Chapter Text
Kyle really was happy for his friends. Stan and Wendy had just celebrated their five year anniversary, Tweek and Craig just moved in together, Cartman had recently begun dating his new girlfriend, Yentl. All of his friends were happy, so he should be happy for them, which he was. But, he was also completely over every conversation being about each person's partner, or different dates they were going on, or whatever romantic and loving topic it was that night.
He felt like an asshole, but he couldn’t help it. He watched all of his friends, even Cartman, build relationships and a life with someone while he couldn’t even get a second date. Yeah, some of the dates were bad, but some he thought went really well. Rebecca was sweet, but never answered his follow up text after he walked her home. Gary was creepy. Bebe only went on a date with him for his ass. Red was cool, but definitely not interested in men. Heidi wasn’t ready for a relationship.
“I gotta be cursed, Kenny.” Kyle dropped his head on to his arms, his right hand still clutching his first, and most likely only, beer bottle of the night. It was his turn to watch Stan and Kenny’s turn to watch Cartman, which typically turned in to Kyle watching all three of them.
“Are you still hung up on Heidi?” Kenny leaned up against the bar counter, drinking his fourth drink of the night, and while that would make Kyle pass out asleep, it only made Kenny more talkative.
Kyle groaned, “no, I just don’t think I’m made out to date. I gotta be doing something wrong.”
“You aren’t doing anything wrong, maybe you just are going for the wrong people,” Kenny shrugged before taking a sip of his drink. “Do you even have a type? Your dating life is across the board.”
“I don’t know, like someone nice I guess. Someone I feel comfortable spending time with, likes similar things, maybe a little more outgoing than me?” Kyle looked at Kenny and the two laughed for a few seconds before Kyle found his breath, “I know, I know. It’s dumb. I’m not good with it like you are.”
“I’m good with anyone,” Kenny threw a wink at Kyle, making the two double over in laughter again. “I will happily give you pointers.”
“Shut up Ken,” Kyle shoved the blonde's shoulder, “you haven’t been dating much recently…” Kyle switched the beer around in the bottle, avoiding the look Kenny gave him.
“Eh, if Karen doesn’t like them, neither do I. Plus, I got my eyes on someone else.”
“Oh really? Karen’s got an eye for good people, you going to go for them?” Kenny’s smile disappeared as he took another drink from his cup, mumbling something under his breath. Kyle felt a shiver run down his back, “Only if Karen could help me find someone.” Kyle chucked to himself, trying to get rid of the feeling down his spine.
“Maybe change your type up, I say no to no one you know...” Kyle choked on his drink, coughing harshly as he attempted to not cough up his lung. He looked over Kenny, watching the mischievous grin fall back onto his lips, Kyle opened his mouth to sputter out some response as Stan ran in clinging on to Kenny, the grin being hidden by a bright and bubbly greeting.
Kyle was at a loss.
—————
It felt fair to say that all three guys were surprised when they actually saw Yentl for the first time. Sure, Kyle thought that she was potentially made up and Kenny was certain that she had to be an even bigger bitch than Cartman himself, but they were wrong.
Yentl was nice, charismatic, pretty, and most of all, she could make Cartman shut up with one look.
Friday nights, the four of them typically went to the bars and caught up on each other's lives, complained, or just got intensely drunk. The week prior, the three were making fun of Cartman and how his girlfriend had to be made up; he had no pictures of her, she sounded too perfect, and she just happened to never be able to meet them.
Wendy came with Stan, Yentl came with Cartman, and Kenny brought Butters to join them. Kyle really started to feel left out. Yeah, Kenny and Butters didn’t come together together , but still the two sat talking to each other while the other couples paired up quickly together.
“Hey guys, it’s getting late, I’m probably going to head out.” Kyle pushed up on the table, smiling over at his friends, “It was nice meeting you, Yentl. We were starting to think fatass made you up.” Yentl laughed towards Kyle, laying her head on top of Cartman as she waved off goodbye.
Kyle felt relieved once he stepped out of the loud bar, breathing in the crisp autumn air. I’m happy and I love my friends, he repeated to himself as he threw on his jacket.
“Ky! Wait up, I’ll walk with you.” Kyle turned his head, recognizing the loud voice.
“Ken it’s okay, don’t ditch Butters for me.”
“Someone sounds jealous,” Kyle smacked Kenny in the shoulder, he always found a way to touch a nerve it seemed. “Ow, Jesus someone’s touchy. What’s wrong Ky?” He bumped shoulders against the blonde, giving a poor version of an apologize before the two slowly began walking back to his apartment.
“I can’t believe Cartman got a girlfriend before I did.” He finally sighed out, Kenny’s laughter echoing on the street. “Hey shut up it’s not funny dude, I don’t get what I’m doing so wrong with this relationship shit, and I’m starting to become desperate.”
“You’re not doing anything wrong, they just aren’t for you.” Kyle sighed, it felt like he was talking to his mom. “You're an awesome man, anyone would be lucky to date you.” He shouldn’t be laughing, but he couldn’t help it, Kenny sounded corny. “Okay ha-ha asshole, remind me to never comfort you again.”
“I’m- fuck- I’m sorry,” he strangled out, the laughter began dying down as he thought of his words. “It’s like that audio where they say something like that and the other persons like ‘okay so date me then.’”
“Deal.” Kenny shrugged, swinging himself around the light post outside Kyle’s apartment.
“What?”
“I’ll date you.”
Silence.
Kenny rolled his eyes, “Let’s go on a date, I’ll show you a good time, and I get to see how Kyle Broflovskidates. Deal?”
He began sputtering out incoherent words that did not form into real sentences, his face grew another warm shade of red, and confusion, embarrassment, and a lot of what ifs began to flood his mind. This would certainly be weird, wouldn’t it? Would Kenny tell their friends? What if it goes horrible, even worse what if it goes well, he certainly could not be interested in Kenny. They’ve been best friends since seven, and Cartman especially can’t know.
“Three conditions.” Kenny raised his eyebrow in disbelief, “One, no over the top touchy feely shit you do. Two, absolutely honest with everything. Three, the guys never find out.”
“Done.”
“Promise?”
“Pinky Promise.”
————
To say Kyle was nervous about this date was an understatement. Kyle practically torn apart his room, changed his clothes four times now, and had considered jumping out of his fourth story apartment to avoid this date in total. Kenny also just shot him a message he was on his way.
Shit .
Kyle had to decide eventually on something, he also needed to pick up his place so Kenny wouldn’t know that he trashed it, the blonde did not need that sort of an ego boost. Casual, it was a casual date and what he was wearing now was definitely too much. Tearing off his shirt, he pulled the original moss green sweater off the floor and pulled it on. Staring himself once over the mirror; black lace ups, khakis, casual green sweater - it had to be fine.
He ended up shoving the majority of his clothes back in to his closet, half ass making his bed, and shoving a majority of his paperwork in his bag to avoid it cluttering his desk. He rushed to the kitchen, cleaning his dishes from the night before. Picking up the stray blanket, loose papers, and ensuring it from the front door point of view nothing looked cluttered or messy.
Feeling like he was preparing for his mom to come visit, Kyle found himself laughing over the frenzy he just brought himself into. This was nowhere near the level of panic he should be feeling, his mom’s judgment and nagging was way worse than a pre date jitters.
Right, a date.
A date with one of his best friends, someone he has known since first grade, Kenny McCormick.
He felt sick.
Maybe he could get away with jumping out the window.
His stomach dropped when he heard the knock on the door, cursing to himself, he knew it was Kenny.
“Good morning, Ky.” Kenny had a toothy grin plastered over his face, sticking his hand out with a small bundle of flowers, “ready for our date?”
“Are- are these for me?” He stuttered, he’s given flowers before, but never had been on the receiving end.
“Of course, I asked you on a date didn’t I?” Kyle wrapped his hand gently around the white paper, biting the inside of his cheek in an attempt to cover his smile. He fumbled in to his kitchen finding a vase to throw the flowers in while Kenny leaned against the table, scrolling through his phone.
“Talking to someone interesting?” Kyle asked, peeking over the screen as he shut the door to his apartment.
“Just Karen, she is very happy right now.” Kenny shifted his phone over to Kyle’s gaze, swiping through different messages of his sister typing in all caps and demanding pictures.
“Really?” Kyle groaned, knowing it would be no time before his own phone was blowing up from his own sibling, most likely calling his a gay wad. “Ike’s going to find out, and I’m never going to hear the end of it.”
“I won’t either,” Kyle rolled his eyes, but knew that it was correct. Kenny refused to tell where they were going, giving general hints to where they could be going as they walked to the blonde's car. Kenny opened the door for Kyle, making the two laugh at the action. The ride was filled with Kyle mostly guessing based off of his surroundings, it was still pretty early in the morning, most if not all people were assumed to be going to work. Kenny hummed to the music playing in the background of the car, Kyle stared forward.
Kenny parked the car along the street, giving an attempt to make it around the corner before Kyle could open his own door. Kenny blocked his way out, pushing his legs back in the car, shutting the door, and reopening it for Kyle. Kenny gestured forward, Kyle giving him a shove backwards and laughing at each other.
“Hey, this is the restaurant I’ve-“
“You’ve been talking about the past two months. You’ve been complaining that you never get to go here since they close before you get off work. I know,” Kenny held the small glass door open, “after you.”
Kyle teased out a ‘thank you,’ as the two were greeted by the staff, being told to sit anywhere. Kyle sat down quickly before Kenny could fight him to pull his chair out, rolling his eyes as the other slumped himself in to the opposite chair. A staff member came over, introducing herself, and saying she would be back with their drinks.
Kenny leaned forward on his elbows, glancing over Kyle as he read the menu. He felt claustrophobic.
“What’re you thinking?” He asked, peering over the menu, not fully prepared to see the other’s eyes already on him.
“French toast, you?”
“Mmm,” he hummed, “Cinnamon roll.” Kyle set his menu flat on the table, resting his arms over it. Kenny hummed in approval, holding his elbow as he laid an arm down on Kyle’s.
Kyle paused, Kenny smiled, grazing his thumb over his wrist. “Ken, what’re you doing?”
“Attempting to flirt, I think this is when you normally look at me with ‘big doe eyes,’ and give me a little smile.”
“I’m regretting this date already,” Kyle smacked at his hand, pulling himself back from his resting position on the table. Kenny only laughed in response as the waitress came back with their drinks, making him jump in embarrassment of the waitress over hearing him. After ordering, Kenny pushed his foot against Kyle’s own, making him squirm.
“Are we in middle school? Footsie?” Kenny gave his own version of a witty response, before asking Kyle how the coffee was. He began to relax as the two talked about their week at work, Kyle was beginning to get used to his shifts in the ER and Kenny was readjusting from switching form the graveyard shift to the morning shift for the EMS.
Once the food came, Kyle completely forgot the anxiety he was feeling. He offered pieces of his food to Kenny in exchange for a bite of the French toast. He didn’t kick back when Kenny linked their ankles or seemed to mind the bubbling feeling in his chest when they finished and he took another chance at drawing circles over the top of Kyle’s hand.
The two argued over who was paying, the waitress chose Kenny over Kyle which made him sulk in his seat. She shouted at them to come again, Kenny walked backwards for a moment to give her a thumbs up, making him run in to the little sign before the door. Kyle chuckled at the fumble and began laughing and fighting when Kenny attempted to pick him up from behind.
Kenny let him go at the passenger door finally, Kyle didn’t fight him on opening the door.
Kyle didn’t make a comment when Kenny laid his hand on his leg while he drove him home, but relished in the warmth the palm of his hand had. Kyle assured him that he didn’t need to be walked all the way up to his door, but Kenny insisted.
Kyle could feel the uneasiness reappear in his stomach, they were already sort of breaking the first condition of them not being overly touchy. It wasn’t like he was upset with it, but more that he was embarrassed that he did.
“First date, how’d it go?” Kenny asked as they reached the door, “I impress you?”
“Sadly, yes,” he smiled as he spoke.
“Enough for a second date?”
Kyle smiled, “as long as you let me pay.” Kyle unlocked his door, ready to give him a quick escape from his burst of confidence. “Thanks for this morning, Ken.” Hand still on the door knob, Kyle leaned forward, setting a small peck on Kenny’s cheek. Quickly turning the knob and dashing inside, they officially broke their first promise.
————
Kyle and Kenny had been on three dates so far, and as uncomfortable as it was in the beginning to recognize it, Kyle was actually beginning to like it. Their second date was out getting drinks, just the two of them, Kenny convinced him to dance for a few moments when he became tipsy enough. The third date was walking around in the museum outside of town, Kenny continued to brush their hands together until Kyle built up the courage to hold his hand, Kenny was the one to intertwine their fingers.
Kyle was starting to get used to their weekly dates, and almost admitted to himself that he was bummed that they couldn’t the previous week. Kenny had been asked to work a third shift for Halloween and Kyle had been too exhausted from a twelve hour day turned sixteen.
They both agreed they should do something low-key this week, Kenny suggested a movie date at his. Kyle originally liked the idea; he could be comfy in pajamas, catch up on shows and movies he hadn’t been able to watch the past few weeks, and still get time with Kenny without being surrounded by people.
That’s what got him. They were going to be alone.
Kyle didn’t mind the touchiness of Kenny during their dates. The two had slowly began building courage with each other with small touches like brushing their fingers together. Kenny put his arm behind Kyle’s back while they were looking at the paintings. More blunt flirting, stealing glances at one another, compliments. It was different for the two of them, but neither had mentioned the change and both refrained from it while they were out with Stan and Cartman.
But as Kyle drove to Kenny’s apartment, he felt the tension in his chest grow. He felt like a teenager, which only embarrassed him more. The two agreed sweats and a sweatshirt, no need to dress up. Kenny built up his couch with blankets and pillows, waiting for approval from the other.
Kyle found himself glancing between his two options of seating; weighing the pros and cons of each choice. He knew the opposite side of the couch would be more casual, less intimate, and an overall safer choice. Yet he really didn’t mind the idea of him and Kenny being close together while they watched tv.
“You’re thinking too hard,” Kenny pulled him down next to him. “I’m thinking, Night at the Museum. ” Kyle nodded his head slowly, begging his brain to untense his shoulders. Kenny adjusted next to him, dropping his arm over his shoulders. Kyle’s back pressed against Kenny’s side.
Kenny started the movie, getting up quickly to grab a random blanket and setting in on top of them. Kyle slowly relaxed, shifting himself to be more comfortable, letting himself sink more into Kenny. The two sat in silence, too engrossed in the movie to converse like they normally did, only occasionally laughing out a quiet chuckle.
By the time the credits of the movie began to play, Kenny’s fingers were playing in Kyle’s hair. The redhead had particularly sucked full against Kenny, his head resting on Kenny’s chest. Nonverbally, he signaled that he would begin the next movie by tapping Kyle’s shoulders.
Kyle held back the whine that meant he had to move, making himself sit up more on the couch as he watched Kenny fumble between the discs. He shuffled his way back under the blankets to his original spot, this time adjusting himself to have his feet propped against the coffee table and sitting up.
Kyle sat up as well, pulling his knees against his chest as the opening line played. Kenny stared back half asleep at the tv, Kyle switched his focus between Kenny and the screen.
“You okay, Ky?”
“Yeah, just thinking,” Kenny raised an eyebrow in response, the screen flickering caused shadows to fall over his face.
“Wanna tell me?” He could hear the characters talking, but wasn’t sure what they were saying. Kenny rested his head on the back of the couch, calm eyes staring into his own.
He liked how the colors illuminated Kenny’s face, even if he looked like he could fall asleep. He angled himself to face him more, Kenny placing his hand atop of Kyle’s as he laced his fingers between one another.
Kenny was attractive, his face covered in little cuts and scars from when they were younger. He could still see the old imprints of his lip and nose rings from when he pierced himself sophomore year of high school. Even though he had bags under his eyes his eyes were still bright and awake despite the sleepy smile he was giving him. Kenny’s thin lips were cracked and frequently chewed on while he was working or focusing.
Kyle slowly looked back up to Kenny’s eyes from his lips, watching as the other did the same. Running his tongue over his lips, automatically, cursing at himself as soon as he did. Kenny didn’t shoot a tease or joke back, just silence surrounding them. Kenny brought himself to be looking straight at Kyle, completely disregarding the movie. Running his hand down Kyle’s thigh and resting it over his knee.
“It’s nothing, just in my head I guess,” he spoke barely above a whisper. Kenny’s gaze softened, squeezing his hand on his knee. Kyle gave a weak smile, so much for open and blunt, he thought to himself. Now he was the one breaking the promise.
“I want to, too.” His stomach felt like it took a tumble forward, unconsciously licking his lips.
“Really?”
“Yes.” He slowly brought his hand up to cup Kyle’s face, Kenny’s eyes flicking down to his
lips, up to his eyes, and down again. Kyle copied the pattern, slowly bringing his eyes back to meet Kenny’s gaze. The gap between the two closed immediately.
Kenny softly pressed his lips over Kyle, running his thumb across his jaw. Kyle paused, putting a millimeter space between the two after their first peck of a kiss. Kenny's eyes were wide, he looked concerned, worried that Kyle could’ve been regretting the minimal kiss they shared.
Kyle took a deep slow breath, his eyes flicking down to the blondes lips again. He was hesitant, concerned that he’s about to mess up years worth of friendship, but buried his feelings of anxiety down as he leaned forward again. A mixture of confidence and adrenaline made him press his own lips firmly against Kenny, resting his own hand on Kenny’s hip.
Kenny tilted his head, taking a quick breath in. His hand dragging down his neck, slowly wrapping his fingers in the red curls at the back of Kyle’s neck. Kyle gripped at the hem of Kenny’s sweatshirt, leaning more into the kiss. Slowly building confidence as the two found their own rhythm of going between quick and rapid pecks on one another to long sweet kisses.
Kyle shifted his weight, moving more into Kenny’s bubble, raising one hand to Kenny’s neck and the other resting on the back of the couch to ensure he would fall over on to Kenny. Quickly, Kenny detangled his fingers from the back of Kyle’s head and moved both hands to rest on his waist, holding him in place.
He could feel the ghosting of Kenny’s fingers running across his sides, the grip on his waist tightening when he deepened the kissing, tilting his head more to give a firm kiss. Kenny hummed sweetly, making Kyle’s lips feel like they were vibrating. Running his hand through blonde strands of hair, as he started laughing when their teeth clattered when he tried to return a few more opened mouth kisses.
“Holy shit, dude…” Kenny let out a low chuckle as Kyle dipped his head to hide his face in Kenny’s chest. “Oh, Ky, don’t be embarrassed.”
“I’m not embarrassed!” Kyle whined in to Kenny’s chest, he definitely was embarrassed but
would never admit it. “Don’t call your boyfriend ‘dude’ after ma-!” Kyle felt his ears turn red, ending his sentence abruptly.
“Boyfriend, hmm?” Kenny teased, “I don’t remember becoming official.”
“I didn’t say that! Fuck you, man!”
“I think you mean ‘boyfriend,’” Kyle lifted his head from Kenny’s chest, giving the blonde a glare before Kenny leaned in, placing a kiss on the corner of his lips. “What happened to being blunt and honest?” Kyle flicking him on the nose, Kenny only laughed as he pulled Kyle under his arm as they attempted to pay attention to the movie that they had missed half of by now.
The two spent the majority of the rest of the movie sneaking in kisses to one another, and by the time Kenny began their third movie, Kyle and him both passed out on the couch with one another.
———
Almost six months in to their little dating agreement, the two decided they liked the at-home dates they were doing the most. Specifically cooking with one another seemed to be the most frequent one they chose to do. Kyle loved it, making a large meal for the two of them and then bringing the leftovers to work the next day. Kyle and Kenny took turns picking up coffee and dropping it off to one another for their long days, had breakfast at the little restaurant once or twice a month, and recently the two spent more nights than not together.
It was going to seem well, especially with the two hiding it from their friends. Kyle was certain that Cartman would lose it and Kenny was certain Stan had a running bet with Butters in regards to something about the two getting together. Kyle was betting on the fact Kenny would break the news accidentally one night when he was drunk, and Kenny was certain the guilt of hiding it to his best friend would get to him first.
Kyle and Kenny walked hand and hand as they looked through the grocery store, improvising for what they were going to make for tonight’s meal. Kenny roamed through the aisle currently just carrying a basket of mismatched vegetables looking for inspiration for their “special” meal tonight. Kyle suggested they invite Karen up when Kenny mentioned he missed her, and Kyle swore he never saw Kenny move as quickly as he did to call and ask her.
He helped his boyfriend set up the couch for her to sleep on along with cleaning the house. Kyle continued to tell Kenny they could skip their Saturday morning breakfast so he could have some one-on-one time with his sister, but Kenny was adamant that he wanted Kyle to come to the museum with them. Kyle attempted to get Karen on his side, but instead got lectured by a nineteen year old.
Kyle squeezed Kenny’s hand, before offering to carry the basket for the third time, only to be turned down once again as they rounded the corner to the meat aisle. Kyle rolled his eyes, as he was tugged towards the glass casing to look to see if anything was worthy enough for Karen, before they were interrupted.
“Uh- guys? What’re you doing?” Kyle, again, gripped Kenny’s hand as they slowly turned to the new voice.
“Stanny Boy! How are you,” Kenny gave a short squeeze back before dropping Kyle’s hand and raising his arms to hug Stan and Wendy as they stood before them. Kyle punched the bridge of his nose, he would give Kenny the credit in his attempt of trying to hide it but in the same breath took the point away for being an idiot.
“I cannot wait to tell Yentl.” Wendy squealed, dropping her own boyfriend’s hand to pull out her phone.
“Are- are you guys together? Is that why you canceled on us this week!” Stan seemingly more emotional over their canceled plans than the thought of them being together. Kenny and Kyle looked between each other, unsure if they should just accept that they would break the final condition that Kyle had originally made.
Kyle sighed, “Yeah…”
“Man, I owe Butters so much money.” Kenny doubled over laughing while Kyle began lecturing his best friend on how unethical it is to make bets on your friends. The blonde grabbed his hand, giving it a small squeeze and smiling at him, deciding to continue their grocery trip with Stan and Wendy. Both couples smiled to one another as Wendy asked for details on their first date and how long they have been dating.
They dropped off the groceries before driving over to the bus station to pick up Karen, who more than sprinted over to hug her brother and Kyle. Spending the majority of the night cooking and hearing about Karen’s first year of college. Karen and Kyle did dishes while Kenny prepared for their Mario Kart challenge. The first night of Karen’s stay over left the three of them sprawled over the couch passed out, the Mario racing song playing in the background.