Chapter Text
Their History teacher wasted no time in announcing the midterm project, emphasizing the need for partners. Stan's eyes immediately lit up as he glanced at Kyle, his long-time project partner.
“We've got this!” Stan excitedly whispered.
Kyle shook his head regretfully. “Sorry, dude, I already promised Kenny I'd help with this project,” he whispered back. Kyle then scanned the classroom. “I don't think Gary Harrison has a partner yet.”
Stan's heart sank as he followed Kyle's gaze to where Gary sat. While Gary usually teamed up with Mark, Mark was absent today. Stan hesitated, unsure if he could work with Gary, given their history from fourth grade.
“Maybe we could be a team of three?” Stan suggested.
Kyle chuckled. “Dude, it's a small project. You don't even have to talk to Gary after it.”
Kenny chimed in, listening to their conversation. “Plus, Gary is fun to work with! He's pretty smart.”
Stan rolled his eyes and took a deep breath. He knew he'd have to set aside his pride. As the bell rang, Stan approached Gary, who was starting to pack up.
“Hey, Gary,” Stan began tentatively.
Gary jumped a bit in surprise, then looked at Stan, their eyes locking. “Stan?” Gary asked. “Did you need something?”
Stan muttered, barely audible, “I was wondering if you'd want to be my partner for the project…”
“Sure!” Gary replied, standing up. “We can discuss it at lunch if you want?”
Stan hesitated, tugging at his satchel. “Wouldn't you prefer to sit with your friends?”
Gary laughed, and Stan was momentarily captivated by his laugh. “Mark's sick, Thomas needed a mental health day, and Bradley has therapy,” Gary explained. “It'll just be me and David, and I'm sure he won't mind.”
Stan felt a mix of relief and nervousness hearing Gary's response. It seemed like fate was pushing them together for this project, despite their history. It had been seven years; surely, Gary had moved past their childhood grudge.
“Yeah, lunch sounds good,“ Stan finally said, finding his voice again. “We can discuss the project details and figure out our approach.“
As they walked towards the cafeteria, Stan couldn't help but sneak glances at Gary. He noticed how Gary had changed over the years, both physically and in demeanor. Stan wondered if he had changed as well.
They came to a stop, and Stan realized he had been staring at Gary the entire time. He couldn't help it; Gary was undeniably attractive. Stan looked over to see Gary approaching Craig and his group's table.
“I thought we were gonna eat with David?” Stan questioned, feeling a bit confused.
“We are, I just need to talk to Craig,” Gary replied.
Stan took a breath. “Are you sure? Craig can be a little-“
“A little what?“ Craig asked, cutting Stan off, staring at him with hostile eyes. However, his demeanor shifted as he turned his attention to Gary, a much more respectful look replacing the hostility. “What's up, Gary?“
Gary fiddled with his bag, then pulled out a sticky note with a number on it. “I called my uncle about the NASA internship for you,“ Gary said. “He said if you call him, he'll see where he can fit you in over the summer.“ He handed the paper to Craig and then nudged Stan, who looked at him inquisitively.
“Did you know Craig wants to be an astronaut?“ Gary asked Stan.
Stan shook his head. “I didn't, that's cool.“
Gary then turned his attention to Clyde, who was sitting behind Craig. “Hey, Clyde, by the way, I was wondering if you could make some more of your lemon bars? They were a hit at the soup kitchen.“
Clyde nodded enthusiastically. “Maybe I'll come with you this weekend and help out!“
“Sure!“ Gary replied. “The more, the merrier!“
Stan watched in amazement as Gary conversed effortlessly with Craig and his friends. Craig rarely ever talked to anyone outside of his group, and if he did, it was usually to make a hurtful remark. But here was Gary, talking to them like they were old friends. Stan couldn't help but wonder if there was anything this guy couldn't do.
Stan continued to observe as Gary bridged gaps and connected with people from all walks of life. It was as if Gary possessed a unique ability to see the good in others, even those known for their abrasive attitudes. It left Stan deeply impressed.
As Gary rejoined Stan, he noticed the puzzled expression on Stan's face. “What's going on in that head of yours?“ Gary asked, a playful smile on his lips.
Stan chuckled, shaking his head. “I just... I never expected to see you get along so well with Craig and the others. You've really got a way with people, dude. It's impressive.“
Gary shrugged nonchalantly. “Eh, people are people, you know? We all have our stories and struggles. Sometimes, it just takes a little effort to see past the surface and find common ground.“
Stan admired Gary's perspective, realizing that he had been guilty of making assumptions based on past experiences and preconceived notions. It was a reminder that people could change, and that second chances were worth giving.
“You’re right,” Stan said as they sat down to eat lunch with David. “I sometimes feel like I get so focused on the past, I never give anyone a chance.” Stan pulled out his lunch his mom had packed for him from his bag. “Are you still Mormon?”
Gary took a bite of his food, pausing for a moment. “Nah, not anymore. I don't believe in it these days,” he answered, looking at Stan.
Stan was intrigued. “So what do you believe? How come you’re still so kind? Helping Craig with NASA, or feeding the homeless? Why do you do that?“
Gary took a moment to gather his thoughts before responding. He looked at Stan with a gentle smile, his eyes filled with sincerity.
“Belief is a complex thing,“ Gary began, his voice more casual and teenage-like. “For me, it's less about subscribing to a specific set of religious stuff and more about the values that guide my actions. I believe in kindness, compassion, and the power of empathy, man.“
Gary's eyes met Stan's, filled with sincerity. “Helping Craig with the NASA thing or volunteering at the soup kitchen—it's not about who we are or what we believe in, it's just about making the world a bit better.“
Stan listened intently, captivated by Gary's words. He had forgotten how well-spoken Gary could be, and he hadn't even thought about his own stance on religion. Stan wasn't a fan of religion either, but hearing Gary's perspective was refreshing.
“I wish I could be like you…” Stan admitted. “I'm gonna be honest, I’ve not changed much since you last saw me. I’ve just gotten more… depressed. My dad’s an asshole, and my friends have become hard to manage. I don’t know how I’d even help someone if I can’t help myself.”
Gary grinned. “Dude, don't be too hard on yourself. You've got a kind heart too. I 've seen the way you care for others, the way you stand up for what's right. It's a quality that I admire and cherish in you. It’s been a huge reason that I’ve tried to reconnect with you, I’m glad we have this project now.”
Stan felt a mixture of surprise and warmth as he absorbed Gary's words. He hadn't realized the impact he had on others, especially in the midst of his own struggles. It was a reminder that sometimes, our own self-perception can be clouded by negativity and doubt.
“You really think so?“ Stan asked, a hint of skepticism in his voice. “I often feel like I'm not doing enough, like I'm drowning in my own problems.“
Gary reached across the table and placed a reassuring hand on Stan's. “Dude, it's important to acknowledge your own struggles and seek help when needed. But don't underestimate the positive influence you have on those around you. Your empathy, your willingness to stand up for what's right—it matters, even if it doesn't always feel that way.“
Stan gazed into Gary's eyes, his heart filled with a newfound sense of hope. In that moment, he realized that friendship and connection could be a lifeline, even when everything seemed overwhelming.
“I'm really grateful for this project too,“ Stan admitted, a genuine smile forming on his face. “It's given me a chance to reconnect with you and rediscover the impact we can make together. How about after school we meet up to work on it?”
“Sure!” Gary nodded, agreeing, finishing up his meal. “Does your house work?”
Stan hesitated, fear welling up at the thought of Gary seeing his home. He didn’t want his dad to embarrass him, and he certainly didn't want Gary to witness the mess that his house currently was.
“Stan… you alright?” Gary asked, sensing Stan's hesitation.
Stan shook his head. “It’s fine, we can meet at my house. I did move, though, about two hours out. I can text you the address.“
A soft smile spread across Gary's face, his blue eyes filled with warmth. “It’s alright, Stan. Your dad, Randy, he’s… a character. I don’t mind. He doesn’t define who you are, you know that, right?”
Stan nodded, his heart warmed by Gary's understanding and acceptance. He realized that he didn't need to hide his struggles or the messy parts of his life from someone who genuinely cared about him.
“I know, Gary,“ Stan said, gratitude lacing his voice. “It's just... sometimes it's hard living with him. But, he shouldn’t bug us if we work in my room.”
The bell rang, and the boys soon departed from their table. Stan felt his nerves pool into his stomach. Having Gary Harrison at his house was a big deal, and he couldn't help but feel anxious about it.
It was ironic, in a way. Stan had struggled and deteriorated since he last saw Gary, while it seemed that Gary had only improved. Everyone seemed to admire the blonde boy, and Stan couldn't help but feel like he was worlds apart from that. Stan was barely holding himself together, whereas Gary seemed to wear his golden heart on his satin blue sleeve.