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“Did you just call me sweetheart?”
Stan blinked and turned over to Gary, who looked amused and flustered. They tilted their head like a puppy, “What?”
“You said ‘Don’t worry about it, sweetheart.’” Gary explained, looking Stan in the eye. Stan stared back, blinking a few moments. They processed Gary’s words slowly.
Suddenly, the realization hit them as they started to blush. The words spilled out of their mouth, “W-What? Why would I d-do that! You’re imagining things, dude that’s gay.”
Stan turned away, their eyes squeezed shut tightly as they looked down, trying to hide their blushing face. Their foot tapped nervously on the floor as they balled their hands into a fist.
Kyle popped into the conversation, who happened to be nearby, “Dude, you totally called him sweetheart.”
“NO I DIDN’T!” Stan protested, their face growing even redder. Gary giggled, watching Stan grow more and more flustered
“You did, fag.” Cartman agreed, standing next to Kyle. Stan whined, feeling embarrassed in front of their crush. Cartman and Kyle laughed and whispered something to each other. After a few more snickers they turned back to Stan and Gary.
In unison, they began singing, “Stan and Gary sitting in a tree! K-i-s-s-i-n-g!”
“STOP!” Stan shouted, covering their face, completely embarrassed. Gary, who had never heard of the song before, listened confusedly.
“First comes love! Then comes marriage!” Cartman and Kyle continued. Gary reddened at the teasing, gasping softly at the line.
“Then comes a baby in a baby carriage!” The two finished, snickering. Cartman caught his breath, “Who do you think would be taking it in the ass?”
“Definitely Stan.” Kenny chimed in. Kyle shot him a disturbed look.
“KENNY!” Stan squeaked out, their face as red as possible. They tugged at their red and blue puffball hat, shying their face away from everyone. They raised their hand, “Mr. Garrison, may I please use the bathroom?”
“Whatever.”
With the confirmation, Stan stood up to leave. Before they did, Gary tapped them on the shoulder, “What do they mean?”
Stan, not knowing how to answer, threw up. With that, they turned around and took off towards the gender-neutral bathroom.
***
It had been twenty minutes since school ended, and Gary was happily waiting for Stan. He hadn't seen them after “the incident”, and he was getting a bit worried.
Mr. Garrison had assigned a project, which also included assigned partners. Stan and Gary were lucky enough to get each other, and Stan agreed to come over to Gary’s house after school.
Only for the project, of course. But Gary loved spending time with Stan as well. He thought Stan was cool and really chill. He liked how Stan would always listen to him, always portraying interest in whatever Gary was talking about. He liked the way Stan blushed super easily and stuttered when they were really flustered.
Gary liked a lot of things about Stan.
“Hey! Sorry to keep you waiting.” Stan apologized quickly, sitting next to Gary on a nearby bench. The blonde looked up, snapping out of his thoughts.
He smiled sweetly at his friend, “No worries, Stan! I’m just glad you’re here now.” Gary reassured them, “Should we get going now?”
Stan didn’t answer. Their eyes were glued to the floor, clearly indicating they were nervous about something. Gary cleared his throat, “Is something wrong, Stanley?”
“No, it’s just that, um.” Stan mumbled, holding their breath. They looked up at Gary, softly looking into his eyes, “Do you just want to stay here for a while?”
“What?” Gary questioned, tilting his head. Stan blushed, an anxious, apologetic expression appearing on their face.
“I-If you don’t want to it’s fine, dude.” They cleared up, frantically speaking. They looked away, “It’s just that, it’s nice out and. And I wouldn’t mind spending this time out here with you.”
Gary smiled, his eyes lighting up, “Aww-”
“Not in a gay way.” Stan deadpanned. Gary giggled and nodded his head.
The two sat there. Maybe for an hour or two. They sat there making stupid jokes and having lengthy conversations. The sun shone brightly on the two as the temperature was warm, causing Stan to take off their hat and jacket.
Gary looked down at the kid in his lap. Gary had been sitting upwards as Stan laid down, claiming they were tired. Their head rested in Gary’s lap as Gary ran his fingers through Stan’s fluffy hair. The sun glistened on their features, making their cute nose and pretty eyes more beautiful.
Stan eventually fell asleep in Gary’s lap. The blonde didn’t mind though. He continued to run his fingers through their soft hair, gently massaging Stan’s scalp as they slept.
Soon enough the moon started to rise. Darkness swept over the town, and crickets started to chirp. Moonlight was the only source of light in the quiet mountain town. It was really peaceful at night.
Careful not to wake the black-haired kid, Gary stood up gently and picked up Stan. Gary repositioned them onto his back.
Giving Stan a piggyback ride, Gary started walking towards the kid’s home. The blonde started to warm up as he felt Stan resting on his back. Their faces were next to each over as Stan’s head rested on Gary’s shoulder. The kid quietly slept, mumbling a few words every now and then.
“Mmhm, sweetheart…” Stan mumbled out, half asleep. Gary yawned rubbing his eyes.
“Yes, Stanley?” Gary hummed. Stan cuddled their face into Gary’s shoulder. They were trying to keep themselves warm against the chilly air.
Stan giggled, acting as if they were drunk, “You’re warm…”
“Am I really?” Gary questioned, amused. Stan nodded their head yes, smiling fondly. They stared up looking at the twinkling stars, giggling drunkenly.
“Where are we going?”
“Home.”
“Nooooo!” Stan whined, “I want to stay with youuuuu!”
Gary laughed at Stan’s whining. He inhaled, taking in the clean mountain air. He hated everything about this town, but Stan lived there, and that was the one good thing about it. Gary would follow Stan anywhere they went, as long as they were together.
“I want to stay with you too.” Gary confessed.
Stan didn’t respond.
The two kids stood outside of Stan’s house, way past Stan’s curfew. Stan climbed off of Gary’s back, brushing off their jeans.
They turned around to face the blonde.
“Thanks for walking me home, Gary. Night!” Stan said, waving a small goodbye. They gave him a small peck on the cheek then ran inside of their house.
Gary smiled, cupping the cheek they were kissed on.
He liked being called sweetheart.