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The date, May 26th, haunted Stan Marsh’s mind. To everyone else, May 26th is Kyle Broflovski’s birthday. To Stan, it's the day where everything needs to be perfect for his super best friend. In his eyes, Kyle deserved absolutely everything. And he was fucking stressed about it. Ever since they were small, Kyle always made sure Stan’s birthdays were satisfying, except for that one time. He doesn’t like remembering that one. Kyle seemed to make it seem so effortless to make his super best friend joyful with just being there with him. That’s why Stan knew that it was finally his turn to make Kyle happy. It’s the least he could do.
Stan’s stress was obvious to his friends, but they knew that if they ripped on him for it, he would only get closer to fucking snap, and they didn’t want to know how it felt to be yelled at by an alcoholic teenager. Cartman, obviously, didn’t give any shits about that, but Kenny seemed to be able to hold him back from making fun of Stan. All the boys, except for Kenny and Butters, thought that this whole thing was hilarious, but they were still cautious. Stan was on that level of stress that if someone even touched him in any aggressive way, he would strike them immediately.
On the noon of May 23rd, Stan is in the local mall with his other close friends, Kenny, and Cartman. Kenny felt bad for how much Stan was stressing out but thinks it’s pretty fucking stupid at this point. Kenny dragged along Cartman so he could choose the food for the party, which Cartman is obviously experienced in. Cartman was pissed when Kenny told him that’s the only reason they needed him at the mall, but he calmed down once Kenny promised that he’d get something for him, although Kenny was just going to use Stan’s money anyways.
As they walked through the mall, Stan was speed walking through multiple stores, skimming through the items on the walls so fast that Kenny genuinely thought that Stan wasn’t actually looking at what was in the store. He was proven wrong when Stan would flatly say ‘Not here’ every time they went in the store and didn’t get anything. This had pissed off Cartman, because every time he found something he wanted to get, Stan was already out of the store. Plus, they were using his money to get stuff, so they couldn’t get anything without him. Kenny was starting to get more worried when Stan’s hands started to vibrate more aggressively the more time they spent shopping.
“Stan, you need to calm the fuck down. It’s just a party, dude. You don’t gotta stress it.” Kenny said in his muffled voice, putting his hand on Stan’s shoulder to try to comfort him. Stan continued to stare at the list of items to get with wide, focused eyes. Kenny sighed in defeat, taking his hand off from the other’s shoulder. Stan was muttering things to himself, but his words were not coherent, so the other two boys could not understand him at all. Kenny turned to Cartman with a slightly annoyed look. Cartman just rolled his eyes and mouthed out the words ‘faggy simp’, making Kenny start to snicker at the thought. The two boys started to mock how Stan was acting just for Kyle, making movements to show that Stan was in love and simping for Kyle. This made it harder for the boys to keep the laughter quiet so they didn't alert Stan. They tried to stifle their laughs with their gloved hand, their faces turning red.
Meanwhile, Stan’s brain was full of things that Kyle would enjoy at his party. His favorite food, his favorite animals, his favorite color, etc. He frantically looked around with a bunch of shopping bags in one hand, and a list of items to get in the other. He knew he was being a bit too much, but he couldn’t help it. He really did want this birthday to be Kyle’s best birthday ever. He was really dedicated to it, if he was honest.
Stan looks up from his paper to try and spot the cake shop that he needed to go to. He looked to his left and saw the bright sign that he was looking for. A small smile of success flashed across his face as he took a step towards it. Suddenly, his legs immediately felt like jelly, visibly shaking. He looked down at his legs with confusion, his legs randomly feeling sore. He had no idea why. He tried to take another step, but he instantly regretted it. He fell forward onto the ground, the wind getting knocked out of him. The bags that he was holding fell right next to him, some items rolling out of the bags. Stan pushed himself up with his arms, wheezing for air.
Kenny and Cartman stopped when Stan fell, looking down at him. Kenny quickly gets down on one knee to see if Stan was alright, while Cartman snorts and pulls out his phone. Kenny helped Stan breathe correctly again and picked up the items and bags that were on the ground. He turned to Cartman, holding out the bags in his hand to him.
“Cartman, can you hold these?” Kenny’s muffled voice asked, his other hand on Stan’s back. Cartman scoffed, giving Kenny an irritated look.
“You hold them, Kinny. I’m not carrying all the stuff that Stan got for his jew boyfriend.” Cartman stated, crossing his arms like a bratty child. Kenny’s eyebrows furrowed, holding out his hand even farther.
“Don’t be a dickhead, fatass” Kenny said, knowing that the other boy would get pissed. Cartman grumbled and snatched the bags out of Kenny’s hand, mumbling something that sounded like ‘I’m not fat, poor boy’ but Kenny really didn’t give a shit. Kenny’s attention turned back to Stan, who looked exhausted.
“You look like shit, dude. Have you slept?” Kenny spoke, helping Stan get back up on his feet. Stan didn’t answer, focusing on trying to get up again. Both the boys were standing, Kenny’s arm around Stan’s body so he didn’t fall again. Stan motioned for Kenny to pull his arm away, and Kenny obligated. But once Kenny let go, Stan’s legs started shaking even more, and his whole body was wobbling. He would have fallen again if it weren’t for Kenny's tight grip on Stan again.
“This can’t be happening now. I still have more things to get!” Stan whined, one of his hands dragging across his face. He was so mad at himself for falling and not being able to stand back up again. Kenny sighed, not knowing why Stan was still thinking about Kyle’s birthday, while he most literally couldn't stand up.
“You mean we have more things to get, Stan. Me and Cartman can get the rest of the things on the list. Meanwhile, you will sleep.” Kenny stated, looking at Stan with soft yet stern eyes. Stan was about to protest, but then thought about it. Did he really want to show up at Kyle’s birthday in the state he is in? Stan sighed in defeat, deciding to keep his mouth shut.
May 25th, the day before Kyle’s birthday. Stan was on his way home from the bus, kicking the snow on the sidewalk. He had shoved his hands in his pockets, making the infamous ‘Sulky Stan Marsh’ pose that almost everyone in the small Colorado town knew. His mind was clouded with the plan for the next day. He was going through every step and event that he had planned until it was perfected.
“Hey, dude.” a voice says, a hand being placed on Stan’s shoulder. He jumped, looking backwards with wide eyes. It was Kyle.
“Oh, hey Kyle.” Stan replies, his body relaxes with relief. He smiled at him, Kyle returning the smile. Stan noticed that he seemed worried over something, making Stan start to frown.
“You ok, dude? Something bothering you?” Stan asked, turning his full body around so he was facing Kyle. Kyle’s smile dropped and he sighed. He pulled back the hand he had on Stan’s shoulder, putting it behind his head.
“I-“ Kyle hesitated, looking away for a split second. “I’m fine… Stan, are you ok?” Kyle says, looking back at Stan. Stan stayed quiet for a few moments, processing the sudden question. Kyle put his hands in his pockets, his eyebrows furrowing.
“Look, Stan. You’re worrying me. I mean, you look like shit! You have huge eye bags, dude. Have you slept?” Kyle explains, his frown deepening. Stan knew that he must look pretty bad, but he didn’t think that it would be that noticeable. Stan didn’t have any response, because honestly, he didn’t know the answer himself. Stan’s silence made Kyle feel uneasy.
“Y’know you can talk to me, right?” Kyle said, a comforting smile growing on his face. Hearing those words made Stan relax, the feeling of relief slowly washing over him. Stan returned his smile, placing a hand on Kyle’s shoulder. Stan’s heart warmed up, touched by Kyle’s kind words. This is why he deserves all the love and affection in the whole fucking world.
“Yeah, I know.” Stan finally responds, patting Kyle’s shoulder. “I’m good, Kyle. You don’t need to worry, okay?” Kyle sighs, his shoulders visibly relaxed. The two boys started their way to walk to their houses, and that was when Stan noticed something. The past week, he had been too busy stressing out about Kyle’s birthday to have any time to hang out with him. Like, properly hang out. That must’ve been why Kyle seemed so concerned, he was worried that Stan was starting to isolate himself again.
As realization hits Stan, a pang of guilt slaps him. Tomorrow was Kyle’s birthday, and he needed to show that he cared, other than what he had been planning. Stan decided to invite Kyle over for a sleepover. It was perfect, and it fit with his plans for the next day. Kyle, obviously, agreed delightly, making a quick pit stop at his house to inform his mother. Although Sheila had been a bit hesitant to the idea, she knew that Kyle would enjoy having a sleepover at his best friend’s house the day before his birthday. She eventually agreed, making Kyle even more excited.
That night had been just like any other sleepover, the only difference was Stan was acting a bit more clingy than usual, which Kyle didn’t mind. Stan felt bad for leaving Kyle in the dark, so he wanted to make up for all the time he missed by hanging out with him as much as he could. They did what they usually did, fuck around, play video games, just chat in general and catch up on what’s been going on at school. It’s not that surprising how much shit happens in junior year of highschool. Around midnight, they decided to watch a movie together, huddling up on Stan’s bed and placing Stan’s laptop in front of them while they cuddled each other in blankets and pillows. They leaned against the bed frame, so they were able to entangle with each other.
They chose a horror movie, which they both were quite sensitive to, especially because they were in the dark. They could’ve chosen an action movie, but where’s the fun in that? As the movie played, jumpscare to jumpscare, both boys would flinch or jump, unconsciously cuddling even closer to each other. Around the end of the movie, Stan had dozed off, laying against Kyle’s chest. Kyle noticed the other and smiled softly. He was thankful that Stan was finally getting some proper sleep. Kyle closed the laptop and got into a more comfortable position, laying his head on a pillow while spooning Stan. He fell asleep with his head buried into the back of Stan’s neck, breathing in the scent that he had missed over the past week.
Stan woke up first, and all he could think of was how comfortable he felt in that moment. He felt so warm, enough for him to not move a single muscle. He was holding Kyle’s hand as Kyle’s arms were wrapped around his body. Stan didn’t want to move, wanting to stay there forever. He glances at the nightstand and sees what time it was. He didn’t think much of it, sighing and closing his eyes again. Stan’s eyes widened as he registered the time that he saw. Stan was almost late to the surprise party that he had spent days planning. Any feeling of comfort leaves his body as he thinks of everything that needs to be done.
He slowly gets out of bed, tucking Kyle in so he wouldn’t wake up from the sudden cool spot on the bed. He speedwalks to the bathroom and gets all the stuff he needs to do, done. He gets dressed in his outside clothes and looks around his desk. He found a sticky note and a pencil, exactly what he was looking for. He quickly scribbles a note and leaves the sticky note on the nightstand next to Kyle. He sets an alarm on his nightstand clock so that Kyle could wake up in time for his surprise. Stan grabbed his hat and shoved it on, heading for the bedroom door. He looks back to see Kyle once again. He grinned; this was going to be the best party ever.
The shrill sound of an alarm blasted throughout the room, making Kyle wake up miserably. He slammed the nightstand, putting his face into the pillow. He continues to hit the nightstand, trying to look for the off switch for the annoying, blaring sound. He finally managed to turn the alarm off, groaning into the pillow. He inhaled deeply, getting hit by Stan’s scent. Kyle raised his head up from confusion, his mind disorienting. He looks around the room and realizes that he wasn’t in his room. He was in Stan’s room. Right then, he seemed to wake up and remember what had happened the night before. He sat up, rubbing his eyes to freshen them up.
‘Where the hell is Stan?’ Kyle thought, running a hand through his puffy hair. He noticed a sticky note on the nightstand that was addressed to him, so he picked it up and started reading.
Meet me at Tolkien’s house ASAP! Around 1 pm.
-Stan
Kyle wondered why Stan wanted to meet up with him somewhere, when he was literally in his house, but he shrugged it off. He placed the note down and got out of bed. He stumbled to the bathroom and did his business. He decided to wear one of Stan’s shirts rather than the one he wore the day before. It fit him perfectly, although it was a bit baggy. He wore his pants and his jacket. He grabbed his green ushanka and tucked as much hair as he could into it. He makes the bed and cleans up what was left of what he and Stan did the night before. Once he finished, he grabbed the note and shut Stan’s bedroom door. He went downstairs and went to the front door, knowing that Stan’s family was probably in the kitchen. Kyle was starving, but he didn’t want to disturb them about food.
Kyle walks out of the house, covering his mouth as he yawns. He thought of all the possibilities of why Stan would want to meet up at Tolkien’s house. This was quite sudden, so Kyle had no idea what to expect. He continued to walk in the direction towards Tolkien’s house. He could see the huge house in the distance and thought, selfishly, that he wouldn’t really mind hanging out in a house like that. Kyle always forgets how rich Tolkien really was, therefore, it was always a surprise to see his house. Kyle smiled, hoping that they’d stay at Tolkien’s house for most of the day.
He walked up to the huge house’s doors, raising his hand to knock. Kyle then noticed that the door was already slightly open. He frowned, thinking ‘why the hell is the door open?’. Kyle immediately thought of the worst-case scenario, that a burglar broke into the house and took both his friends. He quickly became anxious, the feeling of delight or relaxation nowhere to be found.
He hesitantly opened the door further, stepping in. It was completely dark, the only light coming from the front door. Kyle heard faint shuffling, and he immediately froze. He didn’t dare to move a muscle, his heart pounding so hard he could it was in his ears. He squeezed his eyes shut, holding his breath. He could feel his hands start to shake out of fear, so he inhaled deeply, in an attempt to calm his nerves. He continued to stay there, waiting for the right moment to open his eyes again.
“SURPRISE!”
There was a big bang as Kyle’s eyes shot open, his eyes wide. The sudden bright lights partially blinded him, so he took a second to get used to the light. Once he was able to readjust to the lighting, he looked around. There were confetti all around him. He gasped as he saw what was in front of him, all his friends in a pose with a big banner above them that said: “Happy Birthday, Kyle!”.
Kyle quickly remembered that it was his birthday. He had forgotten completely of the special day, too distracted by his best friend to even remember his own birthday. A big smile grew on his face, although he was still in a state of shock. He was completely prepared to be taken by a random guy instead of all his friends.
Stan was standing right in the middle of everyone, he had the biggest smile out of all the friends. Kenny was standing on the right of Stan, his arms out. A bunch of girls from school (including Wendy, Bebe, Heidi, Nichole, Red, etc.) were beside him, making dramatic poses with big smiles on their faces. Cartman was on the left side of Stan, making an annoyed face. Kyle was honestly surprised that he was even there, but he guessed it was just for the food. He doesn’t expect any better anyways. Beside Cartman were all the guys they hung out with from school (including Craig, Tolkien, Clyde, Tweek, Butters, Jimmy, etc.) who all looked fairly positive.
For a second, everyone just stood there while Kyle was taking it all in. The first to move was Stan, launching forward and taking Kyle into an embrace.
“Happy Birthday, dude!” Stan said in the most enthusiastic way anyone could. Kyle squeezed back, joy exploding through his body. The hug lingered on for a moment before Stan took a step back so the others could bombard Kyle. The room immediately erupted with guys cheering and loud greetings, and the girl’s high pitch giggling and happy welcoming's.
The entrance room was filled with bright colors, banners coming from the ceiling, balloons bouncing around, confetti still dancing in the air. The main color theme of the decorations was Kyle’s signature colors. Light and dark green, orange, and white. Every little detail fit Kyle perfectly, which he was amazed by. Kyle could barely wrap his head around all the decorations set up, his smile growing larger the more he looked around.
“How- who-“ Kyle stuttered, unable to make a coherent sentence because of all the excitement he felt. He could feel himself start to get emotional but pushed the feeling down.
“This is all thanks to Stan.” Kenny said with his muffled voice, putting an arm around Stan’s neck. Kyle looked at Stan, his eyes starting to water. Stan smiled back at him; they shared a look for a moment before being interrupted by a short boy.
“You guys are so fucking gay.” Cartman scoffed, rolling his eyes with his arms crossed. “Can we hurry up to the actual fun part already?” he whined, wincing as Wendy hit him in the back of the head. He mumbles curses under his breath, looking away. Kyle sighed, repositioning himself.
“Thank you, guys. This is just- just amazing. I couldn’t have asked for more, really. Thank you so much.” Kyle exclaimed, looking around to make sure everyone hears his words of gratitude. Everyone’s mood boosts, happy that they were able to make it a good surprise for Kyle.
“Okay, come on you guys! Let’s get the party started!” Clyde shouts, grabbing a red party cup and pumps his hand into the air. He gives out a big cheer, all the others joining in. He runs into the kitchen and living room area, leading everyone to the main event of the party.
As all the guests trickle out of the entrance area, Kyle and Stan stay behind.
“Thank you, Stan. This is the best birthday I could wish for. Thank you, dude.” Kyle says with the most genuine tone Stan had ever heard from him. Stan just nods in response, pulling Kyle into another big hug. Kyle quickly hugs back, gripping onto the other.
“I did this because I care about you, dude. And I would do it again.” Stan says while they hug, moving closer to the other boy. He paused for a moment, nuzzling his head against Kyle’s neck.
“I love you, Kyle.”
Kyle smiles at his words, closing his eyes. He leans in, placing his hand on the back of Stan’s neck, his fingers intertwining with his hair. He gives him a simple response, knowing that the words carry heavy meaning. And he knew that meant it.
“I love you too, Stan.”