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Marjorie Stotch was the prettiest girl Kenny had ever seen. Despite what people said about her, he knew in his heart that he loved her. She was kind, caring, sweet and beautiful, all things Kenny adored about her. She had always been that way, even before she was Marjorine, and even then, Kenny had still loved her. He couldn't think of a time when he hadn’t. So as soon as senior prom came up, he knew who he had to ask.
Everyone at school in the senior class had been anticipating it since the beginning of the year. It was supposed to be the highlight of the year, where students could dance, party, and have fun with each other, without worrying about school or responsibilities. Even better, it was the perfect excuse to ask out your crush. So everyone was beaming when the date had been announced, and there were daily conversations about it, as well as lots of promposals.
During one of their lunches together, with just the four of them, Stan had brought up the topic of prom, specifically, who they were going to go with.
“I’ve been considering asking Wendy,” Stan said. The group nodded. They had expected him to say so. Kenny still saw Kyle’s frown, though. Subtle as it was, he knew what it meant. He had heard too many times from Kyle about his feelings for Stan. He felt bad, ofcourse. But there was not much he could do. Stan was just an idiot, and would have to realize his own feelings on his own time.
“I don’t think I’ll go,” Kyle replied. Stan had looked surprised.
“What do you mean dude? Why not?” He asked, looking the tiniest bit hurt.
“I don’t have anyone to go with. Besides, I don’t have fun at parties anyway.” Kyle answered.
“Kyle’s just mad you’re going with Wendy and not him,” Cartman had decided to be a jerk and pick on Kyle again.
“Screw you fatass!” Kyle yelled, and then the topic of discussion ended. Kenny couldn’t help but stick a little closer to Kyle after that, he knew he’d be feeling down about the whole thing, and he figured he could at least give Kyle some comfort with his presence. Ofcourse, he couldn't stop the topic of discussion coming up again, especially when prom week rolled around.
Cartman was the first to bring it up. Apparently he still remembered what Stan had said before.
“Hey Stan! Have you made any progress asking that chick Wendy out yet?” He asked. Stan frowned.
“No, not yet,” He replied, looking uncomfortable.
“Well why not?” Cartman demanded. All he got back from Stan was an “I don’t know”. He didn’t seem in the mood for Cartman's questioning.
Cartman rolled his eyes. “Ugh, you guys suck,” he huffed, then turned to Kenny.
“Kinny, who are you asking out?” He asked. Kenny debated telling him, but he didn’t want to bring more harm to Marj. Even though a decent handful of people, mainly the girls, were respectful of her, Cartman was still an asshole. And he knew what Cartman would think if he said anything. So he settled for “none of your business,” his voice muffled by his hood.
Cartman swore, announced “you guys are assholes,” and proceeded to go bug Craig’s table instead, leaving Kenny third wheeling the two idiots beside each other.
Kyle was picking at his lunch slowly with his fork, frowning at it like it had personally insulted him. Stan was fidgeting with his thumbs, looking stressed, his gaze purposefully not fixed on Kyle. Honestly, Kenny just wanted to shake them both, and tell them to snap out of it and stop being oblivious. In fact, he was so close to doing so, when he saw Marj walk into the cafeteria, headed for the lunch line.
Kenny decided his friends could wait. He had a plan, and he needed to go through with it. He doubted Stan and Kyle would even notice, as they were too lost in their own sulking. So he not very subtly left the table, and headed towards the cafeteria lunch line.
“Hey Marj,” He said, smiling at her and walking right up next to her. He got a few glares from the people behind her in the line, but he didn’t care.
“Kenny! How’s it going?” She smiled back. “Did you get any lunch?”
Kenny nodded. Technically he hadn’t, because he didn’t have the money. But he didn’t want to tell her that.
Marj knew him too well though, and got a bit of extra food to share with him from the lunch menu. She usually did, because she knew about his home situation. Kenny didn't know how to repay her for all the times she’d been generous.
“Don’t worry, I don’t mind sharing,” She said, as though she had read his mind. “Now tell me, how are Stan and Kyle working out?” She asked, when they sat down at an empty table. When Kenny had told her about them, it was mostly on the basis that he needed someone else’s advice about what to do, because honestly, watching them was painful. He didn’t know how two people could go that long without admitting their feelings. And honestly, it was fun discussing with Marj. She always knew what to say.
He pointed to the table where Stan and Kyle sat. Marj looked over and frowned.
“Still nothing?” Kenny nodded, picking at the fries Marj had ordered. Marj huffed. “Well hamburgers. I hope they figure it out soon.”
Kenny then remembered that he had a plan to enact. “Hey Marj, I was wondering,” Kenny started. She looked back at Kenny.
“What’s up?” She smiled softly. Kenny looked around, and then, mustering up all his courage, asked “Will you go to prom with me?”
Kenny knew he didn't have much. He couldn’t afford to do a fancy poster with flowers like a lot of the other guys had. He knew Marj deserved all that and more, and he internally kicked himself for his poor promposal. Infact, he would totally accept if Marj said no.
But by the way Marj’s face lit up at the question, he knew it was the right call. “Of course I'll go with you!” She exclaimed, grabbing his hands. “Aw Ken, I’m so glad you asked. I was hoping you would.” Kenny beamed at that.
For the rest of the day, he felt very happy, and he pushed away thoughts of where he would get a suit from. That was a problem for another day. For now, he was happy that at least he got the prettiest girl to go with him to prom, and she didn’t mind the fact that he was, well, himself.
While indulging in his happy thoughts about prom and Marj, on his way down the hall, he saw Kyle and Stan, at Kyle’s locker. He stopped, not wanting to interrupt them, because they seemed to be in a heated discussion. He was about to leave when he caught word of their conversation.
“I don’t understand why you still don’t want to go Kyle!” Stan said. Kyle had his back turned to Stan, facing his locker. “So what if you don’t have a date? You’ll still have friends there. You have me,” he said, pleadingly.
“It’s not about a date, Stan! I don’t want to be there just to see you with Wendy again!” Kyle said back.
“Why not?” Stan demanded. Kyle groaned.
“You guys have broken up, what, like 4 times now? Don’t you see how toxic that is?” He retorted.
“So what? My relationship with her is none of your business anyway Kyle,” Stan spat.
“Of course it’s my business! I’m the one you call after you guys break up, and you’re drunk, and all mopey and shit,” Kyle has turned now, facing Stan, glare evident on his face.
“Well, sorry I'm such a burden during my breakups,” Stan says sarcastically.
“No, it’s not like that! It’s just- I care about you Stan. And it’s hard for me to watch you hurt all the time.” Kyle says, looking defeated.
“It’ll be different this time,” Stan said, looking away. Kyle’s hands tightened into fists by his side.
“Right. Surely this time it’ll be better,” He rolled his eyes. “Give me a break.”
“Well I'm sorry if you’re jealous, Kyle, but I need a girl to go to prom with, I can’t just go with you,” He replied harshly. “I’m going to ask Wendy, whether you like it or not,” And with that, Stan walked away, leaving Kyle at his locker.
Kyle turned to his locker, slammed it shut, and headed the opposite direction. He didn’t spare a glance at Kenny, or maybe he didn’t notice. Kenny didn’t know. He was still processing what he heard.
He knew how Stan felt, in fact recognized it immediately. Stan was still fixated on conforming to the norm. While Kyle had accepted his feelings, Stan had not, and was focused on forgetting about them, by dating girls, specifically his ex.
But Kenny knew that wouldn’t make the feelings go away. Stan could date Wendy all he wanted, but he’d never be truly happy with her. The more he pushed down his feelings, repressed them, and tried to pretend they didn’t exist, the worse they would become. And Wendy didn't deserve to be with someone who wasn’t fully invested in her. No matter how much Stan tried to love her, if it wasn't genuine, it would just lead to hurt for both parties, and Kyle.
Kenny sighed as he walked home, and figured he would confide in Karen. Besides Marj, Karen was the best advice giver Kenny knew. So when he got home, he went to see her, finding her colouring more pictures in her room.
“Hey Karen,” he said, taking off his parka now that he was home. Karen looked up from her picture making. “Hey Kenny,” she replied.
“I need some advice,” he asked. Karen smiled at him. “I can help. If you let me braid your hair,” she negotiated. Kenny agreed, he didn't mind in the slightest. While Karen did his hair, he told her all about the conversation he overheard between Kyle and Stan, and about their feelings towards each other. Karen had kept doing his hair after he finished speaking, seemingly lost in thought. Then, she stopped, and spoke up.
“I think you should talk to Wendy,” she said. Kenny raised an eyebrow. “Wendy? Why?” He replied.
“It would be good to ask her abour her opinion on Stan asking her to go. And if Stan already asked her, you’ll know what she said,” Karen replied. Kenny mulled it over. It was a good idea. He’d just have to find Wendy the next day. He thanked Karen, and she went back to his hair happily.
——
The next day, Kenny found Wendy walking to her locker. He went up to her, and tapped her on the shoulder. She stopped and turned to him.
“Kenny?” Wendy asked skeptically. “What do you want?”
“Did Stan ask you to prom yesterday?” Kenny asked straight up. Wendy gave him a puzzled look.
“Yes, he did. Why? What’s he saying now?” She asked, furrowing her brows.
“Nothing, I was just wondering what you told him,” He replied. Wendy frowned.
“Well, if you must know, I told him no,” She said. “I know what he’s doing, and I don’t want to endorse it,” She said. Kenny gave her a look that said ‘keep going’. Wendy huffed.
“Well I know he has feelings for Kyle. He’s not exactly subtle. But he’s not doing either of us any favors by trying to pretend they’re not there,” She said. “At first I thought going out with him would help, but it didn’t. We just get on eachothers nerves, because we don’t actually want to be together.”
Kenny nodded. Wendy then started walking towards her locker again, leaving Kenny where he was. She turned, to get a few more words in.
“Help him out, alright? He just needs a gentle push, and a confirmation that he’s allowed to feel and express his feelings, even if they're different from everyone else’s,” She said. Kenny gave a thumbs up, and Wendy turned back. He was glad she at least cared enough about him to want him to be happy.
Kenny then made it his personal mission to find Stan. Apparently he was playing matchmaker today. He supposed he didn't mind, he had nothing better to do. Finding Stan was pretty easy, and as per usual, so was finding Kyle. They were at Kyle’s locker again. As expected, Stan was whining about Wendy, and Kyle was looking like he was about to bang his head against his locker.
“Hey guys,” Kenny said. They both looked over to Kenny.
“Hey Kenny,” Kyle replied. Stan said nothing. Kyle looked to Stan, and then back to Kenny again.
“He was rejected by Wendy, yesterday.” Kyle said. Kenny nodded, not bothering to pretending he didn't already know.
“Are you guys still going to prom?” Kenny asked. Kyle moved to say something, but Stan interrupted.
“Absolutely not,” He replied. Kyle sighed. “He doesn't want to see Wendy. Or anyone. We figured we’d just stay home, since neither of us has a date, or reason to go.”
Kenny seemed to think for a second. Then he proposed an idea. “You could always go with each other,” he said, like it was nothing.
Kyle and Stan both flushed, but before they could say anything, Kenny spoke again.
“It doesn't really have to be a date. You can just go as friends. And no, Stan, it doesn't look bad that you don’t have a date. Not everyone does.”
“Do you?“ Stan mumbled. Kenny tried to hide his smile.
“Doesn't matter. What I’m saying is, we only have one prom. It would be better for you both to go, without a date, than not go at all.”
No one spoke for about a minute, until Stan finally broke the silence.
“Fine. I’ll go if Kyle goes,” he said, looking at Kyle. Kyle smiled a little. “I expected as much,” he replied. They shared a look between each other, and Kenny figured it was his time to go. He waved, and headed off, glad he had convinced them. At least if they were going, they got to enjoy themselves with the rest of their class, without fully sulking in their feelings. Plus, if things went smoothly, they’d get together by the end of the night.
——
The night of prom came sooner than Kenny had expected. He had managed to get a suit from the kindness of Marj, who had insisted she go with him to get one, while she was getting herself a dress. He swore he would repay her back one day, but she simply smiled and waved him off.
Since his whole family had been out, he decided to get ready at Kyle’s house. Kyle had agreed to drive Kenny and Stan there, and even though Kenny felt like a jerk for not being able to pick up his date, Marj had told him she was going to get a ride with Wendy and Bebe, so he didn't feel too bad.
“Do I look okay?” Kyle asked. He had been messing with his hair for the past 30 minutes. He wasn’t wearing his hat, because it was prom, and he was very particular about it looking good.
“It looks fine Kyle, don’t worry about it,” Kenny replied. But Kyle huffed. “Fine won’t cut it, I need to look good,”
“Why, who are you trying to impress?” Kenny asked, teasing in his voice.
Kyle’s cheeks turned red. “No one! I just- I can’t go out looking bad,” He retorted. Kenny just laughed, and patted him on the back.
“You’re worrying too much. It looks good, relax.” Kyle took a breath. “Alright, fine. We should probably get going anyway, we need to get Stan,” he said.
Kyle drove them to Stan's house 10 minutes later, after lots of pictures from his parents and a good 3 minutes of hyping himself up. When they got there, he told Kenny to wait in the car, and hopped out.
Kenny watched him knock on Stan's door from the backseat. When Stan opened it, they didn’t move, they kind of just seemed to stare at each other for a while. Kenny couldn’t tell what they were saying, if they were saying anything at all, but it sure as hell looked like they were checking eachother out. Kenny laughed. Finally, after what seemed like forever, they came to the car.
Stan got into the front seat, and Kyle started up the car, taking them to the school. The ride there was quiet, but not the comfortable kind, more like the tension-in-this-car-could-be-cut-with-a-knife kind. Kenny sighed to himself; his friends were idiots.
Besides that, Kenny was buzzing with excitement. He couldn’t wait to see Marj in her dress. She wouldn’t let him see it when she bought it, because she wanted it to be a ‘surprise.’ Kenny was sure she would look stunning in it.
When they got to the school, Kenny got out, but Kyle and Stan stayed in the car. Kyle mentioned something about them talking for a second. He hoped for both of their sakes, the talk included a much needed kiss between them.
When he got into the school gym, he was hit with an immediate wave of loud music, bright colourful lights, and lots of people. He had almost forgotten how many people were actually in his graduating class. He wondered how he was ever going to find his date in the sea of people, when he was tapped on the back.
He turned, to see who it was, but the person went behind him. He could hear their laughter, and he turned again, and this time, was met with the most stunning person he’d seen all day.
Marj was in a light pink dress that sparkled in the lights. Her hair was down, and she had a matching bow adorned on her head. Kenny swore the world stopped spinning for a second.
“Kenny! Hey!” She said, loudly, because to be heard over the music was a challenge.
Kenny had to remember to find his breath and reply, instead of just staring at the Marj and her gorgeous outfit.
“Marj, uh, hey,” Kenny managed. Marj laughed. “You look amazing!” She smiled, putting a hand on his shoulder.
“So do you,” he said. He meant every word. Marj gave her dress a twirl, and Kenny swooned. Marj held out her hand.
“Wanna dance with me?” She asked. Kenny beamed. “Of course,” He replied. He took her hand and kissed it, and she giggled sweetly. Then she led him to the dance floor.
Kenny could say with certainty that dancing with Marj was the best thing that happened to him that day. Scratch that, it was the best thing that happened to him all of highschool. Although he wasn’t the best dancer, they had fun together, and that’s all that mattered. The best part was during the slow dancing, where they swayed together before Kenny leaned in and kissed her. It was the sweetest kiss Kenny had ever experienced. Marj’s lips were soft, and she tasted like cherry lip gloss. Kenny loved every second of it.
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Kyle and Stan in the corner. They weren’t dancing so much as kissing, and Kenny grinned at them, as he moved slowly with Marj on the dance floor. Thank goodness those two had figured their feelings out. Prom had been successful after all.