards Stan and Wendy. “I thought Wendy was like super pissed off.”
“She is. Well- was.” Kyle squeaks out. “I don’t know, dude! She walked up this morning acting all sweet and shit and completely ignored me and asked him to eat lunch with her and then she gave me this super weird look in class and-”
“Woah, dude.” Kenny cuts him off. “Okay. So they’re just fine now then? No conversation or anything?”
“I guess so!” Kyle flops his arms a little too dramatically. “I don’t know.” He says softly, feeling tears pricking at the corner of his eye.
“Dude.” Kenny says softly. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.” Kyle responds, taking a deep breath and fighting the tears back. “Just a tough week. Lots of tests and shit coming up. I’m just stressed or something.” Kyle lies.
“Mhm.” Kenny says after a minute, debating if he wants to push it any further. “So you have no problem whatsoever with them reconciling or whatever?”
“Nope.” Kyle says, avoiding eye contact. Kenny glances over towards Stan and Wendy, standing up abruptly.
“Okay.” Kenny says. Kyle looks up at him, confused. Kenny motions Kyle up with a swift nod. Kyle gathers his things, standing up to follow Kenny who was very quickly walking away. Kenny glances back to make sure Kyle is still following him as he walks out the doors of the school and out to the parking lot.
The pair walk in silence to Kenny’s beat up pickup truck. Kenny unlocks it and sits down in the driver’s seat. The thing is so decrepit, Kyle is afraid a strong gust of wind might make the thing disintegrate, but despite his fears, he climbs into the passenger seat.
“What’s up?” Kyle asks, confused. He adjusts his feet, the rustling of empty energy drink cans filling the air of the car.
“Kyle, my dear friend. Have I ever given you a reason to not trust me?” Kenny asks.
“I, uh… no? Why?” Kyle responds, confused more than anything.
“So talk to me. I’m not Cartman, don’t bullshit me.”
Kyle feels his breath hitch and his face warm up.
“I’m fine.” Kyle asserts.
“Fine isn’t staring at Stan through all of lunch and taking 10 minutes to eat a quarter of a sandwich.”
“She just drives me fucking crazy.” Kyle exhales deeply. “The way she flips like a switch and plays with his emotions like that! It’s not fair to him! And after everything on Friday with her being so pissed off to come in today acting like she’s Ms. Perfect, wearing his jacket, touching him and kissing him.” He takes a short breath.
“It’s pathetic! Stan deserves better than that! He deserves someone who won’t toy with his emotions! He deserves someone who isn’t fake! He deserves someone like-”
“Like you?” Kenny cuts him off. Silence settles over the car at his words. Kyle freezes. Heat creeps up his neck as he struggles to respond.
“I- No! I just- Like - I mean in- in general! Like- Like someone who c-cares-” The words tumble out of Kyle’s mouth haphazardly as Kenny watches with a raised eyebrow. “You know! Like- It’s just- He… I could-” He shakes his head violently.
“You could what?” Kenny presses. The air feels tight as Kyle slumps back, the car’s seat squeaking in protest.
“I could nothing.” He mutters. “It doesn’t matter anyway.”
“You’re in love with him.” Kenny says plainly. Kyle lets out a sharp, breathy laugh.
“Yeah, Kenny. Maybe I am!” Kyle yells, his voice cracking. “Maybe I am in love with him! But maybe- Maybe it doesn’t matter! Maybe I have been in love with him for the past 8 years. Maybe it feels like someone is stabbing me in the chest every time she touches him, but maybe-” He chuckles incredulously. “Maybe it doesn’t fucking matter! Because Stan is with her, and he’s always been with her, and he’s probably always going to be with her, and maybe how I feel will never matter!” He finishes, breathing heavy as tears spill down his cheeks.
Heavy silence sits between them as Kyle wipes his tears away aggressively.
“It does matter.” Kenny’s voice cuts through the silence. A broken laugh slips out of Kyle. “It does.” Kenny reasserts. “It matters to you.”
“Yeah,” Kyle exhales, shaking his head. “But it shouldn’t.” His voice cracks. “It shouldn’t matter. I’m not supposed to feel like this. About him. My best friend. I…”
He swallows hard.
“I’m not supposed to love him like this.”
“You didn’t decide to.”
“It still fucking sucks, though.”
“Yeah... It’s gonna.”
Stan chuckles at Wendy’s attempt at a joke as she leans into his shoulder. His eyes drift across the cafeteria, finally landing at the seat Kyle had been sitting.
It’s empty.
Stan frowns faintly at the seat, his mind wandering. Wendy squeezes his arm lightly, smiling up at him.
“Oh my gosh, I totally forgot to tell you. So me and Bebe were at the mall the other day and there was this guy there that was totally checking her out and…” Her words drown out as Stan narrows in on the empty seat once more.
“Stan?” Wendy nudges him.
“Sorry…” He blinks and looks back at her “Oh! I, uh. Kyle mentioned something to me the other night, something about Bebe. I think he might have a little crush on her or something.”
Wendy freezes for a moment, a smile creeping across her face. She straightens up, confidence beaming from her. She didn’t think it would be this easy to get Stan back, but she’s not going to turn down her golden ticket.
“We should go on a double date.” She grins widely.
“S-Sure. Sounds like fun.” Stan stumbles out, nodding automatically. His gaze drifts back towards the empty seat.